16mm vs. 22mm Rubber Grass Mats: Complete Thickness Guide
This guide outlines the primary differences between the 16mm and 22mm rubber grass mats to help you determine which thickness is appropriate for your specific application.
Quick Comparison Table
The main differentiators between the two products are their weight and impact protection (Critical Fall Height).
| Feature | 16mm Grass Mat | 22mm Grass Mat |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1.0m x 1.5m | 1.0m x 1.5m |
| Thickness | 16mm | 22mm |
| Weight per Mat | 10kg | 12.5kg |
| Critical Fall Height (CFH) | 2.68m | > 3.0m |
| HIC Value @ 3.0m Drop | N/A | 550 |
| Pallet Quantity | 100 mats | 80 mats |
16mm Grass Mats: Best for Light Use
The 16mm variant is a lightweight, cost-effective solution designed primarily for areas where ground protection is more critical than high-impact safety.
Primary Applications:
- • Domestic Garden Paths & Walkways: Ideal for residential areas with light pedestrian traffic. Perfect for creating attractive, functional pathways that blend seamlessly with your garden.
- • Ground Protection: Effectively prevents ground churn and reduces mud while preserving the grass root structure. Excellent for protecting lawns from foot traffic.
- • Pet & Animal Use: Frequently used for dog runs, rabbit hutches, or chicken enclosures to keep animals off muddy ground. The lighter weight makes it easier to install in smaller spaces.
- • Indoor Use: Can serve as an anti-slip surface behind bars, in cellars, or in shops. The thinner profile makes it suitable for indoor applications where space is a consideration.
Safety Limitation:
While it provides some cushioning, its lower Critical Fall Height of 2.68m makes it less suitable for high-level playground equipment. For play areas with equipment exceeding this height, the 22mm variant is recommended.
22mm Grass Mats: The Standard for Safety
The 22mm mat is approximately 40% thicker and significantly more durable, making it the recommended standard for most public and high-traffic environments.
Primary Applications:
- • School Playgrounds & Public Play Areas: Specifically engineered for environments where children's safety is paramount. Certified to meet rigorous safety standards.
- • Commercial Parks: Ideal for public spaces that experience high footfall and require robust, long-lasting surfaces.
- • Maximum Impact Protection: Certified to a Critical Fall Height (CFH) in excess of 3.0m, providing critical protection for climbing frames, swings, and slides. The HIC (Head Injury Criterion) value of 550 at 3.0m drop ensures superior safety performance.
- • Heavy Traffic Durability: Better suited for heavy footfall and high-use areas such as golf course paths, commercial events, and stables. The additional thickness provides enhanced durability and longevity.
- • Slip Resistance: Extensively tested to provide high traction in both wet (60 PTV) and dry (392 PTV) conditions, ensuring safety in all weather conditions.
- • Fire Safety: Meets requirements for the Hot Nut Test (EN 4790: 1987) for ease of ignition, adding a layer of security in public spaces where fire safety regulations must be met.
Which One Should You Choose?
Use this decision guide to select the right thickness for your project:
Choose 16mm if:
- You are installing a domestic path or walkway with low traffic
- You need a lightweight solution for pet or small animal enclosures
- The area has no play equipment or equipment with a fall height under 2.6m
- Budget is a primary consideration and you need a cost-effective solution
- You're working in an indoor environment where thinner profile is preferred
Choose 22mm if:
- You are surfacing a school or public playground
- The area will experience high pedestrian traffic or occasional light vehicle use
- The site requires compliance with BS EN 1177 safety standards for fall protection
- You want a longer-lasting, more heavy-duty surface for commercial environments like bars or stables
- Play equipment exceeds 2.68m in height and requires maximum impact protection
- Fire safety certification is required for your application
Important Note on Natural Materials
For both thicknesses: If installed with natural grass or sand, the actual Critical Fall Height can only be conclusively determined via an on-site test once the installation is mature and fully established. The natural materials can enhance the impact absorption properties, but professional testing is recommended to verify compliance with safety standards.
Making Your Decision
When choosing between 16mm and 22mm rubber grass mats, consider these key factors:
- • Safety Requirements: If your project involves playground equipment or requires compliance with safety standards, 22mm is the clear choice.
- • Traffic Volume: High-traffic areas benefit from the increased durability of 22mm mats.
- • Budget: 16mm mats offer a more cost-effective solution for light-use applications.
- • Weight Considerations: If ease of handling is important, 16mm mats are lighter and easier to install.
- • Longevity: For commercial or high-use applications, the additional investment in 22mm mats often pays off through extended lifespan.
Both thicknesses offer excellent ground protection and allow grass to grow through, creating a natural appearance. Your choice should be based on the specific safety, durability, and budget requirements of your project.
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