Plywood Alternatives for Construction: Long-Term Jobsite Ground Protection

Plywood has long been the default choice for temporary ground cover on construction sites, landscaping projects, and outdoor events. It’s easy to find and initially affordable, but many contractors overlook the hidden costs and risks that come with relying on plywood. If you’re searching for plywood alternatives for construction, it’s worth considering ground protection mats as a smarter, more cost-effective option for jobsite ground protection and construction mud control.

The Problem with Plywood

While plywood is familiar and accessible, it comes with a host of drawbacks that can quickly add up:

• Breakage: Plywood often cracks or splits under heavy loads, especially with repeated use.
• Water Damage: It absorbs moisture, leading to swelling, rot, and increased weight.
• Safety Risks: Wet plywood becomes slippery, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Hygiene Issues: Plywood can harbor mold, bacteria, insects, and rodents.
• Inconsistent Strength: There’s no reliable load rating, so performance varies.
• Short Lifespan: Most sheets last only a few jobs before needing replacement.
• Environmental Impact: Used plywood often ends up in landfills, contributing to waste.

These issues mean you’ll spend more time and money on replacements, repairs, and managing safety hazards than you might expect.

Modern ground protection mats are engineered to address all the shortcomings of plywood. Brands like AlturnaMat® and VersaMat® are made from 100% recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE), offering consistent strength and durability for even the most demanding environments.

Some key benefits of ground protection mats include:

• Superior Strength: Support loads up to 120 tons without breaking or cracking.
• Waterproof: Impervious to water, so they won’t rot, swell, or gain weight.
• Slip-Resistant: Aggressive tread patterns provide traction even in wet or muddy conditions.
• Chemically Inert: Prevents cross-contamination on sensitive sites.
• Long-Lasting: Reusable for hundreds of jobs, often lasting over a decade.
• Lightweight: Easy to deploy and reposition by hand.
• Eco-Friendly: Fully recyclable at end of life, reducing landfill waste.

Whether you need to create temporary access roads, work platforms, or walkways, ground protection mats allow you to drive on grass without damage and protect lawns and finished surfaces during construction or events.

A contractor who replaces 12 sheets of plywood four times a year spends $3,600 annually—up to $36,000 over a decade. Ground protection mats, in contrast, offer a full return on investment in just over a year and can provide over 950% ROI within ten years.

Approximate cost of replacing 12 sheets of plywood 4 times per year

• 1 YEAR = $3,600
• 2 YEARS = $7,200
• 5 YEARS = $18,000
• 10 YEARS = $36,000

You should consider switching to ground protection mats if you:

• Frequently replace broken or damaged plywood
• Work in wet, muddy, or sensitive environments
• Need to protect lawns, driveways, or finished surfaces
• Want a safer, more professional, and environmentally responsible solution

Not Just for Big Contractors

Ground protection mats aren’t just for massive construction companies. Landscapers, fence installers, tree care teams, and small contractors use them every day to keep jobsites clean, safe, and damage-free.

Checkers Safety™ AlturnaMATS® Ground Protection Mats help you maintain a professional image, reduce long-term costs, and protect your reputation by preventing property damage.

If you’re ready to move past plywood and invest in a solution that saves time, money, and hassle, explore our full line of ground protection mats] Our team can provide expert advice and fast quotes to help you choose the best option for your needs.