Summary: Renting access or temporary road mats works best for short-term projects under 6 months with per-day rates and flexible timelines. Leasing offers lower per-mat costs for 6–18-month commitments with a flat rate that includes freight both ways. 

Choosing between renting and leasing construction mats can save your project thousands of dollars or cost you if you pick the wrong option. Whether you’re managing a pipeline installation, power Transmission and Distribution (T&D) project, or construction site across unstable terrain, understanding the financial and logistical differences between rental and leasing is critical to your bottom line. 

Select Mat offers both mat rental and leasing solutions designed to give you safe, stable, and maneuverable work environments without the full capital investment of purchasing. This guide breaks down exactly when to rent, when to lease, and how to make the decision that protects your budget and timeline. 

Construction mats, also called access mats, mud mats or swamp mats, provide stable and safe temporary roads or ground protection for vehicles and equipment on construction sites with uneven terrain such as muddy, sandy, or swampy land. 

What Are Construction Mats? 

These heavy-duty mats are essential for any type of construction projects that occur in unstable areas. They allow your team to navigate safely around job sites while preserving the ecosystem in the surrounding area. 

Types of Construction Matting Materials 

Construction mats typically fall into two categories: 

1. Wood Mats: 

• Crane mats (hardwood) 

• Timber mats (hardwood) 

• Laminated mats (hardwood) 

• CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber) mats (softwood pine) 

2. Heavy Duty Composite Mats: 

• Typically, 4” thick and made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) 

Construction Mat Rental vs Leasing: Key Differences 

The Pros and Cons of Renting Temporary Construction Mats 

Advantages of Renting 

Budget-Friendly for Short Projects 
Renting provides a low-barrier entry point compared to purchasing mats outright. You pay only for the time you need the equipment on-site. 

No Storage Concerns 
Once your project wraps up, simply return the mats. You don’t need to worry about massive yard space, or long-term maintenance. 

Access to Multiple Mat Types 
Rental programs give you flexibility to try different mat configurations—composite, laminated, CLT, timber, or crane mats—without committing to ownership. 

Disadvantages of Renting 

Replacement Costs for Damaged Mats 
If mats are permanently damaged during use (especially common with steel tracked equipment), you may face full replacement costs. This can significantly impact your project budget. 

Higher Long-Term Costs 
For extended projects or companies with continuous matting needs, rental fees add up quickly. Multiple projects throughout the year can make renting more expensive than owning your own inventory. 

Per-Day Rates Add Up 
Daily rental rates seem affordable at first, but weather delays, permit issues, or project extensions can turn a 2-month rental into a 5-month expense. 

Lease Mats for Additional Savings 

Leasing as a strategic alternative to standard rental, is designed specifically for projects with medium or long-term timelines and predictable durations (typically 6 to 18 months). 

How Construction Mat Leasing Works 

With construction mat leasing, you pay a lower fee per mat in exchange for an upfront time commitment. The flat leasing rate provided predictable budgeting because it includes: 

✅ The entirety of the rental period: A fixed, upfront commitment period (e.g. 12 months). 
✅ Freight costs both ways: Delivery and pickup charges are bundled into the flat rate, eliminating surprise charges. 
✅ Predictable budgeting: One rate covers the term with no accumulating daily fees. 

Payment Options: You typically have flexibility, whether paying the full lease amount upfront or adhering to NET 30 terms (payment within 30 days of mat delivery). 

The Pros and Cons of Leasing Temporary Construction Mats 

Advantages of Leasing 

Lower Cost Per Mat 
Because you commit to a longer term (6-18 months), the equivalent daily or monthly cost can be significantly lower than a standard rental rate. 

Fixed, Predictable Budgeting 
The flat-rate structure, which includes freight, allows you to lock in the total matting expense for the entire project duration, offering cost certainty and easier accounting. 

Freight Costs Included 
If your project runs slightly long, the lower per-day accrual rate is much less financially punitive than extending a high-rate daily rental contract. 

Disadvantages of Leasing 

Fixed Time Commitment 
Leasing offers less flexibility than renting. If you complete the project ahead of schedule (e.g., 8 months into a 12-month lease), you are generally still responsible for the full term’s payment. 

Higher Upfront Commitment 
The initial financial outlay is typically higher than a low-barrier daily rental, requiring more capital commitment early in the project. 

Risk of Unused Inventory 
If project scope changes and you require fewer mats, you may be stuck paying for mats you no longer need due to the fixed-term commitment. 

Potential for Damage Liability 
While some liability terms are negotiable, full replacement costs for severely damaged mats (especially with abrasive tracked equipment) can still apply, adding an unexpected cost to your fixed budget. 

Decision Framework: Should You Rent or Lease? 

Choose Renting If: 

✓ Your project duration is under 6 months 
✓ You have uncertain timeline extensions (weather-dependent work) 
✓ You need flexibility to return mats early 
✓ You’re testing different mat types before committing 
✓ You have one-time or occasional matting needs 

Choose Leasing If: 

✓ Your project timeline is 6-18 months 
✓ You have a fixed project schedule with clear start/end dates 
✓ You want predictable budgeting (no surprise freight charges) 
✓ You need lower per-mat costs than daily rental 
✓ You value simplified billing (one flat rate vs. daily invoicing) 

Hidden Costs to Consider 

When comparing rental and leasing options, factor in these often-overlooked expenses: 

Damage and Replacement 
Steel tracked equipment, especially with grouser bars, can cause permanent damage to mats. Understand your liability limits before signing rental agreements. 

Weather Delays 
If your project extends due to weather, rental costs continue accumulating. Leasing provides more cost certainty. 

Transportation Timing 
Rush delivery fees for rentals can add 15-30% to costs. Leasing is typically planned, which includes standard delivery at the flat rate. 

Cleaning and Maintenance 
Some rental agreements require mats to be returned in “broom-clean” condition, potentially requiring pressure washing services. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How much does it cost to rent road mats? 

Rental costs vary based on mat type, quantity, time of year and project duration. Daily rates are common, with volume discounts available for larger projects. A good full-service mat provider can provide you with a tailored quote to fit your project and budgetary needs.  

What’s the main difference between renting and leasing construction mats? 

Renting charges per day or month with separate freight costs, ideal for short-term projects. Leasing requires an upfront time commitment but offers lower per-mat costs with freight included in one flat rate. 

Can I rent mats for just one or two weeks? 

Yes, Select Mat offers flexible rental periods. Short-term rentals are available, though per-day costs may be higher than longer rental commitments. 

What happens if a rental mat gets damaged on my job site? 

Damage liability depends on your rental agreement terms. Minor wear and tear is acceptable, but significant damage from tracked equipment or improper use may result in replacement costs. Discuss damage policies upfront with your provider. 

Do mat leases include delivery and pickup? 

Yes, Select Mat’s leasing rates include freight costs both ways—delivery to your site and pickup after project completion. This simplifies budgeting and eliminates surprising transportation fees with ever changing fuel and trucking costs. 

Which mat types are available for rent vs. lease? 

Composite, laminated, CLT, and timber mats are available for rent. Laminated and CLT mats are also available for lease. Crane mats are typically purchase-only due to their specialized nature and high value. However, any project can be tailored to meet the needs of the project.  

Can I switch from rental to purchase during my project? 

Yes, many providers including Select Mat can discuss transitioning rental equipment to purchase. Contact us to explore options for applying rental payments toward ownership. 

Are there discounts for long-term rentals or large quantities? 

Volume discounts and extended-term pricing are often available. Request a custom quote for best rates. 

How quickly can mats be delivered for rental or lease? 

Delivery times vary based on location and product availability, but Select Mat prioritizes quick turnaround times. Our nationwide inventory network enables fast deployment to most Continental U.S. locations. We can typically deploy mats and crews within 24 to 48 hours of a call.  

Do you offer rental services to other matting companies? 

Yes, Select Mat offers leasing arrangements to fellow matting companies and construction equipment providers. If you’re looking to temporarily expand your inventory, contact us for wholesale leasing terms. 

Get Started Without Further Delays 

Ready to secure the right matting solution for your project? Select Mat offers swift installation, transportation, and removal, as well as pipeline and T&D solution equipment. 

Whether you choose to rent, lease, or purchase, we’re committed to helping you create safe, stable work environments that keep your projects on schedule and on budget. 

Get a Quick Quote Today or call us to discuss your specific project requirements.