Coconut matting is one of the most effective biodegradable erosion control products available for Australian conditions.
Made from natural coir fibre extracted from coconut husks, coconut matting protects exposed soil from rain impact and surface runoff while giving vegetation time to establish. It works on slopes, along waterways, across disturbed ground, and in revegetation projects where synthetic products are not suitable or not permitted.
This guide covers the different coconut matting weights, where each one performs best, how to install it properly, and how it compares to jute matting. Whether you are specifying for a civil project or stabilising a backyard slope, the information below will help you pick the right product.
All Stake Supply stocks 400gsm, 700gsm, and 900gsm coir matting rolls in 2m x 25m rolls, with delivery anywhere in Australia. Browse the full erosion control range or contact the team for trade pricing.
Coconut matting (also called coir matting or coir blanket) is an open-weave fabric made from 100% natural coconut husk fibre. The fibres are spun into yarn and woven into rolls at different densities, measured in grams per square metre (GSM). Heavier GSM ratings mean a tighter weave and longer lifespan.
Once pegged to the ground, the matting absorbs the energy of falling rain, slows surface water flow, and holds soil particles in place. Seeds germinate through the open weave, and roots grow into the coir fibres themselves. Over two to six years the matting breaks down completely, leaving nothing behind except established vegetation.
Unlike plastic erosion blankets, coconut matting does not need to be removed after the vegetation is established. It simply decomposes and adds organic matter back into the soil profile. The Australian Department of the Environment references biodegradable erosion control as a preferred method for sensitive sites.
The GSM weight you need depends on the slope gradient, expected water flow velocity, and how long you need the matting to last before vegetation takes over. Getting this right is the single most important decision on any erosion control project using coir matting.
Go too light and the mat will break down before the grass is established. Go too heavy on a gentle slope and you are spending money you did not need to.
| GSM Weight | Slope Gradient | Typical Lifespan | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 400gsm | Up to 1:3 (gentle) | 2 to 3 years | Flat revegetation areas, garden beds, light landscaping |
| 700gsm | Up to 1:1.5 (moderate) | 3 to 4 years | Road batters, embankments, drainage swales |
| 900gsm | 1:1 or steeper | 4 to 6 years | Steep cuttings, waterway banks, high-flow channels |
For most council and civil projects in NSW, 700gsm is the workhorse specification. It balances cost, durability, and vegetation establishment time well. The 700gsm coir matting roll at All Stake Supply covers 50 square metres per roll, which makes quantity calculations straightforward.
If you are working on steep batters above 1:1 or in areas with concentrated water flow, step up to the 900gsm option. The heavier weave handles flow velocities that would wash a lighter mat off the slope entirely.
Coconut matting suits a wide range of erosion control situations. The common thread is exposed soil that needs protection while vegetation gets going. Here are the applications where coir matting outperforms other options.
Road batters, dam walls, and cut-and-fill embankments are the bread and butter of coconut matting. Pegged across the slope face, the mat prevents sheet erosion and rill formation during the critical first growing season. On steeper gradients, overlap rolls from top to bottom so water flows over the joins rather than under them.
Swales, open drains, and creek banks benefit from heavier coir matting (700gsm or 900gsm) because the matting needs to resist the shear force of flowing water. Coconut fibre is naturally resistant to rot in wet conditions, which gives it a significant advantage over jute in permanently wet environments.
When native seed is broadcast over disturbed ground, coconut matting protects the seed from being washed away or eaten by birds. The mat holds moisture against the soil surface, creating a microclimate that improves germination rates.
For revegetation projects, combine coir matting with coir logs along contour lines to slow water and trap sediment. The CSIRO land and water research program has documented the effectiveness of coir products in Australian soil conservation.
One application where coconut matting does not work well is under heavy vehicle traffic. If you need to protect turf from vehicle loads, look at a grass paver or reinforcement grid instead.
Proper installation is what separates a matting job that lasts from one that fails in the first decent rain. The process is straightforward, but skipping any step will compromise performance. Here is the method that works for most slope and swale applications.
On slopes steeper than 1:1, consider running a second row of pegs down the centre of each roll. Wind and heavy rain can lift unsecured matting, and once water gets underneath, the mat loses contact with the soil and stops working.
Both coconut and jute matting are biodegradable and do the same basic job, but they suit different situations. The main differences come down to durability, cost, and how long you need the protection to last. All Stake Supply carries both, so choosing the right one comes down to your site conditions.
| Factor | Coconut (Coir) Matting | Jute Matting |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Coconut husk fibre | Bast fibre from jute plant |
| Lifespan | 2 to 6 years depending on GSM | 1 to 2 years |
| Wet conditions | Rot-resistant, suits permanent waterways | Breaks down faster in wet environments |
| Saltwater tolerance | High, suitable for coastal work | Low, degrades in salt exposure |
| Weight/handling | Heavier rolls, harder to carry on steep terrain | Lighter, easier to handle on site |
| Cost per m2 | Higher upfront | Lower upfront |
Use jute matting when you need a short-term solution on gentle slopes where vegetation will establish within 12 months. Use coconut matting when you need longer protection, when the site is wet or coastal, or when the slope is steeper than 1:2.
For a deeper comparison, read the All Stake article on the differences between jute matting and coir matting.
Most failures with coir matting come down to installation shortcuts rather than product problems. After 48 years supplying erosion control materials, All Stake Supply sees the same mistakes repeated on job sites across Australia.
Getting these basics right costs nothing extra and makes the difference between a job that establishes vegetation in one season and one that needs to be redone. The NSW Landcom erosion and sediment control guidelines reinforce these installation fundamentals for all biodegradable matting products.
All Stake Supply stocks coir matting rolls at their St Marys warehouse in western Sydney and delivers anywhere in Australia. Each roll covers 50 square metres (2m wide x 25m long), so calculating quantities is simple: measure the area in square metres and divide by 50.
For larger projects, pair your matting order with steel fastening pins and coir logs for a complete erosion control solution. All Stake Supply guarantees complete delivery on every order, so your site is never left waiting on a partial shipment.
Browse the full product range or contact the team for trade pricing and bulk orders.
