Erosion control matting holds soil in place while vegetation takes root. It sounds simple, but picking the wrong mat for your site conditions is one of the fastest ways to waste a project budget.
Whether you are stabilising a road batter, revegetating a creek bank, or protecting a new subdivision from the next big storm, the type of erosion control matting you choose determines how long it lasts and how well it performs. This guide covers the main types available in Australia, where each one works best, and how to avoid the common mistakes.
All Stake Supply stocks a full range of erosion control matting at their St Marys NSW warehouse, with delivery anywhere in Australia.
Erosion control matting is a rolled material that you peg over exposed soil to reduce the impact of rain, wind, and surface water runoff. It protects the soil surface while seeds germinate and roots establish underneath.
Without it, bare soil on slopes loses topsoil within the first few heavy rainfall events. That washed-away topsoil clogs drains, silts up waterways, and leaves you with subsoil that barely supports plant growth.
The NSW Government erosion control guidelines list matting as a primary method for slope stabilisation during and after construction.
Every erosion control matting product falls into one of two broad categories: biodegradable or synthetic. The right choice depends on how long you need protection, the slope gradient, and the expected water flow.
Made from coconut fibre, coir matting is the workhorse of erosion control in Australia. It lasts 3 to 5 years before fully breaking down, which gives vegetation plenty of time to establish even on difficult sites.
Coir handles steep slopes well. The heavier 700gsm and 900gsm grades suit batters up to 1:1, while the lighter 400gsm grade works on gentler slopes where rain impact is the main concern.
Jute matting biodegrades faster than coir, typically within 12 to 24 months. That shorter lifespan makes it the economical choice for sites where vegetation establishes quickly, like well-watered garden beds, flat council revegetation projects, or areas with good topsoil.
The 750gsm thick jute matting handles more demanding sites, including sand dunes and moderate slopes. Standard 620gsm jute suits flat to gently sloping ground.
Jute soil saver mesh has an open weave pattern rather than a solid mat structure. It works best over areas that already have some vegetation cover, holding soil while allowing light and water through to existing plants.
When you need permanent protection that never biodegrades, TR4 turf reinforcement mesh fills the gap. Synthetic turf reinforcement mats lock into the root zone and provide ongoing structural support for turf on high-flow channels, steep embankments, and spillways.
This table summarises the key differences between the four main matting types. Use it to narrow down which product suits your site.
| Matting Type | Material | Lifespan | Best Slope | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coir matting | Coconut fibre | 3-5 years | Up to 1:1 | Steep slopes, long-term revegetation |
| Jute matting | Natural jute fibre | 12-24 months | Up to 2:1 | Flat to moderate slopes, fast-establishing sites |
| Jute mesh | Woven jute | 12-18 months | Gentle slopes | Areas with existing vegetation |
| Turf reinforcement mesh | Synthetic polymer | Permanent | Up to 1:1 | High-flow channels, permanent protection |
Start with the site conditions, not the product catalogue. Three things determine which matting you need: the slope angle, expected water flow, and how long protection is required.
Not sure which product suits your project? Contact the All Stake Supply team for advice on the right erosion control matting for your site conditions.
Poor installation is the number one reason erosion control matting fails. The mat itself might be perfect for the job, but if water gets underneath it or wind lifts the edges, you are back to square one.
Slitted jute and coir matting products, like the slitted jute matting roll, come with pre-cut slits that let you plant tube stock directly through the mat without cutting holes yourself. That saves time on revegetation projects where you are planting hundreds of seedlings.
After 48 years supplying erosion control products across Australia, All Stake Supply has seen every installation mistake in the book. Here are the ones that come up most often.
Biodegradable matting (coir, jute, straw) breaks down and adds organic matter to the soil. That is an advantage on revegetation projects because it feeds the very plants you are trying to establish.
Synthetic matting does not break down. It stays in the soil permanently and provides long-term structural reinforcement. That makes it the right pick for high-flow stormwater channels, dam spillways, and any site where vegetation alone will not hold the ground.
All Stake Supply has supplied erosion control products since 1976. With over 1,000 products in stock at their St Marys NSW warehouse, they deliver complete orders anywhere in Australia.
One order, full delivery. No partial shipments holding up your job. That matters when you have a batter exposed to the weather and need matting on site before the next forecast rain.
Coir matting range:
Jute matting and mesh range:
Browse the full erosion control range at All Stake Supply or contact the team for trade pricing and bulk orders.
