Annexe / Awning Flooring or Matting

What types of annexe flooring / matting are there?  Which material is best for non-slip?
Compare the different types here.

So you pull up your RV and decide to stay awhile or you simply want to set your annex up for extra space or privacy and you want something to cover the concrete slab or cover the ground outside your awning. 

There is a trend away from using a vinyl, polyethylene or  canvas tarpaulin (‘tarp’) as a groundcover for camping as it kills the grass beneath leaving bare dirt after your departure.  This makes the site unattractive for the next camper. Some caravan and camping parks will not permit the use of the plastic tarp under a tent or for use outside your RV.

The other disadvantages of using a poly tarp is that dirt accumulating on the floor does not fall through and requires sweeping.  Any liquids spilt on the tarp will also need to be wiped or sponged up.  When packing up, the tarp is often wet from condensation underneath and the grass and dirt stuck to it requires time spent cleaning.

For those of you with caravans, travel trailers, fifth wheelers, motorhomes and camper trailers, the size of the flooring you require will no doubt need to at least match the area of the size of your awning.

What types of annexe flooring are there?

Shade or mesh sunshade cloth

You can purchase mesh shade cloth, which may vary in density, from any hardware store but you will likely need to sew it to edge the sides and insert grommets or eyelets if you want to peg it down.  At some stores you may be able to purchase shade cloth in precut shapes and sizes.

Just be careful with your selection as some shade cloth can be slippery particularly when wet.  Bunnings Warehouse stores carry shade cloth and a rubber type flooring that has holes or spaces to let dirt and moisture through.

You can fold up the shade cloth or rubber matting into an old large pillowcase which will make a good place to store it. Perhaps have made up a smaller piece, say 2 metres square to put outside your door for short overnight stops when you aren't bothering to set up the annexe. 

Commercial matting products

Enduromat Mate

This is a Polyester coated mesh fiber matting that allows small particles of dirt to fall through and the grass to grow through the fabric. The manufacturer claims the matting is UV protected, eyeleted and edged for securing to the ground.  It is lightweight and strong with a smooth surface to walk on and you simply give it a good shake or hose it down before storing.  Packing up wet is not a problem as it is mildew resistant.

Camec ‘Annex Floor Netting’

This floor netting comes in various colours and sizes to suit different awning lengths and depths.  It is UV protected, lightweight, permits dirt and liquids to fall through. It is edged and comes with eyelets for pegging.  Packs up well.

CGear Multimat     

The CGear Multimate looks like a shadecloth matting but the manufacturer states it is constructed from a multi-weave patented technology.  It is ideal for those sandy campsites as it allows sand and dirt to fall readily through the mat.  Liquid spill will also fall though and it can easily be wiped clean.  The manufacturer states ‘The Multimat can be used as a shade mat (Providing 90%+ UV Protection) and as windbreak break mat for screening’.

The CGear Multimat has reinforced edges with brass eyelets and won’t fray or tear.

E.M.P. Industrial Australasia Pty Ltd

This company supplies caravan and camping mat that is breathable and water permeable.  Their ‘Plus’ and ‘Costa’ matting has holes which would allow the grass to grow and let some dirt through.  The product comes in rolls but may be heat welded for extra width.

The following flooring is also available but may not be suitable due to the space required for stacking them for transporting:-

Safety Tred II Mats These are free draining plastic squares that link together and can come with beveled safety nosing to prevent tripping.  They can also be used for marine decking.

Puzzle Mat Flooring Systems

These mats are made from foam and are tile like pieces that interlock with puzzle-like edges.  They would be best suited for cement slab annex area as they do not have holes for dirt or liquids to pass through.

For more information on any of these products, a Google Search facility is provided below.

 
Custom Search