Awning Mat or Shadecloth?

Buy the cheapest stuff you can.. Its only to walk on and get dirty!

shadecloth. it hoses, shakes, and some caravan parks won't let you put anything else down.

its tough stuff, no need to double up.

as it can be bulky when folded, don't make it too big.

Mark,

Shadecloth is the go and single thickness is fine, and as per previous advice, some places now won't let you put anything else directly on the ground.

Have a good one.

Anyone know where to get CHEAP shadecloth for a tent cheap in Melbourne??

Hi Mark,

We have both the shadecloth and the awning matting, we use the shadecloth under the tent area and the matting under the awing. We found that the shadecloth wasn't anywhere near as good as the annex matting to walk on. If you setup on ground that isn't grassy, you have things like small stones etc that poke through the shadecloth, however the matting is a little thicker/spongier and gives you some protection. Plus we also found with the shadecloth that after a while when you are putting pegs through it to hold down the camper, the holes start to tear and stretch, however due to the design of the annex matting it doesn't, the hole just remains the same all the time. It is expensive but in my opinion well worth the extra for the added comfort.

As I said, I have both and have used both and now would never go back to shadecloth in the annex area where you walk, I think you will find that anyone that has used both would agree that the annex matting is a far superior product however you are paying more, so you need to be using it a lot to make it worth while, otherwise if your only camping occasionally then make do with the shadecloth, it will do the job.

Plus all caravan parks will also allow it to be put down the same as shadecloth as it is the same design, has the holes to allow the grass underneath to breathe.

Just my opinion,

Kerrie

The proper Cvan Awning matting IS by far the best stuff , but , its $$$$$$.

We use shadecloth under ours and works fine. You can get several different UV ratings on shadecloth , from about 70% to 90%. The 90% works better, but, again , its a little more expensive. I use cheapo nasty 70% from somewhere like Clints Crazy Bargins , those warehouse places. Mine was 3.6m wide for about $3 a metre.

The downside of shadecloth is , if it does get wet , its can be a little slippery , and , if like what happened to us , you get REALLY wet , doesn't stop the mud.

You have 2 alternatives with shadecloth. Either buy your own , complete with normal edges that can roll up , and you need to stake down however you can (cheap though), or buy a ready made one from a camping place , OzTRail make them. About $80 for a floor for the CT, has eyes , hems etc , so they are pretty good.

Shnog Dog,
There is a lake up the freshwater track, just head back inland on the track and you will see the signs-picnic area and all.
Go the shadecloth-does the job and cheap.
Tracker Mick

Hi Mark,
We have used shadecloth for the last few years and had no probs except on rocky ground as the cloth is very thin and gives no protection as stated earllier.

We just bought the better matting 5m x 2.4m from Camec for $160 after using a friends one in sandy conditions it let the sand through much better than our shadecloth. Will still use the shadecloth for the kids tent.

Both are good just comes down to $$$.

Regards
Col

Mark
We have used both under our awning from time to time- as always, pros and cons for both, but at the end of the day the differences aren't that significant. The matting is expensive and as you said, you don't get very wide widths. So we usually have to supplement with a strip of shadecloth down the side of the awning anyway. The matting does feel better to walk or lie on, and it doesn't get stuff like grass seeds and twigs stuck in it as much as shadecloth. Then, shadecloth is cheaper, comes on rolls of wider widths, and seems to work just as well, especially 90% blockout folded double to keep out sand. Plus, you don't feel as reluctant to cut off a bit of shadecloth to make a "stinky" or even a disposable strainer (works great for pasta!). So, from our experience using both, it doesn't make much difference. Although, shadecloth with matting on top is really nice, but you might as well lay floorboards and carpet if going to that extreme.
Cheers
MikeyS

I've used both.

Annexe matting has some bulk to it and will protect your vinyl floor of your CT from small holes.

Under awning I'd use doubled shade cloth.

Ted

PS $50m is far too dear. I've seen it for around $42 at Clark Rubber I think.

What about the interlocking rubber matting?

They come in squares of .6m x.6m. Normally can be bought in a packet of 4 giving 1.2m square cover. Prices are around $20 for a packet of 4 but have seen them down to $15.

We have some and they work well. The downside is that they are a tad bulky to carry.

Never used shadecloth but was fortunate enough to receive matting as a gift. It's great stuff and while not travelling it covers the concrete outside the backdoor and creates a soft landing for our young son.

So where do you find Annex Matting? might price it for a laugh

Hi Mark,
Have used shade cloth for a number of years and found it did the job....and cheaply. Updated to awning matting recently and purchased through Aussie Traveller (Brisbane and Melbourne) where they call it Camping Carpet. Initial quote near $38 per metre but actually got a deal below $30 per metre (I think I got lucky). A little heavier to carry than shade cloth but in my opinion better for the job and would be great for the youngster. But it all comes down to dollars.
Cheers.
Peter W.
"Life is not a Rehearsal"

What about that artifical grass stuff? They had that at the warehouse today $27 a mtr... no good for under tent, but would be good for awning area.

70% Shadecloth is the go mate. (The fawn colour is best on the eyes too).

70% is the cheapest and because the weave is more "open", sand, dirt etc. just falls through as you pick it up. Lighter than the 90% option as well.

If you want to get really carried away, you can belt some eyelets along the edge to enable easy pegging down of the cloth.

I reckon shadecloth is best. We use it double in the high traffic areas (outside the annexe/van door and single elsewhere. You can buy brass rings from Lincraft or Spotlight and put them around the edges to line up with your annexe pegs. Neat job and easy. If the cook can sew as well, just get her to hem it all around the edge;-)