You can cover the pond liner with a bank mat and thus achieve a visually natural garden pond. In addition, such an embankment mat offers reliable protection against erosion. This guide tells you what to look out for when making a purchase.
Shore mats enable the natural design of the shore area
Our recommendations
our recommendation
15m Aquagart bank mat for ponds 1.0m width I pond edge vegetation mat embankment mat & slope protection I PP protection cover for pond liner I weather-resistant pond bank border green I different dimensions
98.56 EUR To the product| material | pp |
|---|---|
| thickness | 8mm |
| mesh size | - |
| basis weight | n/a |
| dosage form | sold by the metre |
| Dimensions (LxW) | 15x1m |
Aquagart is one of the best-known and most popular manufacturers of shore mats. The brand offers high-quality versions made of all three common materials. Therefore, and because of the positive reviews on Amazon, each of our recommendations is a product of this company. First place goes to the PP slope mat, which is 15 by one meter in size and about eight millimeters thick. It is easy to lay and, if desired, easily glued to the pond liner. Due to the durable material, the shore mat is very durable. Kept in green, it blends in perfectly with the natural surroundings around the pond.
our recommendation
High-quality bank mat, embankment mat from Aquagart, 5m coconut fabric, coconut fiber mat, 1m wide, coconut mat for plants, pond edge, plants, root protection, coconut netting, slope protection, vegetation mat
26.78 EUR To the product| material | coconut fibers |
|---|---|
| thickness | n/a |
| mesh size | 15x15mm |
| basis weight | approx. 750 g/m² |
| dosage form | sold by the metre |
| Dimensions (LxW) | 5x1m |
The five by one meter coconut mat took second place in our comparison. The meshes are relatively narrow at 15 by 15 millimeters, resulting in a high basis weight of 750 grams per square meter. Thanks to these properties, the brown bank mat is particularly stable and tear-resistant. It is not only suitable for flat but also for steeper banks. The model is very popular with Amazon reviewers. The embankment mat should be weatherproof and function as desired.
our recommendation
Premium jute bank mat embankment mat from Aquagart I jute fabric jute mat 1.20m wide I jute coarse-meshed pond edge slope protection vegetation mat (jute, 10m)
34.83 EUR To the product| material | jute |
|---|---|
| thickness | n/a |
| mesh size | 20x15mm |
| basis weight | approx. 500 g/m² |
| dosage form | sold by the metre |
| Dimensions (LxW) | 10 x 1.20m |
In principle, the same applies to the jute mat from Aquagart as to the version made from coconut fibres. However, the stitches are a little bit wider apart, which reduces the basis weight to 500 grams per square meter. Nevertheless, the ten by 1.20 meter brown-grey bank mat functions as a robust and reliable solution for decorating and protecting the edge of the pond. The price-performance ratio is convincing. This is also confirmed by most reviewers on Amazon. Many describe the jute shore mat as "great for the pond". The material is said to be well made - and the smell that has been criticized in some cases seems to dissipate over time.
Purchase Criteria
material
coconut: If you want a natural and sustainable solution, a shore mat made of coconut fibers, for example, is a good choice. The advantages in terms of the environment and one's own conscience are offset by the disadvantage that the fibers rot over time. Depending on the processing quality, a coconut mat lasts three to six years.
jute: Jute is the second option if you prefer a natural material for your shore mat. The rotting process is even faster here. In addition, the basis weight of a jute mat is generally lower. It is therefore primarily recommended for flat or at most slightly sloping bank areas.
fleece: A shore mat made of fleece, more precisely made of polypropylene, forms the artificial variant, which, however, lasts for a very long time. It is UV resistant and cannot rot. In addition, the special surface quality of the material ensures that the fleece mat can be easily muddy and sowed. Tip: It is possible to glue the fleece bank mat to the pond liner. This increases stability.
kind
In addition to the classic bank mats, there are also so-called plant bags. In principle, these look like conventional embankment mats, but they also have pockets. The latter offer the beauties that you want to plant at the edge of the pond optimal support.
thickness
The basic rule is: a shore mat is all the more stable the thicker it is processed. In addition, the higher strength usually has a positive effect on the service life. You should take this criterion into account, especially with embankment mats made of coconut or jute.
mesh size
The mesh size only plays a role with bank mats made of a natural material, i.e. coconut fibers or jute. It is closely related to the basis weight: the narrower the mesh, the higher the basis weight with the same mat thickness. Also keep in mind that a larger mesh size can make it more difficult to attach the shore mat.
basis weight
If the edge of the pond is flat or slightly sloping, a rather low basis weight is usually sufficient. For a steep bank, on the other hand, you need a bank mat with a higher surface weight. The feature is influenced by the thickness and the mesh size: The thicker the embankment mat and the narrower the meshes - if any - are, the higher the basis weight.
dosage form
sold by the metre: If you want to plant a rather large garden pond, we recommend a bank mat sold by the metre.
Custom cutting: If you know beforehand pretty much exactly how much material you need, a cut-to-size bank mat is the right solution. Tip: Custom cuts are usually one to two meters wide.
price
An average of around four euros per square meter. There are usually only marginal differences between manufacturers. Nevertheless, it definitely makes sense to compare the prices, because you can already invest every euro saved in other accessories for pond construction. Tip: Also take a look at any delivery costs. These vary greatly in some cases.
youtubefrequently asked Questions
What is a shore mat for?
A bank mat for the garden pond covers the unsightly pond liner and protects it from external influences. Furthermore, an embankment mat prevents soil erosion, so that neither the soil on the pond bank nor the pond plants on the pond edge can slide off. The plants take root normally in the soil and grow through the mat.
What are plant bags?
Plant bags are bank mats with pockets. They come in different sizes. These variants are particularly recommended for steep pond banks. They are easy to lay and use. As a hobby gardener, you simply have to put the aquatic or bank plants in the bags.
What size should the shore mat have?
That depends on the length and width of your pond bank. Determine the characteristic values. Tip: For the width, measure from the shore terrace over the embankment to the end of the suction barrier. If in doubt, choose a wider mat - if necessary, you can cut off a piece yourself afterwards.
How do I lay a bank mat correctly?
1. Unroll the shore mat.
2. Cut off any excess with scissors or a carpet knife.
3. Fasten the shore mat, for example with heavy stones or ground anchors, to prevent it from slipping.
4. Cover the mat with sand, gravel or lava rock.
5. Sow flowers and/or moss.
What should be considered when laying the bank mat?
Be sure to lay the bank mat before you fill the garden pond. It must lie within the wicking barrier. Otherwise, the result is constant water loss through the sand or gravel. Tip: If you prefer a fleece mat, you can conveniently glue it to the pond liner.
Where is the best place to buy a shore mat?
Bank mats and plant bags - whether made of coconut fibre, jute or fleece - can be found in all well-stocked hardware stores and garden centers and of course in special shops for pond accessories. Amazon offers you a large selection and an uncomplicated ordering process. There you also benefit from the simple return option.
equipment
ground anchor
In the initial period, until the pond plants have made their way through the bank mat and thereby stabilize it, you should use ground anchors to fix it. These are inexpensive and extremely easy to use. Insert the anchors into the ground through the material of the mat.
our recommendation