The top 3 recommendations and buying guides

Our recommendations

Aquagart is one of the best-known and most popular manufacturers of sea mats. The brand offers high-quality designs made from all three common materials. Therefore, and due to the positive reviews on Amazon, each of our recommendations is a product of this company. First place goes to the 15 by one meter large and approximately eight millimeters thick Embankment mat made of PP. It can be laid effortlessly and, if desired, easily glued to the pond liner. The durable material makes the Shore mat very durable. In green, it blends in perfectly with the natural surroundings around the pond.

Second place in our comparison is held by the five by one meter large coconut mat. At 15 by 15 millimeters, the meshes are relatively narrow, which results in a high surface weight of 750 grams per square meter. Thanks to these properties, the brown shore mat is particularly stable and tear-resistant. It is not only suitable for flat, but also for steeper banks. The model is extremely popular with Amazon reviewers. the Embankment mat should be weatherproof and function as desired in general.

In principle, the same applies to the jute mat from Aquagart as to the version made from coconut fibers. However, the meshes are a little further apart, which reduces the weight per unit area to 500 grams per square meter. Nevertheless, the ten by 1.20 meter brown-gray shore mat acts 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 of the reviewers on Amazon. Many describe the jute shore mat as "great for the pond". The material should be well made - and the smell, which has been criticized in some cases, seems to evaporate over time.

Purchase criteria

material

coconut: If you want a natural and sustainable solution, a shore mat made of coconut fibers is a good choice. The advantages in terms of the environment and your own conscience are offset by the disadvantage that the fibers will rot over time. A coconut mat lasts three to six years, depending on the quality of workmanship.

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 weight per unit area of ​​a jute mat is generally lower. That is why it is primarily recommended for shallow or slightly sloping bank areas.

fleece: A shore mat made of fleece, more precisely made of polypropylene, is the artificial variant, but it lasts for a very long time. It is UV-resistant and cannot rot. In addition, the special surface properties of the material ensure that the fleece mat can be silted up and seeded effortlessly. Tip: It is possible to glue the mat made of fleece to the pond liner. This increases the stability.

Art

In addition to the classic shore 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

Basically, the thicker it is processed, the more stable a shore mat is. 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 in the case of sea mats made of a natural material, i.e. coconut fibers or jute. It is closely related to the weight per unit area: the tighter the mesh, the higher the weight per unit area 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 to slightly sloping, a lower surface weight is usually sufficient. For a steep bank, on the other hand, you need a bank mat with a higher weight per unit area. The characteristic is influenced by the thickness and the mesh size: the thicker the slope mat and the narrower the mesh - if any -, the higher the weight per unit area.

Dosage form

By the meter: If you want to plant a rather large garden pond, we recommend a shore mat sold by the meter.

Cut to measure: If you know pretty well beforehand how much material you will need, a cut-to-size shore mat is the right solution. Tip: made-to-measure cuts are usually one to two meters wide.

price

An average of around four euros is charged per square meter. There are usually only marginal differences between manufacturers. Nevertheless, it definitely makes sense to compare the prices, because every euro you save can already be invested in other pond construction accessories. Tip: Also take a look at any delivery costs. These vary greatly in some cases.

frequently asked Questions

What is a shore mat for?

A sea mat for that garden pond covers the unsightly one Pond liner and protects them 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 have normal roots in the soil and grow through the mat.

What are plant bags?

Plant bags are shore mats with pockets. They are available 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 water or bank plants in your pockets.

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 bank terrace over the bank wall 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 sea mat correctly?

1. Roll out 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 slipping.
4. Sludge the mat with sand, gravel or lava rock.
5. Sow flowers and / or moss.

What should you watch out for when laying the shore mat?

Be sure to lay the shore mat before you fill the garden pond. It must lie within the suction barrier. Otherwise there 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 sea mat?

Shore mats and plant bags - whether made of coconut fibers, jute or fleece - can be found in all well-stocked hardware stores and garden centers as well as in special shops for pond accessories. Amazon offers you a large selection and an uncomplicated ordering process. There you also benefit from the easy return option.

equipment

Ground anchor

In the first time, until the pond plants have made their way through the sea 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.