A Guide to Choosing the Ideal Caravan Annex Matting

Caravan annexes are the light, air and scenery filled extensions of otherwise drab and claustrophobic caravan interiors, They’re the space you’ll want to spend the most time while out exploring the spectacular beauty of the varied Australian landscape. With an annex that is properly set up, you get a few of the creature comforts of home, away from home. And one item that is the foundation of that comfort is a caravan annex mat.  

But which type of matting, or flooring for caravan annex do you choose for your next caravanning adventure? There are different factors to consider here. Comfort underfoot, a non-slip surface, breathability, and some respect from the grass and ground underneath. You’ll want flooring that is the right size, made of materials that are at the same time cozy and durable, and easy on the wallet. And something that is simple to maintain, and quick to fold up. Finding flooring that ticks all the boxes might be a chore, but this guide will help narrow things down.  

What to Look for in Caravan Annex Flooring 

Sizing 

Getting flooring for caravan annex in the right size is like getting the right size of shoes or clothing. You don’t want anything too big or too small. Flooring that is too long will curl up inside closed annexes, and one that is too small just spoils the overall look while falling short of its intended purpose. Camping gear specialists list matting and flooring either in small, medium, or large. And that roughly corresponds to 3.4, 4.3 and 6.1 metres in length and a standard width for all types at around 2.4 metres. If you have just the awning extended, then you can choose something a bit bigger to maximise usable space. Sizing will directly be dependent on the size of the caravan or motorhome, so measure up to see what suits your needs best.  

Breathability 

Flooring and mats used in annexes and awnings need to be breathable. Most camping sites disallow tarps or shade screens precisely for this reason. They kill the grass underneath. Caravan annex flooring is designed to be breathable so it lets in sunlight while wicking away any water, sand or dirt collected from a day’s swimming, sunbathing or typical outdoor fun. And you won’t be dirtying the caravan when you go inside. In addition, you can still remain outdoors in short bouts of wet weather, without your feet getting drenched.  

Comfortable, Non-Slip Surface 

Breathability means that any water simply drips through and the flooring remains dry. This, along with textured surfaces, ensures that there won’t be any accidental slips that can otherwise ruin a camping trip. Surfaces also need to be comfortable, without absorbing too much heat from the sun, while keeping feet impervious to damp ground below. The best test is to have your kids give it a go before buying,  

Durability and Easy Maintenance 

Mats that won’t budge after being continually battered by campers, furniture and anything else you use outside will be on anyone’s list. Common issues are premature tearing and fraying, along with fading from prolonged exposure in the sun. Look for mats and flooring made with rip-stop materials, reinforced sides and multiple D-rings and pegs to evenly spread out the mat over uneven ground. Costlier options will handle more foot frequency as well as more weight.  

As for maintenance, look for multi-layered synthetic materials that only require a quick hosing down to get all the dirt, grass or sand out. Even the largest flooring mats need only a couple of minutes of cleaning before they’re ready to be packed.  

Materials 

Two options are available when it comes to materials. Foamed PVC flooring is lightweight, comfortable, has a soft, but grippy surface and is easy on the feet. It smoothens out the ground below to offer a plush feel. It won’t fray or tear easily, and stays in place even without pegging. In addition, PVC annex floor matting is breathable so qualifies for all campsites. The best part is that it’s cheap to buy.  

If you camp on a regular basis, you might want to get the most durable material there is. Multi-layered synthetic caravan mats come in a high-density weave, that lets sand, dirt and water make their way down, and stay down. The top layer consists of soft material easy on the skin, but also durable to withstand the sun’s UV rays as well as being resistant to tears or fraying. These mats are somewhat heavier than PVC foam flooring with the largest weighing in at just under 10 kilos which also means they’re stable once set. The weave design makes cleaning and maintenance simple.  

Benefits of Annex Flooring Mats  

Annex mats are comfortable, non-slip, durable and easy to set up. They have a breathable design that keeps cool, while also letting sand and water through. They’re eco-friendly, so there’s no damage to the grass underneath after several days of camping. And they’re built to last. Best of all there are a variety of colours and designs to liven up your camping quarters and at an affordable asking price.