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How to Make a Temporary Walkway or Sidewalk Over Mud or Grass

By Paige Cerulli

Created: May, 2018 - Modified: Nov, 2024

Temporary sidewalks are a type of portable outdoor flooring that comes in a variety of materials, shapes, and sizes. Durable plastic is a popular choice for temporary walkways. However, they can also be made from rubber, wood, vinyl, and other materials. The key to a temporary sidewalk is that it can be put in place and taken out quickly. No machines or glue are needed.

Temporary walking paths come in handy in a variety of situations. They are helpful for homes and gardens, outdoor events, trade shows, and more. Most outdoor event planners set up portable path mats to accommodate temporary foot or even vehicle traffic.

Benefits of Using Temporary Sidewalk

Ground Protection


Ultimately, a temporary walkway will protect both users and the ground underfoot. A nonpermanent walkway protects the grass and ground underneath from getting ripped up. This is particularly important during festivals and significant events with heavy foot traffic.

Even more damaging than foot traffic is vehicles and tires. Driving cars or machinery over grass or soft ground can cause costly and unsightly damage. Luckily, portable pathways can also be set up for vehicles to access any area without leaving a trace.

DIY Temporary and Portable Outdoor large Sidewalk Mats

Increased Accessibility and Movability


Setting up temporary walkways can allow people to access areas that would otherwise be unreachable on foot. Whether it's sand, mud, or rough terrain, a portable walkway is an obvious solution to accessibility problems. A temporary sidewalk can also come in handy in times when a vehicle is stuck and needs some traction underneath to get moving again.

interlocking tiles for temporary walkways infographic

Safety


Further, temporary sidewalks are useful in increasing safety. When the ground is uneven, holey, or covered in rocks or cables, short-term sidewalks will make everyone safer. Providing even and sturdy ground for people to walk on will prevent accidents from occurring. Plus, a temporary walkway typically has more traction than grass, concrete, or other materials, so slips and falls are less likely to occur.

Stress-free and Smart Investment


Portable walkway paths can be used time and time again, which makes them an excellent investment for both individuals and businesses. A high-quality temporary walkway is better than plywood and other low-quality materials. It will not splinter, break, or warp over time.

At Greatmats, all transportable path mats are made to last for many years. They can handle heavy weight, intense use, and extreme weather. Overall, this method of ground protection makes users feel more at ease and stress-free than any other method.

How to Make a Temporary Outdoor Walkway or Sidewalk

Products to Use to Make a Temporary Walkway or Sidewalk

At Greatmats, we carry several products that are ideal for creating a temporary sidewalk or portable sidewalk. If you’re looking for walkway path ideas, these products are affordable, DIY friendly, and suitable for high-traffic areas.

VersaMats Diamond Foot


temporary walkway
The Versamats Diamond Foot is a heavy-duty mat that can sustain significant foot traffic. This outdoor mat is crafted from polyethylene and features reversible tread options. You can use it to build a temporary roadway or plastic walkway in minutes, providing ground cover for mud. This supremely strong mat can support up to 120-ton loads, helping to prevent yard damage and letting vehicles and people pass over grass without harming the turf.

These mats have a flexible construction that lets them follow ground contours, so they can be installed on sloping or undulating ground. The slip-resistant Versa tread on one side is ideal for creating a temporary walkway or path for pedestrians, while the diamond plate texture on the other side is ideal for vehicle traffic.



Matrax Light Duty Pedestrian Composite Mat


portable sidewalk
The Matrax Light Duty Pedestrian Composite Mat is a portable event flooring product that is ideal for creating a temporary walkway. Suitable for exterior use, the mat features a diamond top texture to maximize traction. Water drainage holes help prevent standing water, and the durable polyethylene plastic is even strong enough to withstand the use of light vehicles.

You can use these mats to create flooring for temporary events, like a wedding reception at your home. The mats are easy to install and feature a cam lock system that keeps them securely connected until you’re ready to disassemble the floor. The mats are also ADA-compliant, ideal for public events.



Gmats Ground Protection Mat


temporary walkway path ideas
The Gmats Ground Protection Mat is an extremely strong mat that can support loads up to 60 tons. Suitable for installation over mud, the mats can create temporary walkways and roadways. They provide excellent traction over soft ground or a muddy yard, and can even be used in direct sunlight, thanks to their UV protection.

These water-resistant mats are lightweight, so they’re easy to move. They can support vehicles like skid steers, tractors, and excavators, preventing damaged grass and ruts in your yard.



Portable Outdoor Tent Tile


diy walkway
If you’re looking for ideas on how to build a temporary dance floor, the Portable Outdoor Tent Tile is a great choice. You can use this tile over non-traditional surfaces, including grass, and slightly uneven ground, like dirt. Crafted from a firm and durable plastic, the tiles feature drainage perforations and a slip-resistant surface texture for safety.

Since the tiles clip together quickly and easily, you can install them over a large space, like when creating outdoor tent flooring. You can also use them to create a temporary walkway or wheelchair path or to build a dance floor under your tent.



StayLock Tile Perforated Colors


affordable DIY walkway path
The StayLock Tile Perforated Colors are designed for outdoor use and are crafted from waterproof PVC plastic. The tiles feature a non-slip design as well as a 20-inch ASTM fall height rating for safety. They can be used to create temporary walkways, and they remain slip-resistant in damp conditions.

The tiles feature an interlocking system that doesn’t need glue, making for an easy installation and allowing you to remove them again as needed. They’re highly durable and available in multiple colors.

How to Make a Temporary Walkway or Sidewalk

At this point, a removable sidewalk is probably starting to sound pretty great. So how do you make one?

At Greatmats.com, it is extremely easy. Their traveling path mats come in handy kits that make installing a temporary walkway a breeze. All you need to do to set up your mobile walkway is just follow a few easy steps.

Step One - Choosing Your Temporary Walkway


First, you need to hone in on what your removable walkway will be used for. Will it be used for heavy foot traffic? Vehicles? Is it simply for aesthetics? Are you on a tight budget? Would you like your sidewalk to turn a corner?

Once you have an idea of what you want, you can start browsing all of Greatmats' incredible products. Exploring different products should help create an even clearer idea of what you would like.

If you are struggling to find exactly what you are looking for, get in touch with a Greatmats Flooring Expert. The friendly person on the other end of the line will not give up until you find something you are completely satisfied with. You can even order samples to get a complete idea of your purchase.

Step Two - Shipping Process


Shipping methods vary by product, but Greatmats will ensure your temporary sidewalk arrives quickly and affordably. If any problems arise, Greatmats will help to resolve the issue right away.

Step Three - Lay Out and Installation


Once you receive your product, you can lay it out exactly where you want it to go. After everything has been laid out, you can start piecing your temporary sidewalk together. Different products connect in various ways, so make sure you read the specific product description to have a clear sense of how to install it.

That being said, Greatmats prides itself on selling portable solutions that are easy to assemble and take apart. With a Greatmats temporary walkway, the installation will be a simple do-it-yourself or do-it-with-a-pal project.

And voila! There, you have your exclusive temporary sidewalk. Be sure to read up on the maintenance and storage of your product at Greatmats.com. Rest easy knowing your new non-permanent sidewalk will be easy to take care of and will last you for years and years to come.