How to Make a DIY Outdoor Crafting Mat
Many people have got back to basics with DIY tasks and crafting activities to keep themselves and their children entertained. If you're keen to join in but want to minimise the mess generated indoors, an outdoor crafting mat is a great option.
Choosing the foam: thickness and grade
First, consider the type of mat you want. For paper-based activities that rely on gluing or precise, neat painting, a thinner mat is worth considering – it can still use foam for comfort without compromising the stability of the working surface. These suit a mat around an inch thick in a very high-density polyurethane foam that retains its shape under pressure. For children's mats and less intensive crafts that don't demand precision, a slightly thicker foam of 2 to 3 inches gives optimum comfort and safety.
Always choose by your intended activity rather than what feels most comfortable to sit on. More rigid, supportive options include severe and high-density foams, while for children's activities Reflex superior foams and memory foams suit best, given their softer nature for mats placed on patio paving. For water-based or liquid crafts, or a mat permanently kept outside, improve water resistance with a foam such as Plastazote closed-cell foam. You can compare grades in our guide to foam types.
Choosing the cover material
For the cover, an outdoor mat suits a PVC fabric similar to that used on baby changing mats and tablecloths. If it will sit on dry grass, or you have an alternative material in mind purely for looks, a tougher material such as heavy-weight cotton is an option.
Choosing the size
Next, decide on the size. You might want a simple flat sheet mat for a smaller space such as a patio, or a larger patchwork-style mat for bigger spaces, joined with Velcro strips. For a single block mat we'd recommend 1m by 1m, or for children perhaps 2m by 2m or 3m by 3m, depending on whether it doubles as an outdoor play mat. For a Velcro mat made of individual squares, 0.5m by 0.5m foam squares work well, multiplied by however many you need.
How to make the mat
After ordering your foam cut to size, prepare your material by adding one inch to the measurements recorded for your foam inserts, then attach a small zip to one side. If you've opted for Velcro mats, either use a zip to enclose each foam insert or stitch them in fully before attaching the Velcro – but only if you're certain you won't need to remove the cover.
For more guidance on creating a DIY outdoor mat, please contact us.
Frequently asked questions
What foam should I use for an outdoor craft mat?
For precise, paper-based or painting activities, use a thin (around 1 inch) very high-density polyurethane foam that holds its shape under pressure. For children or less precise crafts, a slightly thicker foam of 2 to 3 inches, such as reflex or memory foam, gives more comfort and safety.
What cover material is best for an outdoor mat?
A PVC fabric similar to baby changing mats and tablecloths suits an outdoor mat well. If it will sit on dry grass or you prefer a particular look, a tougher material such as heavy-weight cotton is also an option.
How big should a craft mat be?
For a single block mat, around 1m by 1m works, or 2m by 2m or 3m by 3m for children. For a Velcro patchwork mat, 0.5m by 0.5m squares can be joined to make up your desired total size.
