Reed, willow or heather mat: natural garden screening

Reed, willow or heather mat as garden screening: differences, lifespan, fixing and a worked example for 10 metres, with prices from Meppel.

Short answer: A reed, willow or heather mat is a quick, natural garden screen on an existing fence or frame. Houthandel Jan Sok stocks reed mats from €28.35, willow mats from €42.80 and heather mats from €49.60 in Meppel. prices as of 5 October 2026, incl. VAT.

Mats in stock

MatSize (h × l) and thicknessPrice from
Reed mat200 × 300 cm, 8-10 mm€28.35
Reed mat180 × 500 cm, 8-10 mm€38.65
Willow mat180 × 300 cm, 7-12 mm€42.80
Willow mat200 × 300 cm, 7-12 mm€46.35
Heather mat180 × 500 cm, 8-10 mm€49.60
Heather mat180 × 300 cm, 25-30 mm€70.55

Which mat to choose?

  • Reed mat: light and low-cost. Good for a balcony, behind a fence or as a temporary screen.
  • Willow mat: woven willow rods, sturdier and coarser. Suits a country-style garden.
  • Heather mat: denser and more privacy. The thick version (25 to 30 mm) is the least see-through.

All three are natural products. Expect a few seasons to a few years rather than ten years. For something that lasts longer, see timber garden screens and fences.

Frame and fixing

A mat is not wind-proof. Hang it on a frame of posts with two or three horizontal rails, or on existing mesh or a stock fence. Fix with binding wire or mesh clips. Keep the bottom a few centimetres off the ground so the mat can dry.

Worked example: 10 metres, 1.80 m high

PartQuantityPrice
Reed mat 180 × 500 cm2 mats€77.30
Pressure-treated post 88 × 88 mm, 2.40 m7 posts€95.20
Pressure-treated rail 28 × 80 mm, 3.00 m7€40.95
Total€213.45

Posts about 1.80 m apart, 60 cm in the ground. Excluding screws and binding wire. If you do not want the posts in the ground, use concrete post bases.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between reed, willow and heather mats?

A reed mat is light and low-cost, with a fine texture. A willow mat is woven from willow rods, sturdier and coarser. A heather mat is denser and gives more privacy; the thick 25 to 30 mm version is the least see-through.

How long does a reed mat last?

Reed, willow and heather mats are natural products. Expect a few seasons to a few years rather than ten years. They last longer when they hang clear of the ground and can dry.

How do I fix a reed mat?

Fix the mat to a frame of posts and two or three horizontal rails, or to existing mesh or a fence, with binding wire or mesh clips. A loose mat is not wind-proof.

What does 10 metres of reed mat screening cost?

Two reed mats of 180 × 500 cm cost €77.30 together. With a frame of seven pressure-treated posts 88 × 88 mm and two rows of 28 × 80 mm rails, the material comes to about €213.45, excluding fixings (prices as of 5 October 2026).