Wall Padding Key Considerations

For martial arts wall padding, there are several options, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Here’s an analysis of ply-backed wall mats, EVA jigsaw mats, Judo mats, and roll-out mats as wall options.

1. Ply-Backed Wall Mats

• Pros:
  • Firm Structure: The plywood backing provides a rigid, stable structure, which makes installation secure and protects against damage from impacts.
  • Impact Absorption: The 40mm high-impact foam offers excellent shock absorption, reducing injury risk during intense contact or falls.
  • Professional Appearance: Vinyl covering adds a clean, professional look and is easy to clean, which is ideal for gyms and dojos.
  • Secure Overhang: The 4cm overhang design makes it easier to secure the mats without adhesives, allowing for a reliable setup with minimal shifting.
• Cons:
  • Less Flexibility: Ply-backed mats are more permanent, so moving or adjusting them requires more work than lighter alternatives.
  • Higher Installation Cost: Due to the ply backing, these mats tend to be more costly to manufacture and install. This is due to the fact that they are fixed at 61cm width, to make smaller panels these would need to either be made bespoke to your specifications or you can remove the vinyl covering that is stabled to the ply backing at the rear, cut to side and then re-staple the backing. 

2. EVA Jigsaw Mats

• Pros:
  • Lightweight and Modular: EVA mats are relatively light and easy to cut, allowing for custom configurations and simple wall installations.
  • Cost-Effective: They are typically cheaper than ply-backed or specialty mats, making them suitable for budget-conscious setups.
  • Versatile: The interlocking jigsaw pattern allows them to be used on both floors and walls, making setup flexible.
  • Fitting. EVA is easier to cut around fixings such as plug sockets, simply use a sharp utility knife.
• Cons:
  • Limited Durability on Walls: EVA is softer than high-impact foam, so it may wear down faster with direct impacts, especially in high-traffic training areas.
  • Less Secure Attachment: If fixed with double-sided Velcro or adhesives, the mats may shift over time, especially under repeated impacts.
  • Aesthetics: The jigsaw pattern may not have the same professional look as vinyl-covered ply-backed mats.

3. Judo Mats

• Pros:
  • Superior Shock Absorption: Judo mats are designed for throws and high-impact activities, making them highly effective for absorbing force and minimizing injury risk.
  • Durability: Typically built with a dense foam core and a tough outer layer, they are durable and withstand repeated contact.
  • Secure on Walls: If properly attached with adhesives or fasteners, Judo mats offer a reliable, permanent wall solution.
• Cons:
  • Heavier and Harder to Install: Judo mats tend to be thicker and heavier, requiring stronger adhesives or fixings for a secure wall setup.
  • Cost: Judo mats are often more expensive than other options due to their density and design, so covering large areas may be costly.
  • Limited Modularity: They usually don’t have an interlocking feature, making it difficult to adapt the layout.
  • Re-sale value. Consider how you are fixing the Judo mats, glues etc will damage the mats when they are removed, double sided velcro might be a better option. Also delapidations might need to be paid due to damage to walls with glue. 
  • Fitting. Judo mats are made from vinyl covered high impact foam, cutting them is very difficult.

4. Roll-Out Mats

• Pros:
  • Easy Installation: Roll-out mats are straightforward to install and can be secured with double-sided Velcro for semi-permanent use, making them adaptable.
  • Quick Removal: These mats can be removed and reinstalled easily, ideal for multipurpose spaces.
  • Good Coverage: Roll-out mats cover large areas with minimal seams, which can give a cleaner look than jigsaw mats.
• Cons:
  • Lower Density: Roll-out mats are typically not as dense as judo or ply-backed mats, so they may provide less impact protection.
  • Adhesive Limitations: Double-sided Velcro may lose adhesion over time, leading to frequent repositioning. Stronger adhesives may make removal difficult and could damage the wall surface.
  • Potential Flex: Roll-out mats are more flexible and may not stay as securely in place on walls as ply-backed mats.

Summary of Recommendations

• Best for High-Impact Use: Ply-backed wall mats and Judo mats are the best options for high-impact martial arts due to their density and durability.
• Best for Cost-Effectiveness: EVA jigsaw mats offer a budget-friendly solution, but are better for light impact as they may wear faster.
• Best for Flexibility: Roll-out mats work well in versatile setups but may need frequent adjustments to keep them secure.

Ply-backed wall panel padding are the most secure and professional option. However, if you’re looking for temporary or budget-friendly solutions, EVA mats or roll-out mats could be good choices for lighter usage. Warning, don't screw EVA mats into walls as they will protrude when impacted upon and be an obvious hazzard!