If you’re looking to stop mud where it matters, the first step isn’t a quote—it’s a quick sizing exercise that gives you a realistic ballpark for panels, install time, and materials. Here’s how we think about it at Michigan Mud Control: how to map a hot spot, convert that footprint into panels, and what to expect when you ask for a formal price.
1) Map the hot spot (not the whole yard)
Walk the area and identify where traffic concentrates: gate runs, the area around a swing set, the strip from side door to curb, and the approach to a compost bin. Measure the length and width of the trouble zone in feet. You don’t need to be laser-precise—a tape measure and a quick sketch are enough.
Add a modest buffer (6–12 inches) around bare patches so the finished surface overlaps healthy turf instead of stopping at a muddy edge.
2) Convert square feet to panel counts (the math, made simple)
Each Mud Control Grid panel covers 2.63 square feet (roughly a 19.7" × 19.7" tile). To estimate how many panels you’ll need:
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Multiply length by width for total area.
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Divide by 2.63.
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Round up to the next whole panel.
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Add ~5% extra for cuts and minor mistakes.
Examples:
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A 12′ × 12′ play pad = 144 ft² ÷ 2.63 = 55 panels
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A 10′ × 10′ hot spot = 100 ft² ÷ 2.63 = 39 panels
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A 20′ × 20′ staging zone = 400 ft² ÷ 2.63 = 153 panels
3) Think about infill & prep—it shifts price more than panel counts
Panels are the backbone; fill choice changes the feel and some of the cost:
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Topsoil: turf regrows, natural lawn finish
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Sand: immediate drainage, firm footing
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Engineered wood fiber: cushioned, playground-safe
Prep is usually light: rake debris, level high spots, and snap panels together. No excavation or gravel base is required for most residential installs. If the site is heavily rutted or ponding, minor grading may be needed.
4) How pricing usually breaks down
A project estimate has three parts: materials (panels + infill), delivery/staging, and installation labor. Panels are purchased in bulk packs; infill and delivery scale with volume; labor scales with area complexity. We always provide a line-item quote so you know exactly where the dollars go.
5) What to send us for a faster quote
If you want a quick reply from Michigan Mud Control, send:
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A site photo
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Rough measurements (L × W)
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A note on expected use (play, gate run, equipment access)
We’ll sketch a coverage plan, confirm recommended infill, and provide a phased or single-pass estimate.
