Ute Tray Mat Guide: Rubber, Spray-In, Drawers & Modular Options

A good ute tray mat should do more than simply cover the floor. It should help protect the tray or tub surface, handle everyday use, remain practical to clean and suit the way you carry tools, boxes, camping equipment or family gear.

There are several options available, including rubber mats, spray-in liners, rigid modular systems and permanent drawer setups. Each solves a different problem.

This guide compares the main choices and explains what to check for fitment, durability, cleaning, floor protection and organisation before you buy. If you already know you want a removable system that also organises the floor, view the complete LockNMat ute tray mat and organiser.

What is a ute tray mat?

A ute tray mat is a removable or permanent floor covering designed to help protect the cargo area from scratching, wear, dirt and impact from everyday gear.

The term ute tub mat is often used for a mat fitted inside the factory-sided tub of a dual-cab ute, while ute tray mat may refer to either a tub or an aftermarket tray.

Common tray and tub floor options include:

• Rubber ute tray mats
• Custom-moulded tub mats
• Spray-in tub liners
• Rigid modular floor systems
• Modular ute organiser systems
• Drawer and storage systems

The best choice depends on whether you mainly need basic surface protection, additional grip, permanent protection or a more structured way to organise the cargo floor.

What should you look for in a ute tray mat?

Before choosing a mat or organiser, consider how it will work during a normal week rather than focusing only on the purchase price.

• Does it help protect the tray or tub floor from scratches?
• Can it handle toolboxes, storage tubs and everyday cargo?
• Does it help reduce general movement?
• Does it create storage zones or only cover the floor?
• Is it easy to remove and clean?
• Can water, sand and dirt become trapped underneath?
• Will it fit around wheel arches and moulded tub edges?
• Does it require drilling or permanent installation?
• Will factory tie-down points remain accessible?

If your main problem is boxes and smaller items moving across the tub, a flat mat may provide additional grip but may not provide enough structure by itself.

Option 1: Rubber ute tray mat

A rubber ute tray mat is one of the most common options. It provides a softer surface, adds some grip and helps protect the floor from scratches caused by tools, boxes and other everyday cargo.

Rubber mats can suit owners who want simple floor protection without permanently modifying the ute.

A rubber mat can be suitable when basic protection, cushioning and grip are your main priorities. The main trade-off is that it remains one flat surface and does not, by itself, keep separate items apart.

Option 2: Spray-in ute tub liner

A spray-in liner is applied directly to the tray or tub surface. It creates a permanent protective coating rather than a removable mat.

This can suit work utes carrying rough materials, sharp items or equipment that may otherwise scratch the painted surface.

A spray-in liner is mainly a permanent surface-protection solution rather than an organisation system.

Option 3: Rigid modular floor system

A rigid modular floor system uses durable interlocking sections rather than one flexible sheet.

It can provide a firm, washable surface and may be removed in smaller sections for cleaning. Because the floor holds its shape, it can also act as the base for removable dividers or locking blockers.

Compared with a single rubber sheet, a rigid modular system provides more structure across the cargo floor. Rubber prioritises softness, cushioning and grip, while a modular floor prioritises structure, section-by-section cleaning and the ability to add adjustable storage zones.

Advantages of a rigid modular system

• Tough and suitable for everyday use
• Can be washed and removed in sections
• Suitable for modular construction
• Can work with removable locking blockers
• Does not require a permanently bonded installation
• Damaged individual sections may be easier to replace than one full-width mat

Possible limitations

• A rigid floor may not follow every moulded edge exactly
• Usable measurements should be checked before ordering
• Small side gaps may remain on some vehicles
• It is not a substitute for suitable rated load restraint

Option 4: Modular ute tray mat and organiser

A modular ute tray mat combines floor protection with adjustable organisation.

Instead of providing only a flat covering, the system uses removable locking blockers to create sections around suitable everyday cargo.

These zones can be used around:

• Toolboxes
• Power-tool cases
• Shopping bags
• Camping boxes
• Sports equipment
• Buckets and smaller work containers
• Ratchet straps and recovery accessories

LockNMat uses heavy-duty interlocking tiles with 12 removable locking blockers. The blockers connect to the floor pattern and can be repositioned when the size or arrangement of your cargo changes.

This makes it different from a flat rubber mat. It provides a separate floor surface while also functioning as a removable ute tray organiser.

If you are comparing different ways to separate gear, read our ute divider types comparison guide, covering fixed panels, cargo bars, DIY options and modular blockers.

Option 5: Drawer systems

Drawer systems provide enclosed storage and may suit owners who carry the same tools or touring equipment every day.

They can provide lockable compartments and a consistent layout, but they also add weight, cost and permanence.

See our guide on how to organise a ute tray without installing drawers.

Ute tray mat options compared

Which option is better for reducing gear movement?

A rubber mat or rigid floor can add grip compared with a smooth tray, which may reduce some everyday sliding, particularly underneath broad, flat storage boxes.

However, grip alone does not create a physical boundary around an item. Bags, buckets and boxes may still shift when braking, turning or travelling across uneven surfaces.

A modular organiser adds locking blockers that create defined positions around suitable everyday gear. This gives boxes and containers something to sit against instead of relying only on surface grip.

For more detail, read our guide on how to stop gear sliding in a ute tray or tub.

How important is fitment?

Fitment is one of the most important considerations when buying a mat or modular organiser.

Tub and tray dimensions can vary because of:

• Wheel-arch width
• Factory tub liners
• Spray-in liners
• Moulded floor channels
• Canopy brackets
• Drawer mounts
• Sports-bar and tonneau hardware
• Vehicle model and generation

Measure the main usable floor width between the wheel arches and check whether fitted accessories reduce the available area.

Does a modular organiser need to fit edge-to-edge?

No. A modular system does not need to be forced tightly against every moulded edge of the tub.

The system is designed to fit within the main usable area between the wheel arches. Small side gaps may remain, and on some ute models these can be up to approximately 25 mm per side.

The locking blockers connect to the floor layout rather than relying on pressure against the tub walls.

This relates to everyday organisation only. LockNMat is not a certified load-restraint system, and cargo requiring legal or rated restraint must still be secured separately.

Check our Will It Fit My Ute? guide before ordering.

How easy is each option to clean?

Cleaning requirements vary by system.

Rubber mat

A rubber mat can normally be lifted or hosed down, but a large one-piece mat may be heavy and awkward to remove. Dirt, sand and moisture can collect underneath.

Spray-in liner

A spray-in liner remains in place and can be swept or washed. However, it cannot be removed to clean the original painted surface underneath.

Modular organiser

A modular system can be separated into smaller sections for cleaning. Individual tiles or connected areas can be removed, washed and reinstalled, which may be more convenient when only one area becomes dirty or wet.

Regardless of the system, periodically inspect underneath removable floor coverings for trapped dirt, sand and moisture. Allow both the original floor and the components to dry before reinstalling them.

Ute tray mat options for tradies

Tradies often carry changing combinations of tools, parts boxes, buckets, compressors and work materials.

A flat mat may provide surface protection, while a modular organiser can also create adjustable zones around frequently used equipment.

Useful areas may include:

• A tool-bag zone near the tailgate
• A separate area for straps and tie-downs
• Storage for smaller parts boxes
• A wet or dirty gear section
• Open space for changing job materials

Read our detailed guide on how to set up a ute tray for tradies.

Ute tray mat options for camping and touring

Camping and touring setups often use removable storage boxes for food, cooking equipment, recovery gear, tools and personal items.

A modular floor can help define separate positions for those boxes while keeping the layout adjustable as equipment is loaded and unloaded.

If you also carry long or bulky items above the floor, compare the two approaches in our ute tub rack versus modular organiser guide.

For a complete touring layout, see our ute tray and tub setup guide for camping and 4WD touring.

Ute tray mat options for shopping and everyday use

Shopping bags, school bags, sports equipment and small parcels can move across an empty tub.

A modular organiser allows a smaller zone to be created near the tailgate so frequently used everyday items remain easier to reach.

For more practical ideas, read our ute tub storage ideas guide.

How LockNMat works

LockNMat combines heavy-duty interlocking tiles with removable locking blockers to create an adjustable ute tray and tub organiser.

Each complete 48-piece pack includes:

• 12 large tiles measuring 360 × 360 mm
• 12 medium filler tiles measuring 360 × 100 mm
• 12 small filler tiles measuring 360 × 50 mm
• 12 locking blockers

The blockers can be positioned around suitable everyday boxes, tool bags, buckets, shopping bags and camping containers.

The system installs without drilling, glue or screws and can be reconfigured when your cargo changes.

Visit the How It Works page to see how the tiles, fillers and blockers connect.

Important load-restraint information

A ute tray mat or organiser can help protect the floor and reduce ordinary movement, but it does not automatically make cargo safe or legally restrained.

Heavy, sharp, dangerous or legally restrained cargo must still be secured separately using suitable rated straps, tie-down points and approved load-restraint methods.

LockNMat is an organisation system and is not a certified load-restraint device.

Ute tray mat FAQs

What is the best ute tray mat?

The best option depends on your priorities. Rubber may suit basic protection, grip and cushioning. A spray-in liner may suit permanent surface protection. A modular organiser may suit owners who want a removable floor combined with adjustable storage zones.

Is a ute tray mat the same as a ute tub mat?

The terms are often used for similar products. A tub usually refers to the factory-sided cargo body of a dual-cab ute, while a tray may refer to a factory or aftermarket cargo platform.

Is a rubber ute tray mat good?

A rubber mat can be useful for basic protection, grip and cushioning. However, it remains a flat surface and does not create storage zones by itself.

Does a rubber ute tray mat stop boxes sliding?

A rubber mat can add grip and may reduce some sliding, but it does not create physical boundaries around boxes. Cargo requiring rated restraint must still be secured appropriately.

Does a modular organiser protect the tray floor?

Yes. The interlocking floor creates a separate surface between suitable everyday gear and the original tray or tub floor.

Will a ute tray mat stop all gear movement?

No. A mat may provide additional grip or organiser zones, but it cannot guarantee that all cargo will remain secure. Heavy or dangerous items must still be restrained appropriately.

Will small side gaps affect LockNMat?

No. The system is designed to fit within the main usable area between the wheel arches. Small side gaps may remain, and on some ute models these can be up to approximately 25 mm per side. The locking blockers connect to the tile pattern rather than pressing against the tub walls.

Can LockNMat be used with a tub liner?

It can work with many factory and aftermarket liners. However, a liner may reduce the usable width or change the floor shape, so measure the usable area before ordering.

Can I change the LockNMat layout?

Yes. The locking blockers can be removed and repositioned when the size or arrangement of your everyday gear changes.

Does LockNMat require drilling?

No. LockNMat installs without drilling, glue or screws.

Is LockNMat a load-restraint system?

No. LockNMat helps organise everyday gear but does not replace rated straps, anchor points or approved load-restraint equipment.

Which ute tray mat option should you choose?

Choose a rubber mat when basic grip, cushioning and floor protection are your main priorities.

Choose a spray-in liner when you want permanent protection applied directly to the tub surface.

Choose drawers when enclosed and lockable storage is more important than keeping the cargo area open.

Choose a modular organiser when you want a removable floor system that can also create adjustable storage zones around suitable everyday gear.

LockNMat helps organise everyday ute tray and tub gear and reduce ordinary movement. It is not a certified load-restraint system. Heavy, dangerous or legally restrained cargo must always be secured separately using suitable rated equipment.