K A S H R U T . C O M_©

The following schach mat information Atlanta Kashruth Commission on September 21, 2015.

Some mats found at Home Depot are acceptable for schach:

• 6 foot X 16 foot variety, with UPC code 48037 06164, and marked as having a Natural Finish. This variety is available online at http://www.homedepot.com/p/Hampton-Bay-6-ft-H-x-16-ft-L-Natural-Reed-Bamboo-Garden-Fence-0406164/203580820" target=\hd1'>Home depot1.
• 4 foot X 8 foot variety, with UPC code 48037 77301 and a Peeled and Polished Finish.
  [This product is sold either under the Hampton Bay or Garden Path brand name.] It is available online at Homedepot2.
• 6 feet X 16 feet, with the Backyard XScapes brand name, UPC code 71746 00530, and marked as being Natural “Peeled” Reed Fencing, is available online only at Homedepot3.

These three varieties may be used as schach only if:

• The reeds are placed perpendicular to the schach support‐beams rather than parallel to the beams.
• A piece of wood or some other piece of kosher schach should be placed on top of the fencing, so that the fencing is secure enough to not blow off during Succos. [This extra piece of wood should not be nailed or otherwise fastened to the schach, and it should be placed perpendicular to the reeds.] This condition applies to all lightweight schach including mats.
• As with all schach, the schach‐portions of the mat must be thick enough that they provide more shaded area than open space [In this context, there is reason to assume that broken reeds do not “count” towards the calculation of shaded areas.] It may be necessary to place a double layer of mats in order to accomplish this.

The following schach mat information is from the CRC on September 11, 2015.

The Chicago Rabbinical Council has published information on the use of Schach mat fencing that is available at some home improvement stores. "Please note that the instructions given on how to place the mats must be followed in order to ensure the kosher status of one's sukka. In addition, an abundance of broken reeds can also invalidate the schach from being used, and each mat must be inspected to ensure the mats provide the proper coverage needed for there to be 'more shade than sun'".
cRc recommendations and instructions.
cRc recommendations and instructions with a brief summary of the halachik issues that were addressed.