So I have seen Reed and Bamboo air drying mats for sale on several cheese sites. They tend to be small and cost a lot for their size. I saw one site that sold 9x9 reed mats for $3.00 each. And the prices go up from there.
So I was out and about today. I ran across some bamboo mats that are secured with what appears to be a polymer thread. They are 13x19.5 and cost $1.00 each. So I am going to try steaming them and see how they hold up. If all goes well, I may have just located a massive stockpile of cheese mats!
For anyon interested in these, I found them at Big Lots in Trussville, AL. Though I am sure some of the other Big Lots must also carry them.