Commercial Entrance Matting – Creating Safe and Clean Building Entrances

First impressions count, and the entrance to your building is where it all begins. But it’s not just about appearances – ensuring that entranceways are safe, dry, and free from hazards is vital for the wellbeing of staff, visitors, and customers.

Why Entrance Matting Matters

Every day, moisture, dirt, and debris are carried into buildings on the soles of shoes and wheels of trolleys, wheelchairs, or prams. This not only creates cleaning challenges but also increases the risk of slip accidents – particularly when floors become wet. In fact, the Health and Safety Executive notes that a significant number of slips in public buildings are linked to wet surfaces.

An effective commercial entrance matting system acts as the first line of defence, capturing as much as 90% of moisture and dirt before it spreads. The result? Safer flooring, reduced cleaning costs, and protection for your internal floor coverings against wear and tear.

Legal and Safety Standards

Entrance flooring systems in the UK should be installed in line with BS 7953:1999, which provides guidance on their selection, fitting, and maintenance. As a rule of thumb, this standard recommends a minimum of 2.1 metres of matting – enough for at least six footsteps, which is generally sufficient to wipe shoes clean during normal walking pace.

Enhancing Longevity with the Right Matting

Beyond safety, commercial entrance matting helps prolong the life of interior floors by reducing the amount of grit and abrasive particles entering the building. This not only helps maintain appearance but also cuts down on repair and refurbishment costs over time.

Choosing the Right Type

Recessed floor mats are a popular option for commercial settings. These are installed into a shallow tray or floor recess so that they sit flush with surrounding flooring – a practical design that improves accessibility and minimises trip hazards. Recessed systems are especially useful in high-traffic entrances or areas prone to water ingress.

When space is limited – as in small retail units – it may not be possible to install long matting systems. In such cases, secondary barrier mats can be used to support primary entrance mats and enhance dirt and moisture removal throughout interior areas.

Tailoring Matting to Your Environment

The best commercial entrance matting solution depends on several key factors:

• Footfall volume – how many people use the entrance daily?
• Weather exposure – is the entrance directly affected by rain, snow, or mud?
• Building use – is it an office, school, hospital, or retail space?
• Floor surface – what type of interior flooring is being protected?

Selecting the right product means assessing these variables to strike the right balance between performance, practicality, and aesthetics.

Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Entrance Matting

What is the best material for outdoor entrance mats?

Rubber, polypropylene, and nylon are all popular options for outdoor use. These materials are chosen for their durability, ability to trap dirt, and resistance to weather conditions.

What’s the ideal length for entrance matting?

To be effective, entrance mats should allow for at least six steps across them – usually equating to just over two metres. This ensures maximum removal of moisture and debris from shoes.

What is coir and is it suitable for commercial use?

Coir is a natural fibre made from coconut husks. It’s tough and excellent at removing dirt but can shed fibres initially and may stain if saturated. For heavy commercial use, synthetic alternatives often prove more hard-wearing and easier to maintain.

How should a mat fit a doorway?

Measure your entrance carefully and ensure the mat is large enough to cover the typical traffic area. A mat that’s too small may look untidy and fail to do its job properly.

What qualities should I look for in a commercial doormat?

Non-slip backing, absorbency, durability, and ease of cleaning are all key features. For recessed installations, check that the depth and size match your mat well to avoid movement or pooling water.

What’s the best colour for entrance mats?

Darker colours like charcoal, dark grey, or navy blue tend to hide dirt better and maintain a clean appearance for longer.

Are synthetic mats better than natural fibre ones?

For most commercial settings, synthetic materials like polypropylene or nylon outperform coir due to their resilience, stain resistance, and ease of maintenance.

Final Thoughts

Well-chosen commercial entrance matting does far more than just protect floors – it protects people. From preventing accidents to enhancing the building’s presentation, it is a sound investment that reflects a responsible and professional approach to workplace safety and hygiene.

If you’re looking to improve the safety and cleanliness of your building’s entrance, explore your options with us at Creed-Miles – we understand the full range of matting solutions and their benefits and can give you. Contact us today.