Expert Recommendations for Selecting the Best Floor Mats & Mattings to Fit Your Business Needs

Keep Floors Clean and Safe with the Right Floor Mats

Installing quality floor mats is one of the best ways to keep your floors clean, dry, and safe for both employees and customers. With the right mats in key locations, you can prevent slips, trips, and falls while also stopping dirt, grime, and moisture from being tracked deeper into your building.

Types of Floor Mats

There are many types of mats designed for various needs:

• Entrance mats - Absorb moisture and trap dirt at exterior doors
• Anti-fatigue mats - Provide cushioning in stand-for-long-periods areas like cashier stands
• Decorative mats - Enhance appearance while still catching some dirt and moisture
• Specialty mats - Offer protection in specific settings like kitchens, laboratories, etc.

Key Floor Mat Materials

Floor mats come in different materials, each with their own advantages:

Buying Considerations

Here are key features to evaluate when selecting floor mats:

• Thickness - Thicker mats hold more dirt, liquid, and offer more cushioning
• Draining - Mats with holes or grooves for drainage keep moisture from pooling
• Easy to clean - Mats that can be vacuumed, hosed off, or laundered simplify maintenance
• Traction - Rubber backing and surface embossing helps prevent slips
• Size and coverage - Mats should extend beyond doorways and under equipment/workstations

Industry-Specific Floor Mats

Certain businesses can benefit from mats designed for their needs:

• Kitchens - Grease-resistant rubber mats with non-slip surfaces and anti-fatigue cushioning
• Laboratories - Chemical-resistant anti-static mats to avoid sparks and contamination
• Medical facilities - Anti-microbial and easily disinfected vinyl mats
• Gyms - Sweat-absorbent, non-slip machine and free weights mats

Installing the right floor mats for your business helps keep floors clean, employees safe, and operations running smoothly.

Types of Floor Mats and Their Uses

There are several major types of floor mats, each designed to serve specific needs:

Entrance Mats

Entrance mats are critical for trapping dirt, sand, snow, water, and other debris brought in from outside. They help keep interior floors clean and dry.

• Typically made of coarse, absorbent materials like coconut fiber, nylon carpeting, or rubber scraps
• Often have drainage holes to prevent liquid pooling
• Should be used at every exterior entrance to a building

Anti-Fatigue Mats

Anti-fatigue mats provide cushioning for people who stand for long periods like cashiers, assembly line workers, hair stylists, etc. They relieve pressure on joints and muscles.

• Made of foam, rubber, gel, or other cushioning materials
• Often have beveled edges for safety
• Best for areas where workers stand in one place vs. moving around

Decorative Mats

Decorative mats add visual appeal to an area while still catching some dirt and moisture.

• Come in carpet, vinyl, rubber, coir, sisal, and other materials
• Range of colors, patterns, shapes, and designs
• Good for entrances, hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, etc.

Specialty Mats

Specialty mats are designed for specific environments and needs:

• Kitchen - Grease/slip resistant with drainage holes
• Outdoor - Withstand weather and made to last outside
• Anti-static - Prevent static discharge in electronics areas
• Anti-microbial - Inhibit bacterial growth for medical settings

Choosing the right types of floor mats for each area helps keep floors clean, staff comfortable and safe, and operations efficient.

Key Floor Mat Materials and Their Benefits

Floor mats come in a variety of materials, each offering distinct advantages and best suited to certain applications.

Rubber Mats

Rubber is one of the most popular and versatile floor mat materials:

• Durable and withstands heavy foot traffic
• Easy to clean with soap and water
• Provides excellent traction and slip resistance
• Chemical and weather resistant
• Noise reducing and cushioning effect

Best uses: Entrance mats, industrial work areas, gyms, garages, laundry rooms.

Vinyl Mats

Vinyl mats offer flexibility and customization:

• Range of colors, patterns, and textures available
• Affordable and versatile
• Good for embedding company logos or designs
• Resilient and waterproof
• Easy to sanitize and clean

Best uses: Offices, classrooms, retail stores, salons, medical facilities.

Carpeted Mats

Carpet mats provide comfort and absorbency:

• Made of nylon, polyester, acrylic, or cotton
• Soft and cushiony underfoot
• Traps and hides dirt well
• Noise dampening
• Range of colors and patterns

Best uses: Entryways, home kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, offices.

Coir Mats

Coir mats derived from coconuts are very absorbent:

• Woven from coconut fiber
• Natural golden brown color
• Highly effective at trapping dirt and moisture
• Durable and weather resistant
• Biodegradable and eco-friendly

Best uses: Entrances, patios, mudrooms, garages, industrial sites.

Choosing the optimal floor mat material for each location helps keep your floors clean while providing utility and design.

Key Features to Evaluate When Buying Floor Mats

With the wide variety of floor mats available, it's important to assess specific features to find the best option for your needs:

Thickness

• Thicker mats provide more cushioning and support.
• They hold larger volumes of dirt, debris, and liquid.
• Measure thickness in millimeters - entrance mats range from 5mm to 15mm thick.

Draining Capability

• Mats with holes, grooves, or mesh bases allow liquid to drain off.
• Prevents tracked-in rain and snow from pooling on the mat.
• Ideal for high-traffic exterior doors.

Ease of Cleaning

• Look for mats that can be vacuumed, hosed off, or machine washed.
• Rubber, vinyl, and polyester mats tend to be the easiest to clean.
• Avoid mats that require special cleaners or stain easily.

Traction

• Rubber backing grips floors securely.
• Surface embossing creates anti-slip traction.
• Vital for mats used in kitchens, bathrooms, and other wet areas.

Size and Placement

• Mats should extend beyond entry doors and high-traffic paths.
• Get large sizes or multiple mats to cover an area adequately.
• Don't create tripping hazards with too-small or poorly placed mats.

Also consider:

• Comfort - For anti-fatigue mats
• Odor resistance - For mats in kitchens, bathrooms, etc.
• Certifications - For slip-resistance, flammability, etc.

Evaluating these features helps ensure the mats you choose effectively serve their intended purpose while fitting your facility's needs and budget.

Industry-Specific Floor Mats and Their Benefits

While all businesses can benefit from using quality floor mats, some industries have unique needs that call for mats designed for their environment:

Restaurant and Hospitality

These establishments need mats with:

• Grease resistance - Repels food grease and oils
• Washable - Can be cleaned in industrial machines
• Traction - Even when wet, mats prevent slips and falls
• Noise reduction - For quieter, more comfortable environments

Mats keep kitchen floors clean and dry, reducing accidents.

Healthcare Facilities

Medical settings require mats with:

• Antimicrobial properties - Inhibit bacterial growth
• Easy to disinfect - Can be sanitized between uses
• Fluid resistance - Won't degrade with exposure to bodily fluids
• Comfort - Cushioning for long periods of standing

Healthcare mats help maintain hygienic conditions.

Manufacturing and Warehouses

Industrial mats need:

• Chemical resistance - Withstand caustic cleaners and oils
• Heavy duty - Stand up to forklifts, heavy carts, and pallets
• Water drainage - Prevent slippery puddles on cement floors
• Comfort - Anti-fatigue mats reduce worker strain

Industrial mats improve safety and working conditions.

Schools and Offices

Educational and corporate environments do well with:

• Noise dampening - Reduces hallway and classroom sounds
• Attractive designs - Match school colors and motifs
• Ergonomic mats - Improves comfort for standing desks
• Custom logos - Display company or school branding

Specialized mats contribute to better concentration and wellbeing.

Expert Tips for Choosing and Maintaining Floor Mats

Selecting the Right Floor Mats

• Consider high traffic areas like entrances, checkout lines, etc.
• Match mat material to needs:
  • Rubber - Wet areas, high traffic
  • Vinyl - Easy to clean, customizable
  • Carpet - Softness, sound absorption
• Get proper size mats that extend beyond doorways
• For safety, check certifications and slip ratings
• Buy from reputable brands for durability

Caring for Your Floor Mats

• Vacuum frequently - Prevents dirt buildup
• Clean spills promptly to avoid stains
• Wash mats periodically based on usage and material
• Disinfect vinyl, rubber, and antimicrobial mats
• Use a mat washing service for heavy duty cleaning
• Allow mats to fully dry before putting back in use
• Store or stack properly to avoid damage when not in use

Extending Mat Lifespan

• Use walk-off mats at entrances to reduce dirt tracked onto other mats
• Rotate mats between high and lower traffic areas
• Avoid dragging mats across rough surfaces that can cause scrapes
• Flip reversible mats periodically to evenly distribute wear
• When mats show signs of damage, have them professionally repaired if possible

Properly selecting mats suited for each space and consistently caring for them ensures they continue effectively protecting your floors.

What Are The Different Types Of Floor Mats Available In The Market??

There are several types of floor mats available in the market, including:

Anti-fatigue mats: These mats are designed to reduce fatigue and discomfort for workers who stand for long periods of time. They are ideal for placement near sinks, bars, prep areas, cooking stations, assembly lines, cash registers, and hostess stands.

Industrial floor mats: These mats are best for non-foodservice commercial establishments, such as manufacturing plants, warehouses, medical facilities, and gyms. They help make any work environment safer and more sanitary.

Wet area floor mats: These mats are available in perforated and solid styles to adequately fit your applications. They are ideal for areas that are frequently wet or slippery.

Heated floor mats: These mats come with an inbuilt electrical circuit for heating the house. They require a power source in order to provide heat and warmth in the house.

Classic mats: These mats are some of the most basic and most versatile floor mats. They can effectively clean off dirt and debris stuck under people’s shoes, as well as moisture. They make for the perfect mats for entrances, lobbies, elevators, and for other, more general matting needs.

Logo mats: These mats are general-purpose mats upgraded with high-definition visuals like logos, seasonal messages, and slogans, which makes them effective marketing campaign tools.

What Are The Most Durable Materials For Floor Mats??

Based on the search results, here are some of the most durable materials for floor mats:

Rubber: Rubber floor mats are very tough and can last for a long time. They are recommended for high traffic areas, such as commercial establishments. Rubber floor mats are also quite affordable and provide floor safety and protection.

Vinyl: Vinyl floor mats are produced from a plastic polymer called vinyl. These mats are less expensive to produce and are hence very affordable. They are easy to clean and maintain, and they come in many colors and textures.

Polypropylene: Polypropylene mats are more resistant to fatigue than most fibers. They resist most chemicals and are considered to be one of the more rugged materials available. They are excellent weatherproof floor mats because they resist wear from mildew, perspiration, rot, and weather.

Carpet fiber: Carpet fiber mats are made of durable materials that can withstand heavy foot traffic. They are also available in a variety of colors and textures.

Recycled materials: Eco-friendly floor mats are manufactured from partially or wholly recycled post-consumer products, including plastic bottles and rubber tires. These mats are not only durable but also environmentally friendly.

SBR: Walkway mats are made from SBR, a very durable rubber compound. These walkway mats are sold in predetermined or custom lengths up to 50 feet, making it perfect for defining long walkways.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Using Vinyl Floor Mats??

Pros of using vinyl floor mats:

Durable and long-lasting

Moisture-resistant, making it suitable for areas prone to spills or high humidity

Easy to install and maintain

Comes in a variety of designs, including replica designs for wood, creating an affordable flooring option for something that looks expensive

Cons of using vinyl floor mats:

Can get damaged by sharp objects and heavy loads

More difficult to repair than other materials

Some types of vinyl flooring do not contain UV protection to guard against sun fade

Cannot be repaired

Some types of vinyl flooring can emit VOCs

Overall, vinyl floor mats are a durable and affordable option for flooring. However, they can be damaged by sharp objects and heavy loads, and some types of vinyl flooring may emit VOCs. It is important to weigh the pros and cons before purchasing vinyl floor mats.

• Keep Floors Clean and Safe with the Right Floor Mats
• Types of Floor Mats
• Key Floor Mat Materials
• Buying Considerations
• Industry-Specific Floor Mats
• Types of Floor Mats and Their Uses
• Entrance Mats
• Anti-Fatigue Mats
• Decorative Mats
• Specialty Mats
• Key Floor Mat Materials and Their Benefits
• Rubber Mats
• Vinyl Mats
• Carpeted Mats
• Coir Mats
• Key Features to Evaluate When Buying Floor Mats
• Thickness
• Draining Capability
• Ease of Cleaning
• Traction
• Size and Placement
• Industry-Specific Floor Mats and Their Benefits
• Restaurant and Hospitality
• Healthcare Facilities
• Manufacturing and Warehouses
• Schools and Offices
• Expert Tips for Choosing and Maintaining Floor Mats
• Selecting the Right Floor Mats
• Caring for Your Floor Mats
• Extending Mat Lifespan
• What Are The Different Types Of Floor Mats Available In The Market??
• What Are The Most Durable Materials For Floor Mats??
• What Are The Pros And Cons Of Using Vinyl Floor Mats??