Entrance Mats

With a busy schedule comes a busy living space, and a busy family can sometimes cause an entire household to be a whirl of motion, with shoes that can bring in dirt, grime, slush, and soil from the moment they come through the front door. An entrance mat scrapes dust and soil from shoes before they can be further tracked into the home and can be an excellent first line of defense in maintaining the look and life of flooring.

Entrance mats can be used for industrial, commercial, and residential locations in order to reduce the effects of normal wear and tear on carpeting and flooring, as well as provide an extra safety measure against slips and falls in entryways and foyers.

Industrial Entrance Mats

Industrial entrance matting may be constructed from the coarsest of materials and is generally designed more for utility than aesthetics. It may be placed outside the door to scrape moisture, grit, and oil from work boots and is intended for heavy traffic areas. Generally made of vinyl loops, and with a rubber grip base, industrial entrance matting is best used by employee entrances and workstations in order to prevent the tracking of dirt and moisture throughout an establishment.

Commercial Entrance Mats

Commercial entrance matting can be placed outside or in the interior of a business and can also be custom ordered to compliment the color and décor as well as be designed with the specific logo of a hotel, restaurant, or company. Traditionally, these mats can be made from carpet, vinyl, or rubber and can reduce static conduction and even be fitted for electric heating. Other mats such as vinyl runners and non-slip drainage mats are also used in commercial businesses, but are more likely to be found in "back of the house" locations and used more for safety than maintenance.

Residential Entrance Mats

In the home, entrance mats can be ordered in a variety of designs and colors and customized to fit entryway measurements; some may even have a family crest or last name on them, as well as humorous or witty phrases. Mats in the home can be easily maintained through the regular vacuuming or washing, and should be done so often to retain their appearance and capabilities. Mats can also brighten or revitalize an entryway by covering existing stains or wear, as well as provide an extra safety measure on front walkways and stairways. Prices will vary from size and design, and can also differ if the mat will be placed inside the home or outside the front door.

By Barbara Poelle