When customers, clients, or staff walk into your commercial building, the first thing they physically interact with isn’t your reception desk, décor, or signage—it’s your entrance mat. A well-chosen floor mat isn’t just an accessory; it’s a strategic asset that improves safety, reduces maintenance costs, enhances aesthetics, and protects your flooring investment.
Whether you manage an office, retail store, hotel, healthcare facility, or industrial workspace, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to choose the right entrance mat for your commercial space—material, size, durability, placement, and maintenance.
Why Entrance Mats Matter in Commercial Spaces
Commercial buildings experience heavy daily foot traffic, bringing in dirt, moisture, and debris. Without proper matting, this leads to:
➤ Higher Cleaning Costs
Up to 80% of the dirt brought into a building comes from foot traffic. Mats help stop debris at the door, drastically reducing cleaning frequency and costs.
➤ Increased Risk of Slips and Falls
Slippery entrances cause avoidable accidents. A high-quality mat increases traction and absorbs water, making your building safer for occupants.
➤ Faster Floor Wear
Tiles, vinyl, and hardwood degrade quickly when exposed to abrasive dirt and moisture. Mats act as the first line of defence.
➤ Poor First Impressions
A dirty, worn-out, or undersized mat sends the wrong message. High-quality matting reinforces a clean, professional image.
Understanding the Three-Zone Matting System (Best Practice)
Top facility managers use a three-zone entrance system to ensure maximum dirt control:
Zone 1: Outdoor Scraper Mats
Placed outside the entrance to remove heavy mud, grit, and debris.
Zone 2: Indoor Scraper/Wiper Mats
Located immediately inside the doorway to remove finer dirt and begin moisture absorption.
Zone 3: Interior Wiper Mats
Placed deeper inside the lobby or corridor to absorb remaining moisture and polish shoes dry.
For high-traffic commercial buildings, using all three zones results in the cleanest floors and the greatest slip-resistance.
Types of Commercial Entrance Mats
Before choosing a mat, understand the most common materials and their strengths:
(a) Aluminium Entrance Matting
Best for: High-traffic commercial entries (malls, hotels, office towers, airports, supermarkets)
Why it works:
- Designed for extremely heavy footfall
- Built with rigid aluminium rails
- Exceptional scraping efficiency
- Ideal for recessed entrances
- Long lifespan with minimal maintenance
This type of matting is often the gold standard for commercial spaces requiring durability and architectural-grade aesthetics.
(b) Heavy-Duty Scraper Mats
Best for: Exterior and interior areas with frequent dirt, mud, and grit
Scraper mats are engineered with tough patterns (zigzag, ridged, ribbed) that aggressively remove particles from shoes. These are essential for buildings located near gardens, parking lots, busy streets, or construction zones.
(c) Carpet/Absorbent Mats
Best for: Office lobbies, hotels, corporate buildings, indoor corridors, residential-commercial spaces
Carpeted entrance mats excel at:
- Moisture absorption
- Wiping finer dirt
- Reducing slip hazards after rain
They also come in a range of colours and textures to suit interior décor.
(d) Recessed Matting Systems
Recessed mats are embedded into the floor rather than placed on top of it. These are:
- Trip-resistant
- Highly aesthetic
- Suitable for modern architectural designs
- Ideal for very high foot traffic
They can be aluminium-based or carpet-based, depending on the building requirements.
Choosing the Right Mat by Commercial Building Type
Each building type has unique demands:
Office Buildings
- Prioritise aesthetics, safety, and branding
- Use a combination of carpet wiper mats and recessed systems
- Choose colours that complement the interior design
Retail Stores & Shopping Centres
- Very high daily foot traffic
- Need heavy-duty scraper mats outside and inside
- Use long rolls of carpet mats to reduce moisture
Hotels & Hospitality
- Require luxurious, premium-looking mats
- Custom branding/logos are helpful for identity
- High absorption needed for guest comfort
Hospitals & Healthcare Facilities
- Hygiene and slip-resistance are top priorities
- Choose anti-microbial, easy-clean mats
- Avoid thick fibres that trap contaminants
Industrial Buildings & Warehouses
- Choose heavy-duty scraper mats with maximum traction
- Use mats that resist oils, chemicals, and grease
- Opt for larger coverage areas
How to Choose the Correct Mat Size
Size is one of the most overlooked aspects of mat selection.
The ideal mat should allow 6–8 footsteps before stepping onto the floor—meaning:
- Minimum recommended length: 3 metres
- Optimal length for high traffic: 4–6 metres
- Wider is better when handling multiple doorways or large crowds
A small mat looks unprofessional and fails to trap enough dirt.
Surface Patterns & Backing Options
Surface Patterns
- Ribbed: Good for wiping moisture
- Knife-edge/zigzag: Excellent for scraping dirt
- Carpeted plush: Best for interior moisture absorption
- Brush + blade combination: High-performance hybrid
Backing Options
- Rubber backing: Non-slip and durable
- PVC backing: Lighter, budget-friendly
- Nitrile rubber: Oil and chemical resistant
Choose the backing based on the type of flooring (tiles, concrete, vinyl).
Colour & Branding Considerations
Entrance mats also contribute to visual identity. Choose colours that:
- Hide dirt effectively
- Complement your interior palette
- Reinforce your brand image
For commercial buildings, dark greys, charcoal, black, and navy are the most practical.
Logo mats are great for hotels, corporate offices, retail brands, and gyms.
Maintenance Tips to Extend Mat Lifespan
A good mat lasts longer with proper care:
Weekly
- Vacuum thoroughly
- Shake loose dirt
- Spot clean stains
Monthly
- Deep wash with mild detergent
- Check the backing for wear
Annually
- Replace mats that show severe flattening or frayed edges
Routine maintenance prevents safety hazards and keeps entrance areas clean.
When to Consider Made-to-Measure Mats
Standard sizes don’t work for:
- Irregular doorways
- Oversized entrances
- Recessed installations
- Multi-door complexes
- Designer/architectural spaces
Custom mats ensure the perfect fit and deliver the best performance.
Conclusion: The Best Entrance Mat Protects Your Space & Your Budget
A well-chosen entrance mat is one of the smartest investments you can make for your commercial building. It enhances safety, reduces cleaning costs, improves aesthetics, and extends the life of your interior flooring.
To choose the perfect mat, consider:
- Traffic levels
- Mat material and pattern
- Sizing
- Placement zones
- Maintenance requirements
If you want personalised recommendations, Ultimats can help you select or custom-design the ideal entry mat for your space.
