In the heart of the chilly British winter, businesses across the UK face the annual task of maintaining a safe, clean, and welcoming entrance for their customers and employees. Outdoor matting plays a huge role in this, and as a leading manufacturer, Commercial Matting is at the forefront of providing the best solutions. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the process of selecting the right outdoor mats for your business needs.

Outdoor mats are more than just a functional accessory; they are the first line of defence against the wet and muddy conditions typical of British winters. They help in trapping dirt, moisture, and debris, preserving the cleanliness and safety of your indoor spaces. Especially during winter, having a dependable barrier system in place can help prevent slip-and-fall accidents on your premises caused by wet or icy conditions.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Outdoor Mats

1. Traffic Volume and Footfall

The amount of foot traffic your business receives is an important factor to consider. High-traffic areas require mats that can withstand constant use without wearing down quickly. Choosing durable materials is a must in these settings.

2. Weather Resistance

In the UK, with its susceptibility to rain and ice, selecting mats that are moisture-resistant and offer anti-slip properties is crucial. Consider outdoor mats that effectively remove water and mud, ensuring your interiors remain clean and safe.

3. Safety

Ensuring the safety of both employees and customers should be a top priority for any business, whether it’s a retail, office, hospitality, or industrial environment. Many outdoor mats have non-slip features and bevelled edges to prevent tripping – you might want to look out for these attributes if your premises is prone to getting slippery.

4. Maintenance and Cleaning

Choose mats that are easy to clean and maintain, especially during the winter months when additional cleaning will be required. Consider how the mat will be cleaned, whether it’s shaking out or washing, and how quickly it dries. Depending on your business operations, you will want to choose a mat that fits within your schedule, for example, if you’re incredibly busy you will want to avoid a material that needs constant attention.

5. Thickness and Material

The thickness and material of the mat might contribute to its durability and effectiveness. Thicker mats might be more effective at trapping dirt but evaluate the ease of door movement over them.

6. Size and Coverage

Ensure the mat covers an adequate area to allow for at least two steps, this will ensure debris is sufficiently removed from footwear before staff or visitors enter. If your building is located in a particularly muddy area, we recommend installing a mat outside and inside your entrance, to ensure that nearly all dirt and moisture is eliminated.

Our Outdoor Matting Options:

Outdoor Rubber Lozenge Mat

Incorporating our Outdoor Rubber Lozenge Mat into your business premises can significantly enhance safety and cleanliness. This 7mm thick mat is designed with a distinctive lozenge pattern, offering superior grip and traction to prevent slips and falls. It is made from durable, high-quality rubber, built to withstand heavy foot traffic and harsh weather, ensuring longevity and consistent performance. Its ease of maintenance is another highlight; the mat can be quickly hosed down or shaken out to remove trapped dirt and debris. Ideal for businesses seeking a practical yet robust outdoor matting solution, the Rubber Lozenge Mat not only ensures safety but also contributes to a neat and professional entrance appearance.

Outdoor Scraper Mat

For those who are more eager to combine functionality and style, our Outdoor Scraper Mats are a great choice! The robust, striped design successfully scrapes off mud, snow, and debris from shoes, ensuring your interiors remain clean and dry. The alternating coloured stripes not only enhance the appearance of the mat but also play a practical role in concealing dirt and marks, keeping the mat looking presentable for longer.

Constructed from hard-wearing polypropylene with a 12.5mm overall height and benefitting from a latex pre-coat backing, this mat is designed to endure high footfall, making it an ideal choice for busy entrances. Plus, a simple shake or brush will keep it clean! Available in two classic colour combinations – Brown/Black and Grey/Black - it offers versatility to match a variety of business exteriors and branding styles.

Outdoor Scraper Mat with Rubber Edge

To cater to all business needs, our Outdoor Scraper Mats are also offered with a rubber edge. The ramped rubber border is 5.5cm and is applied to each side of the mat. This feature is perfect for businesses that require additional accessibility measures, ensuring a safer entrance area.

All our outdoor mats are readily available to purchase on our website, so please feel free to browse our range today! Plus, our scraper mats are available with a made-to-measure service, allowing for a perfect fit in any location. If you would like to order a made-to-measure mat, simply enter the dimensions on the product page or send an email to [email protected] and a member of our team will be happy to help.