At first glance, it may seem obvious that outdoor mats should be used outside, and indoor mats should be used inside, but there is more to it than that! Here at Commercial Matting, we manufacture a variety of mats, from coir and synthetic, to fully rubber types. All of the mats we stock are designed to prevent slip and trip accidents, as well as reduce floor damage by keeping your premises clean.

It is up to you where you install your mat, but they are generally placed at entranceways that experience a high level of foot traffic. In this blog post, we are going to cover the do’s and don’ts of outdoor and indoor matting for you to consider.

Before purchasing a mat, you need to evaluate the area in which you want to install it, for example, the size of the space, the depth of the mat you will need, and whether it is sheltered or not. We manufacture a variety of mats that are created out of a range of materials, some of which perform better in certain conditions than others, which we have explained below.

Coir mats

Coir mats are made from coconut fibres, which are coarse and rough in texture to scrape the soles of shoes effectively. The fibres are incredibly durable, making this style of mat perfect for busy areas which are prone to a high level of footfall. Their good absorbency level also means they successfully collect excess moisture before it is tracked into your building, resulting in a much tidier and less slippery floor surface. Coir mats are one of our most popular products, with many of our customers utilising them in doorway entrances, but where else can you install them and where can you not?

As we mentioned above, where you install your mat is completely up to you, but there are factors which may affect the lifespan and functionality of the product.

Do’s

  • Coir matting is great for any indoor location, for example in entrances, offices, reception areas, and more.
  • Their durability means they can be placed in both low and high-usage locations.
  • To keep your mat in top-notch condition, you should regularly maintain the look of your mat. Coir can easily be cleaned to reduce wear and tear, through vacuuming or brushing.

Don’ts

  • Although coir has a good level of absorbency, it is not waterproof and can become waterlogged if left in outdoor locations which experience harsh weather. We recommend using coir mats indoors or in sheltered outdoor areas.
  • Similarly, our coir mats are backed in PVC for anti-slip purposes. The PVC is designed to hold the excess water, to stop it from seeping onto the floor. Due to this, if the PVC becomes over-saturated with water, it will not dry out properly and will be less effective.

Indoor mats

We stock a selection of indoor mats, including coir, anti-fatigue, synthetic, and throwdown, where the latter three should only be used indoors. All of these mats are designed to eliminate dirt and moisture within your building, increasing the longevity of your flooring, and providing comfort underfoot. Indoor mats are also fantastic for sprucing up an area, to provide a good first impression on visitors and guests.

Do’s

  • Place these mats in any indoor location, where more floor protection is needed.
  • If used in an entryway, ensure there is enough room under the door and the surface of the mat, for the door to close successfully.
  • Make sure your mat is laid completely flat on the ground with no visible lips or trip risks.
  • Use our coloured mats to leave a good first impression on visitors.
  • Use heavy-duty mats where the flooring material is highly prone to damage, such as hardwood. Use light-medium duty mats in other high-traffic locations.

Don’ts

  • Synthetic and throw-down mats are not designed for outdoor use and should only be installed inside.
  • Indoor mats should not be placed close to stairways as they can cause potential slip and trip dangers, especially when positioned close to the top or bottom. Mats provide an extra bit of raised surface that may cause an imbalance when people walk over them. The edge of the mat might also cause people to trip, which you will want to avoid.
  • Steer clear of installing indoor mats over wires and cables, as people may not realise the surface is uneven. We stock specific safety mats for cables.

Outdoor mats

Outdoor rubber matting is perfect for locations which suffer from a high level of dirt and moisture, as they are heavy-duty and extremely weather resistant. When used alongside an indoor mat, the combination of the two can ensure a clean and tidy entranceway. Outdoor mats efficiently reduce the amount of water and debris that enters your building, by trapping larger pieces of dirt and effectively draining surplus water. Our outdoor mats are manufactured out of non-slip, robust rubber, that protects your staff and visitors from slip and trip risks.

Do’s

  • Use outdoor mats in any outdoor entrance area, no matter the weather conditions.
  • Clean your outdoor mat frequently with water and a brush to remove dirt and stones that may have gotten stuck in the rubber grooves.
  • As outdoor mats are created out of heavy-duty rubber, they can also be installed in industrial settings such as workshops and factories. These mats can help to prevent slip accidents caused by oil and chemical spillages.

Don’ts

  • Although rubber mats can be used in indoor locations such as workstations, we wouldn’t recommend them in settings such as offices and reception areas, as they aren’t as stylish as indoor mats. Plus, they are designed for outdoor use after all!

Here at Commercial Matting, we manufacture and supply a vast range of high-quality matting, that can be used in both indoor and outdoor locations. All of the mats we design are durable and high performing, to ensure your interiors always look the best. Please feel free to browse our extensive selection of mats on our website today or call us on 01772 330051 today for more information.