Top 10 Floor Mats - Which Floor Mat Should You Use As an Entrance Mat?
The top 10 floor mats used in businesses today are popular for different reasons.
Some of the factors to consider are price, functionality and aesthetics.
Identifying which factor is the most important to you will assist you in choosing a floor mat that works best for your particular application.
It is helpful to understand that what the floor mats are made of will affect the benefits provided to the end user - and the price.
For instance, many of the more popular floor mats used as entrance mats consist of either a vinyl or rubber backed mat and some sort of carpet fiber on the surface that is usually either a solution dyed polypropylene fiber or nylon fiber.
The face weight of that surface fiber will greatly affect the price and the performance of the floor mat.
Another factor affecting the price and performance is the design of the surface fiber (i.
e.
, cut pile, looped, needlepunch, etc.
).
This design offers a different look along with differing performance characteristics.
Below, please find 10 of the most popular floor mats used today.
Each floor mat can be used as an entrance mat.
Some of these floor mats will possess features that will allow it to be used either inside, outside or both.
Some of the mats will have the freedom to be customized with either a logo or a special size to address particular needs, and some of these mats can be used as a surface type of mat, in a recessed pit application, or both.
1.
Olefin Floor Mats - Indoor Use Only Vinyl Backed Inexpensive Available in 3', 4' and 6' Wide Goods up to 60' in length Cut Pile Construction usually 18 - 24 ounces in face weight Ideal for use on hard floors when dollars are tight Useable Lifespan:6 Months to 1 Year Logo Options:Flocked, Vinyl Insert 2.
Dual Rib Floor Mats - Indoor or Outdoor Use Vinyl Backed with Ribbed Fiber Surface Relatively Inexpensive Available in 3', 4' and 6' Wide Goods up to 60' in length Needle Punched Polypropylene construction between 18 -24 ounces in faceweight Polyproplyene fibers are resistant to stains and dry quickly Ideal for use on hard floors when better soil removal is desired Useable Lifespan:6 Months to 1 Year Logo Options:Flocked, Vinyl Insert 3.
Chevron Floor Mats - Indoor or Outdoor Use Vinyl Backed with Herringbone Fiber Surface Relatively Inexpensive Available in 3', 4' and 6' Wide Goods up to 60' in length Needle Punched Polypropylene construction usually between 18 -24 ounces in faceweight Polyproplyene fibers are resistant to stains and dry quickly Ideal for use on hard floors when better soil removal and a different look is desired Useable Lifespan:6 Months to 1 Year Logo Options:Flocked, Vinyl Insert 4.
Hobnail Floor Mats - Indoor or Outdoor Use Vinyl Backed with a Diamond or Berber Patterned Fiber Construction Relatively Inexpensive Available in 3', 4' and 6' Wide Goods up to 60' in length Needle Punched Polypropylene construction usually between 18 -24 ounces in faceweight Polyproplyene fibers are resistant to stains and dry quickly Ideal for use on hard floors when better soil removal is desired Useable Lifespan:6 Months to 1 Year Logo Options:Flocked, Vinyl Insert 5.
Waffle Mat Floor Mats - Indoor or Outdoor Use Rubber Backed with a Waffle Iron pattern Backing can be gripper or smooth backed Edging possesses a water dam to prevent excess moisture from seeping off of the mat Moderately expensive Available in 3', 4' and 6' Wide Goods up to 60' in length Needle Punched Polypropylene construction usually less than 26 ounces in faceweight Polyproplyene fibers are resistant to stains and dry quickly Raised rubber nubs under each square of the waffle pattern, make this mat a superior choice for scraping shoes and elevating foot traffic above any moisture retained in the mat Waffle Mats and many of these types of mats are also available in tiles for large areas and can be installed in a recessed application or used as a surface mat Useable Lifespan:2-3 Years Logo Options:Inlay 6.
Waterhog Grand Premiere Floor Mats - Indoor or Outdoor Use Rubber Backed with a Diamond pattern and a 1/2 oval or double 1/2 oval end Gripper Backed with fabric border This mat has revolutionized the floor mat industry as it is truly attractive and functional Moderately Expensive High End Look and Performance with over 30 sizes and many color from which to choose Needle Punched Polypropylene in a 36 Ounce Faceweight Useable Lifespan:2-3 Years No Logo Options at this time 7.
Rubber Backed Nylon Twist Floor Mats - Indoor Use Only Rubber Backed with a Cleated or Smooth Backing Moderately Expensive Available readily in 3', 4', 5' and 6' widths up to about 40' - Certain types of this style of matting under a different name are available in 7', 8', 9', 10' 11' and 12' widths up to about 40' in length Face Fiber is a Nylon in a looped pile generally 18 - 20 Ounce Faceweight - some versions of this rubber backed nylon twist mat are solution dyed to resist staining Ideal use is as a finishing wiper mat to absorb moisture from shoes Many colors from which to choose Useable Lifespan:2-8 Years Logo Options:Tufting and Dye Process 8.
SandTrap Floor Mats - Indoor or Outdoor Use Rubber Crumb or Waffle Backed Moderately Expensive Available in any size up to 13'2" x 82' in length - All mats are custom Face Fiber is Solution Dyed Heavy Denier Polypropylene in a Berber Pattern When used as a surface mat, rubber edging can be applied to ease transitions Ideal for heavy traffic applications like office buildings, malls, airports, schools, etc Can be used as a surface mat, glued in place or loose lay and also as a recessed floor mat in an interior or exterior recess Due to roll sizes available, this product lends itself to odd configurations and sizes This tough product not only looks good, it is tough enough to use in football locker rooms and is actually spike proof when glued down Useable Lifespan:2 - 5 Years Logo Options:Inlay and Flocking Processes 9.
Aluminum Foot Grille Floor Mats - Indoor or Outdoor Use The surface of the matting can be outfitted with carpet inserts, aluminum abrasive inserts, vinyl inserts or have a serrated aluminum construction - Most popular are the carpet inserts Carpet Inserts are replaceable to offer many years of functionality Expensive The foot grille version of these mats are very durable and are recommended for high traffic use and lend themselves to recessed applications where a drain may be necessary The foot grilles can only be used in a deep recessed application Each foot grille floor mat is custom fabricated Architects like these style of mats for their high end look It is recommended to utilize an experienced floor matting contractor when choosing this matting system Useable Lifespan:Very Long provided the Aluminum does not become damaged.
Carpet Inserts will need replacement every 2-3 years, but this system has been known to last for 15 years or longer Logo Options:Limited 10.
Aluminum Roll-up Floor Mats - Indoor or Outdoor Use Aluminum roll-up matting is available with aluminum, PVC or rubber hinges The surface of the matting can be outfitted with carpet inserts, aluminum abrasive inserts, vinyl inserts or have a serrated aluminum construction - Most popular are the carpet inserts Carpet Inserts are often replaceable to offer many years of use Expensive These mats can be used in either a recessed or surface application Each floor mat is custom fabricated Architects like these style of mats for their high end look It is recommended to utilize an experienced floor matting contractor when choosing this matting system - especially if there is a custom shape or size requirement Useable Lifespan:Aluminum hinge versions last longest, PVC versions last about 2 years, rubber lasts for 3-4 years.
The carpet inserts will need to be replaced every 2-3 years provided that the matting system is in good shape Logo Options:Limited There you have the top 10 types of floor matting available on the market today.
There are literally hundreds of manufacturers for these mats.
Each manufacturer may alter some of the features of his product.
Generally, however, one can use the above information to make an informed decision prior to choosing a floor mat for his entrance.
Some of the factors to consider are price, functionality and aesthetics.
Identifying which factor is the most important to you will assist you in choosing a floor mat that works best for your particular application.
It is helpful to understand that what the floor mats are made of will affect the benefits provided to the end user - and the price.
For instance, many of the more popular floor mats used as entrance mats consist of either a vinyl or rubber backed mat and some sort of carpet fiber on the surface that is usually either a solution dyed polypropylene fiber or nylon fiber.
The face weight of that surface fiber will greatly affect the price and the performance of the floor mat.
Another factor affecting the price and performance is the design of the surface fiber (i.
e.
, cut pile, looped, needlepunch, etc.
).
This design offers a different look along with differing performance characteristics.
Below, please find 10 of the most popular floor mats used today.
Each floor mat can be used as an entrance mat.
Some of these floor mats will possess features that will allow it to be used either inside, outside or both.
Some of the mats will have the freedom to be customized with either a logo or a special size to address particular needs, and some of these mats can be used as a surface type of mat, in a recessed pit application, or both.
1.
Olefin Floor Mats - Indoor Use Only Vinyl Backed Inexpensive Available in 3', 4' and 6' Wide Goods up to 60' in length Cut Pile Construction usually 18 - 24 ounces in face weight Ideal for use on hard floors when dollars are tight Useable Lifespan:6 Months to 1 Year Logo Options:Flocked, Vinyl Insert 2.
Dual Rib Floor Mats - Indoor or Outdoor Use Vinyl Backed with Ribbed Fiber Surface Relatively Inexpensive Available in 3', 4' and 6' Wide Goods up to 60' in length Needle Punched Polypropylene construction between 18 -24 ounces in faceweight Polyproplyene fibers are resistant to stains and dry quickly Ideal for use on hard floors when better soil removal is desired Useable Lifespan:6 Months to 1 Year Logo Options:Flocked, Vinyl Insert 3.
Chevron Floor Mats - Indoor or Outdoor Use Vinyl Backed with Herringbone Fiber Surface Relatively Inexpensive Available in 3', 4' and 6' Wide Goods up to 60' in length Needle Punched Polypropylene construction usually between 18 -24 ounces in faceweight Polyproplyene fibers are resistant to stains and dry quickly Ideal for use on hard floors when better soil removal and a different look is desired Useable Lifespan:6 Months to 1 Year Logo Options:Flocked, Vinyl Insert 4.
Hobnail Floor Mats - Indoor or Outdoor Use Vinyl Backed with a Diamond or Berber Patterned Fiber Construction Relatively Inexpensive Available in 3', 4' and 6' Wide Goods up to 60' in length Needle Punched Polypropylene construction usually between 18 -24 ounces in faceweight Polyproplyene fibers are resistant to stains and dry quickly Ideal for use on hard floors when better soil removal is desired Useable Lifespan:6 Months to 1 Year Logo Options:Flocked, Vinyl Insert 5.
Waffle Mat Floor Mats - Indoor or Outdoor Use Rubber Backed with a Waffle Iron pattern Backing can be gripper or smooth backed Edging possesses a water dam to prevent excess moisture from seeping off of the mat Moderately expensive Available in 3', 4' and 6' Wide Goods up to 60' in length Needle Punched Polypropylene construction usually less than 26 ounces in faceweight Polyproplyene fibers are resistant to stains and dry quickly Raised rubber nubs under each square of the waffle pattern, make this mat a superior choice for scraping shoes and elevating foot traffic above any moisture retained in the mat Waffle Mats and many of these types of mats are also available in tiles for large areas and can be installed in a recessed application or used as a surface mat Useable Lifespan:2-3 Years Logo Options:Inlay 6.
Waterhog Grand Premiere Floor Mats - Indoor or Outdoor Use Rubber Backed with a Diamond pattern and a 1/2 oval or double 1/2 oval end Gripper Backed with fabric border This mat has revolutionized the floor mat industry as it is truly attractive and functional Moderately Expensive High End Look and Performance with over 30 sizes and many color from which to choose Needle Punched Polypropylene in a 36 Ounce Faceweight Useable Lifespan:2-3 Years No Logo Options at this time 7.
Rubber Backed Nylon Twist Floor Mats - Indoor Use Only Rubber Backed with a Cleated or Smooth Backing Moderately Expensive Available readily in 3', 4', 5' and 6' widths up to about 40' - Certain types of this style of matting under a different name are available in 7', 8', 9', 10' 11' and 12' widths up to about 40' in length Face Fiber is a Nylon in a looped pile generally 18 - 20 Ounce Faceweight - some versions of this rubber backed nylon twist mat are solution dyed to resist staining Ideal use is as a finishing wiper mat to absorb moisture from shoes Many colors from which to choose Useable Lifespan:2-8 Years Logo Options:Tufting and Dye Process 8.
SandTrap Floor Mats - Indoor or Outdoor Use Rubber Crumb or Waffle Backed Moderately Expensive Available in any size up to 13'2" x 82' in length - All mats are custom Face Fiber is Solution Dyed Heavy Denier Polypropylene in a Berber Pattern When used as a surface mat, rubber edging can be applied to ease transitions Ideal for heavy traffic applications like office buildings, malls, airports, schools, etc Can be used as a surface mat, glued in place or loose lay and also as a recessed floor mat in an interior or exterior recess Due to roll sizes available, this product lends itself to odd configurations and sizes This tough product not only looks good, it is tough enough to use in football locker rooms and is actually spike proof when glued down Useable Lifespan:2 - 5 Years Logo Options:Inlay and Flocking Processes 9.
Aluminum Foot Grille Floor Mats - Indoor or Outdoor Use The surface of the matting can be outfitted with carpet inserts, aluminum abrasive inserts, vinyl inserts or have a serrated aluminum construction - Most popular are the carpet inserts Carpet Inserts are replaceable to offer many years of functionality Expensive The foot grille version of these mats are very durable and are recommended for high traffic use and lend themselves to recessed applications where a drain may be necessary The foot grilles can only be used in a deep recessed application Each foot grille floor mat is custom fabricated Architects like these style of mats for their high end look It is recommended to utilize an experienced floor matting contractor when choosing this matting system Useable Lifespan:Very Long provided the Aluminum does not become damaged.
Carpet Inserts will need replacement every 2-3 years, but this system has been known to last for 15 years or longer Logo Options:Limited 10.
Aluminum Roll-up Floor Mats - Indoor or Outdoor Use Aluminum roll-up matting is available with aluminum, PVC or rubber hinges The surface of the matting can be outfitted with carpet inserts, aluminum abrasive inserts, vinyl inserts or have a serrated aluminum construction - Most popular are the carpet inserts Carpet Inserts are often replaceable to offer many years of use Expensive These mats can be used in either a recessed or surface application Each floor mat is custom fabricated Architects like these style of mats for their high end look It is recommended to utilize an experienced floor matting contractor when choosing this matting system - especially if there is a custom shape or size requirement Useable Lifespan:Aluminum hinge versions last longest, PVC versions last about 2 years, rubber lasts for 3-4 years.
The carpet inserts will need to be replaced every 2-3 years provided that the matting system is in good shape Logo Options:Limited There you have the top 10 types of floor matting available on the market today.
There are literally hundreds of manufacturers for these mats.
Each manufacturer may alter some of the features of his product.
Generally, however, one can use the above information to make an informed decision prior to choosing a floor mat for his entrance.
