The Complete Guide to Entrance Matting: An Essential Solution

Entrance matting is often overlooked but serves as a vital component of any building. Not only does it make a lasting first impression, but it also plays a pivotal role in safety, maintenance, and sustainability. COBA Flooring is at the forefront of entrance matting, providing an extensive range of high-quality solutions that cater to various needs, traffic levels, and environmental goals. Let’s dive into the details of entrance matting, from types and benefits to practical considerations.

Why Entrance Matting is Needed

First impressions count, and visitors often make judgements about a space in just seconds. Entrance matting is a crucial part of this initial impact; it communicates a sense of cleanliness and professionalism right from the door.

However, appearance is just one aspect of its importance. Entrance matting plays a critical safety role. In 2022/23, slips, trips, and falls made up 32% of non-fatal workplace injuries in the UK, costing businesses an estimated £20.7 billion due to injuries and lost productivity. By trapping dirt, moisture, and contaminants, entrance matting significantly reduces slip hazards, making your premises safer and potentially cutting costs associated with accidents and maintenance.

Different Types of Entrance Matting

COBA Flooring offers a wide selection of entrance matting solutions, each designed with specific purposes in mind. Here’s an overview of the most popular types:

• Entrance & Barrier Matting: Designed to protect your building from dirt/moisture at the point of entry. As the first line of defence, entrance matting traps contaminants right at the door, helping to reduce maintenance and preserve interior floors. Complementing this, barrier matting adds an extra layer of protection, preventing further ingress of dirt and debris. Both systems are durable, easy to install, and available in multiple finishes to suit various aesthetic and functional needs, from ribbed carpet to robust aluminium designs.
• Entrance Tiles: For mid-range projects, entrance tiles offer a versatile solution for Zones 1 to 3. With options like COBA’s Premier range, these tiles fit recessed entrance wells, and are available with ramped edging.  They can be easily removed or replaced, making maintenance hassle-free. Available in different colours and finishes, entrance tiles are ideal for any environment from healthcare facilities to retail spaces.
• Logo Matting: If branding is a priority, logo mats provide an excellent opportunity to make a statement. COBA Flooring’s logo matting options allow businesses to display their logo or messaging right at the entrance, enhancing brand visibility from the very first step.

Size and Length Requirements for Entrance Matting

Choosing the right size and length for entrance matting is essential for effective dirt and moisture trapping. Generally, the length of the matting should increase with traffic volume:

• Low Traffic (Under 80 people per hour): A minimum of 3-4 meters of matting is recommended.
• Medium Traffic (Around 400 people per hour): At least 6-7 meters of matting.
• High Traffic (800+ people per hour): Ideally, 8-10 meters of matting.

Sufficient length is crucial, as it ensures that individuals make enough contact with the matting surface for it to capture debris effectively.

Benefits of Entrance Matting

Implementing entrance matting offers several advantages:

• Enhanced Appearance: A clean, well-maintained entrance creates a positive impression on visitors and employees alike.
• Branding Opportunities: With options like logo matting, you can showcase your business identity at the point of entry.
• Safety: By reducing the risk of slips and falls, entrance matting contributes to a safer environment.
• Lower Maintenance Costs: Proper matting reduces the need for constant cleaning and upkeep in entrance areas.

Installation Considerations

COBA Flooring offers professional installation service, ensuring that your entrance matting is fitted correctly and safely ensuring the product is fit for purpose. Our team can install matting outside regular business hours, minimising downtime and ensuring a seamless experience.

Maintenance of Entrance Matting

To get the most out of entrance matting, regular maintenance is essential. The choice of matting should depend on the level of foot traffic it will endure, and maintenance routines should be adapted accordingly:

• Light Traffic: Vacuum every 2-3 days, spot clean as needed, and schedule a hot water extraction annually.
• Medium Traffic: Daily vacuuming, spot cleaning as needed, and hot water extraction every six months.
• Heavy Traffic: Daily vacuuming, spot cleaning as needed, and quarterly hot water extraction.

Proper maintenance not only extends the lifespan of the matting but also ensures it continues to trap dirt and moisture effectively, maximising its return on investment.

Environmental Impact

Sustainability is a core priority for COBA Flooring, and they offer eco-friendly options like the ECONYL® matting solution. ECONYL® is made from post-industrial and post-consumer waste materials such as old carpets, fishing nets, and industrial scraps. By incorporating this innovative material, COBA Flooring offers a high-quality, sustainable choice for businesses focused on reducing their environmental footprint. Every 10,000 tons of ECONYL® saves approximately 70,000 barrels of crude oil, a significant contribution to conservation efforts.

Not only can ECONYL® be recycled repeatedly without quality loss, but it also aligns with COBA Flooring’s commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing. Incorporating sustainable products like ECONYL® matting is an investment in both environmental stewardship and the longevity of your entrance matting system.

Entrance matting is more than just a functional accessory for your building; it’s an essential investment in safety, appearance, and sustainability. COBA Flooring’s extensive range of entrance matting solutions offers something for every need, from high-traffic commercial areas to environmentally conscious installations.

Whether you’re looking for durability, customisation, or eco-friendly options, COBA Flooring has the expertise and products to help you make a positive first impression—while protecting your floors and improving safety.