Why Entrance Matting Should Be Considered at Design Stage

Entrance matting is often treated as a final addition to a project. In reality, it plays a vital role in safety, maintenance, and overall building performance.

Following a CPD session with CO-ARC International Architects, we examined how early-stage specification can significantly improve outcomes across commercial and public spaces.

Why it matters

  1. Safety starts at the entrance
    Up to 80% of dirt and moisture enters a building through its main access points,  increasing slip risk from the first step inside.
  2. The hidden cost of late decisions
    Without a well-designed entrance system, cleaning demands increase and internal flooring wears out more quickly – leading to higher long-term operational costs.
  3. Design and performance should work together
    Modern entrance matting solutions can be specified to align with architectural intent, offering flexibility in materials, finishes, and even branding.

Design considerations

For entrance matting to perform effectively, it needs to be considered early and approached as a system:

  • Sufficient matting length based on expected footfall
  • Clear zoning (external, internal, and transitional areas)
  • Material selection suited to the environment
  • Seamless integration with surrounding floor finishes

By addressing entrance matting at the design stage, architects can reduce risk, improve lifecycle performance, and create cleaner, safer environments from day one.

Speak to COBA SA about specifying the right systems for your next project.

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