Floor mats are of many different types and each type has its specific use. We have commercial and non-commercial floor mats in the market.
We also have floor mats that are referred to as specialty mats. Specialty mats are those mats that cannot be categorized as commercial or non-commercial.
Types of floor mats and how to use them
Commercial floor mats
Commercial floor mats come in different categories, and all of them are designed for the safety of employers, employees, clients and visitors to a commercial premise. Below are types of commercial floor mats available in the market.
Logo and message mats
Logo and message mats are mats which contain a company’s logo and or a message for promoting the brand of the company. They are ideal for marketing the kind of products a company provides.
They also help to reinforce the culture of a company. The best place to use these mats is at the main entrance of a business premise or other areas where you desire to promote or reinforce your brand. They also add a touch of class.
Linked-design mats
These are uniquely designed for excellent ability to remove dirt and debris from shoes. They are made of rubber, or vinyl. Pieces of rubber or vinyl are assembled in a chain-link design that creates great grip and a great surface texture. However, they do not provide sufficient moisture absorption.
Scraper mats
These are known for great performance in the cleaning of shoes. They are also known as Bristle fibre mats because of their heavy-duty scraping bristles. They thoroughly clean off all debris and dirt from shoes by scraping it all off.
They are incredibly resilient in the face of varying weather and temperatures. They are also effective in the absorption of moisture from shoes, performing much better when compared to Linked-design mats.
Wiper mats
Just like their name suggests, wiper mats are used to wipe off all moisture from shoes, especially during the rainy seasons, due to their excellent ability to absorb and retain moisture. Unlike linked design and scraper mats, wiper mats are used indoors.
Cocoa mats
Cocoa mats are often considered wiper mats. They are made of the husk fibres of naturally grown coconuts which makes them a newer and more eco-friendly option. The husk fibres are also extremely resilient and are not easily damaged by foot traffic, guaranteeing them a long lifespan.
Recessed mats
Recessed mats are mats that are placed at the entrance of a commercial building by being installed within a recess in the floor of the entryway. They are particularly popular with facilities that experience heavy human traffic because the recess allows the mat to lie flush with the ground.
Their main purpose is to reduce the chances of tripping, thus eliminating possibilities of injuries arising from sliding or falling. This is also the reason for their installation into a recess.
Classic floor mats
The purpose of classic floor mats is to protect your floor from dirt, dust, and moisture. This is especially critical for wooden floor surfaces that stand the risk of damage by moisture. They are elegant, beautiful, and comfortable.
They also accent the ambience of your business space. Classic floor mats are versatile and can therefore be used anywhere inside a business premise. They are ideal for high traffic zones and areas where the risk of slipping and falling exists.
Drainage mats
Drainage mats are used for drainage. They are made of rubber and consist of holes through which liquids pass easily, allowing drainage to take place. They are largely located in premises such as kitchens where spillage of liquids is frequent.
Workers such as cooks, and bartenders are kept safe by these mats. The drainage mats work by channelling liquids such as water to the floor, keeping the uppermost rubber walking surface dry and safe.
Anti-fatigue mats
These are mats intended or designed to combat fatigue in the feet especially for employees whose tasks entail standing for long hours while working. They have a layered design and core that enables controlled compression during use.
As the mats compress, they stimulate the feet, legs, and lower back muscles, triggering more blood flow and promoting a great feeling of comfort to the feet. They are ideal for factory assembly lines, cash registers at retail stores, and take-away restaurants.
Anti-static mats
Anti-static mats are largely used in computer labs and other environments such as offices, where computers and flat screens are located. Their purpose is to reduce the risk of static discharge and electric shocks.
Grease-resistant floor mats
Grease-resistant floor mats are designed as heavy-duty mats capable of combating grease. They provide safety from falls arising from greasy floor surfaces. They are extremely essential in commercial kitchens of restaurants, hotels, homes of the destitute, hospitals, schools, and children’s homes.
You will also find them in motor vehicle garages. If you have to clean up grease in your premises on a daily basis due to splattering and getting onto the floor, then a grease-resistant floor mat is just what you need.
Switchboard mats
These are mats used in more dangerous work environments and they are designed to protect employees from electrical shocks. They are perfect for use around control panels, fuse boxes and heavy machinery.
Tacky floor mats
Tacky floor mats are also known as cleanroom mats. They are mainly used for general maintenance, medical applications and in construction zones. They contain adhesive properties that help to collect dirt and dust particles from shoes, thus protecting floors and maintaining a clean environment. Tacky floor mats can be used on most hard floor surfaces such as concrete and tiled floors.
Specialty mats
Specialty mats are mats that are both non-commercial and non-residential by design and in terms of use. Here is a look at some of them.
Weight-room floor mats
Weight-room floor mats can be used in gyms and fitness centres to protect the floors. They serve the purpose of preventing scuffs and marks that tend to be caused by heavy equipment.
They are made of rubber, and they fit together like pieces of a puzzle, allowing you to create a customized covering that perfectly matches the dimensions of your space.
Gym mats
Gym mats are also known as exercise mats. They protect the body during exercise while some are designed to protect the gym floor.
Interlocking floor mats
Interlocking floor mats are used in wet areas like locker rooms and swimming pools and are resistant to mildew, fungi and bacteria. They come in small pieces which are then interlocked together to make the desired size. This ensures they can be used anywhere.
Vehicle floor mats
Vehicle floor mats are also very common. They come in a wide variety which ranges from solid rubber options that offer better protection during winter or very cold weather, to clear ones that protect against mud during the rainy seasons.
They help to trap spills, dirt, mud, and debris brought into a vehicle via foot traffic, especially by children and pets. This also helps to protect the vehicle’s carpet and carpet mats.
Chair mats
Chair mats are mats that are specifically designed for use underneath office chairs to protect carpets and floor surfaces from damage that can arise from indentations, scuffs, and other marks.
They are also intended for easing movement within a workspace because it is far much easier to roll a chair on a chair mat than on a carpet. Lack of chair mats in an office is known to cause legs to strain and backs to ache, reducing productivity.
Non-commercial floor mats
Non-commercial floor mats are basically residential floor mats. These are the mats found in homes and other private premises. They are designed for residential installation and are made of rubber, vinyl, or carpet. Mats made of rubber or vinyl last very long as compared to mats made of carpet. Let us look at some of them.
Door mats or Entrance mats
These are used at the entrance into a home or private residence. They are usually placed outside the main door that allows access into a building. They are useful for cleaning and wiping off mud, dirt, and dust from shoes.
Bedside mats
Just like door mats, bedside mats are very common as most people love to use them. They are usually placed along the side of the bed. They measure 6 feet in length, just like the length of a bed.
Their purpose is to allow you to place your feet on a warm, feet-soothing mat for comfort when getting in and out of bed, or when seated at the edge of your bed.
Bedside fall mats
These are special mats that are placed on the floor of a bedroom along the side of a bed in a home or next to a hospital bed. They are made from high-impact foam with shock absorbing material for the purpose of preventing injuries from possible falls.
The material resists compression under impact. They are intended for use by the elderly as they are more prone to falls due to frailty.
Bathmats
A bathmat is used on the floor of a bathroom to provide a warm and non-slip surface. It is also designed to absorb small amounts of water, much like a bath towel.
Rubber grass mats
These are commonly used on playgrounds and play areas. They are also used around play equipment located on playgrounds, schools, and domestic properties where the risk of falling is high.
They in particular help to protect children against critical falls from high heights. They are simple to use as all one needs is to lay them on a grass or soil surface. They offer immediate protection against serious injuries.
Materials and use of rubber grass materials
Rubber grass mats are usually manufactured from virgin rubber material and with holes that allow for grass to grow within the structure. This offers a green and free drainage solution thus improving safety in playgrounds and play areas.
Rubber grass mats are also used for temporary events such as weddings to create a temporal removable passage or standing area. They help to protect the grass from damage through erosion.
They are usually pegged into the ground then tied to each other using cables, allowing for quick installation and quick removal.
Kitchen floor mats
These are mats designed specifically for kitchen floors. They are intended for keeping the sink area clean and safe while relieving stress from feet when standing at the sink area. We have anti-slip kitchen mats for preventing slipping in case of spillage of liquids.
We also have anti-fatigue kitchen floor mats for cushioning feet from fatigue when standing for long hours. Water-proof kitchen mats are another type of mats which do not absorb water, allowing you to stand on a dry mat even when the kitchen floor is wet.
Different kitchen floor mats serve different purposes so during purchase, think about the purpose. You will most likely want two or more due to their diverse uses.
The most basic kitchen floor mats look and feel like plastic. However, there are those that are made of memory foam, rubber, and even bamboo. They are designed to look good and to last a long time. Use a color that blends with your entire kitchen to produce visual harmony.
Waterhog floor mats
Waterhog floor mats are 100 percent American made and are known for their distinct appearance. They are popular and great for use in both commercial and residential premises. They are made of crush-proof polypropylene material which aggressively cleans dirt and debris while trapping it below the surface.
Wet area floor mats
These are available in both anti-fatigue and regular styles. Anti-fatigue wet area floor mats perform exceptionally well in wet areas but also adds great comfort to feet. They are ideal for use in food preparation areas of commercial kitchens and dish rooms.
They can be used where coolers such as fridges and freezers are located. They are also ideal for use in grocery stores, behind bars, and in outdoor rumps leading into a business premise.
