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How to Choose the Right Indoor Mat for your Needs. A Step-by-Step Guide

Choosing the perfect indoor mat for your home or office can seem like a daunting task. With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. Indoor mats serve an important purpose – they help trap dirt, moisture, and debris from shoes before it gets tracked throughout your floors. Having the right indoor mat in place can save you time on cleaning, preserve your floors, and prevent slips and falls. This step-by-step guide will take you through all the factors to consider when selecting indoor mats to find the best fit for your needs.

Shades Eco Heavy Duty Mats Main

Proper indoor door mats can make all the difference when it comes to hygiene and safety, whether it’s in the home or office. By absorbing dirt and moisture from foot traffic, quality indoor mats keep floors clean while also providing grip to prevent slips and falls on hard floors.

With so many choices available, from textures and materials to sizes and shapes, it can be difficult to know where to start when choosing the right indoor mat for your space. This guide will walk you through all the key considerations to select the perfect indoor door mat for high traffic areas in your home or office.

Size Matters

The first factor to consider is the size of the mat. You’ll want your indoor mat to cover enough floor space to capture dirt and moisture from multiple footfalls. Measure the area where you plan to place the mat and add an extra 60-90 cm length to account for taking more than one step onto the mat. Mats that are too small will allow wet and dirty shoes to bypass the mat, rendering it ineffective. At the same time, take care not to choose an oversized mat that doesn’t fit the space as it can buckle or fold to create tripping hazards. Opt for mats with bevelled edges to provide a smooth transition between flooring types.

Material Selection

Indoor mats come in a range of materials, each with their own benefits:

  • Rubber – Extremely durable, flexible and easy to clean. Provides excellent traction. Can be heavy.
  • Polypropylene – Lightweight synthetic fiber that dries quickly and is stain resistant.
  • Polyamide (Nylon) – Withstands heavy traffic. Has good fading resistance.
  • Cotton – Very absorbent and soft underfoot. Shows stains, doesn’t dry quickly and requires frequent washing.
  • Coir (Coconut Fibre) – Natural fibre mat with excellent dirt and moisture absorption. Eco-friendly.
  • Vinyl – Waterproof and flexible. Good value, typically not as durable as rubber mats. Easy to clean.

Consider factors like level of traffic, type of debris, environment, comfort underfoot, and ease of care when choosing a material.

Assessing Traffic Type

Evaluate the primary type of traffic that will travel over the mat – namely foot traffic from people walking vs. wheeled traffic like wheelchairs, strollers, or trollies. If wheeled traffic is expected, ensure the mat sits flat with no buckling and has bevelled edges. Mats with rubber or vinyl backings tend to stay flat and provide a smooth rolling surface. Even better, place the mat in a recess so it lays flush to the surrounding floor.

Wheelchair approaching entrance mat

Height Matters

Pay attention to mat thickness, as a mat that is too thick can cause tripping issues. If placing in a mat well, measure the height of the well and choose a mat thickness that fits flush with the floor level. Consider low profile mats with bevelled edges to help prevent tripping hazards

Durability

Since indoor mats are subject to continual foot traffic and wear, long lasting durability is a key factor. Offices, schools, supermarkets and airports all use indoor mats to reduce the risk of slippery floors but these are all locations that are hugely busy so think carefully about picking a hard wearing indoor mat. Look for mats made with commercial grade materials that can stand up to heavy daily use. Check product specifications and speak to your mat supplier for durability advice.

Non-Slip Indoor Mats

Hard floors can become slippery when wet, so having a non-slip indoor mat is crucial for safety. Two common types of backing help keep mats in place:

  • Rubber backing – Provides excellent grip and traction to prevent sliding. Very durable and less likely to crack or curl at the edges. Best for hard floors.
  • Vinyl/Nylon/PVC backing – Synthetic materials that adhere to the floor using static friction. Better suited to low traffic areas.

Avoid smooth-backed mats that lack non-slip properties. Test mats prior to purchase by placing a sample on your actual floor surface and walking on it.

Pro Hygiene Anti-Microbial Mat Backing

Assessing Existing Mats

Take a look at any mats already in place at entrances to the space. If outdoor scraper mats are capturing the initial mud and heavy dirt, you may only need a secondary moisture-absorbing mat on the inside. Conversely, if you lack sufficient exterior matting, invest in a heavy-duty primary mat for interior entrances. Use different mats to perform different tasks as required. Evaluate the mat setup holistically.

Assessing Traffic Direction

Note which direction visitors will be approaching the entrance from and how they travel over and away into the building. This can determine ideal size and shape. For example, a long runner will suit when traffic flows in one direction, while an expanded rectangular or square mat works well for open reception areas.

Long Velour Vinyl runner mat

Budget Considerations

Indoor commercial mats span a wide range of budgets. Prioritise key performance factors like slip resistance and moisture absorption based on your biggest needs. Compromise on aesthetics or supplementary features if required to meet your budget parameters. With regular care, even lower cost mats can provide years of service.

Cleaning Your Door Mats

For indoor mats to be effective they should be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent the build up and spread of dirt or grime. Consider how you will clean the mat when making your purchase. Machine washable mats offer convenience if you can wash and dry them in your existing appliances. Other options include a laundered mat service, vacuuming, and periodic carpet extraction cleaning.

Vacuum Cleaning Your Floor Mats

Climate Considerations

If you live in a wet or snowy climate, absorbent indoor mats are crucial for capturing melting snow and rainfall. Look for deeper piled rubber or carpet style mats to hold more moisture, so that they don’t become saturated and therefore ineffective. In drier climates, focus more on mats designed for dirt and dust removal.

Maintenance

While cleaning is important, also check that the mat itself is durable and made not to fray, crack, or curl at the edges with regular use. Quality mats only require periodic vacuuming or washing to restore their appearance. Avoid mats prone to rapid wearing, fading, or deformation which can impact performance.

By taking all these factors into account, you can zero in on the ideal indoor mat for your particular home or business. Trusted Mats offers one of the largest selections of indoor mats in the UK to help you find the perfect fit. Feel free to call us on 0121 312 3222 for personalized guidance on choosing the right option for your space and traffic needs. With the right indoor mat in place, you’ll enjoy clean floors, happy feet, and reduced slips and falls.

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect indoor mat requires carefully thinking through your specific needs in terms of size, material, performance factors, and maintenance. By taking accurate measurements, understanding your traffic type and volume, and realistically assessing your climate and cleaning commitment, you can select an indoor mat that ticks all your requirement boxes.

Indoor mats are a worthwhile investment for any home or business as they provide safety, hygiene, and preservation of flooring. This guide has walked through the key considerations as you evaluate options and make the decision for your space. Quality mats like those offered by Trusted Mats are made to last through years of daily use with proper regular care.

Visit the Trusted Mats website to view our full range of exceptional indoor mats to address needs from high performance to aesthetics.

Still uncertain what product is right for you? Reach out by calling 0121 312 3222 or using our online contact form. Our team is ready to provide personalised guidance to find your perfect indoor mat match. Invest in the best and start reaping the benefits of cleaner, safer indoor floors.

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