What Size of Entrance Mat do I need for it to be Effective?

Getting the correct size of entrance matting for your needs usually depends on:

• The number of visitors
• The amount of dirt and moisture and type of dirt that is tracked in
• What size matting you can physically fit into your entrance area

As a guide, to remove enough soil and keep floors safe, The Carpet and Rug Institute recommend a minimum of 12 to 15 feet of entrance matting is used for an office building. 20 or 25 feet is recommended for a grocery store or hospital. (Source: Carpet & Rug Institute).

However, in the UK, many building entrances tend to have mats that are 3×5 or 4×6 feet in size. While these sizes may offer a wider choice of colours and styles, they are often insufficient to do a good job in a retail environment. Wet floor signs placed after the mats, are frequently the sign of ineffective mats. They are too small to remove all of the dirt and moisture and so it finds its way onto the surrounding floors.

Unfortunately this ‘one size fits all approach’ is ineffective. As we’ve learned from the Carpet & Rug Institute, these standard sizes are nowhere near enough to do a good job. It’s important to remember that the larger the mat, the more effective it will be in removing dirt and water.

While obstacles may prevent the use of recommended length matting, purchasing the largest mat that will fit your entrance will increase the chances of people stepping on the mat multiple times and giving it the best chance to perform its function. Avoid purchasing a mat based on looks alone.

Factoring in the above, we recommend you buy the largest mat that will practically fit into your entrance area. This way, people will step on the mat multiple times, allowing it to perform its function to the fullest.

Additional factors to consider when deciding on the size of entrance matting you need, include:

1. Is this a busy entrance?
2. Do push chairs, trollies, buggies or wheelchairs come through this entrance?
3. Is the entrance outside exposed to wet weather?
4. Do people walk through your entrance and away in multiple directions?

Answered ‘Yes’ to any of the above? You are going to need more matting in place for it to be as effective.

To increase the length of your entrance matting, you can utilize multiple mats in different areas. For example, combining an outdoor entrance mat with an indoor entrance mat and a finishing mat can create an effective entry mat system. In fact, having more than one type of mat in place is considered best practice. For more information on using mats in combination with each other, please see “The 3 Zone Entrance Mat System” section of this guide.

Another way to increase matting is to place mats in high-traffic areas such as corridors, reception areas, and elevators. Matting floor tiles can also be used instead of carpet in rooms to remove dirt and water from footwear and contain it in a controlled area that can be easily cleaned.

Still unsure about which size entrance mat to choose for your business? Our team of experts is here to help. Feel free to reach out to us by calling 0121 312 3222 or visiting our contact page. We’re always happy to provide personalised advice and help you find the ideal matting solution for your unique needs.