Guide to Selecting Mats for Different Environments

Finding the right mat can be tricky unless you know exactly what you are looking for. Mats are manufactured to perform a wide range of functions in numerous contexts. A good way to narrow down your search and find the mat that is best suited to your needs is to answer some questions regarding where your mat will be and what it will be doing.

Here is a guide to help you select the mat that is right for you.

Mats are designed to perform in specific environments. The first step toward finding the right mat, therefore, is to identify the kind of environment your mat will be in. Here is a brief description of the most common places or conditions where mats can be found.

From busy restaurants to hotel lobbies, indoor mats can be found in a wide variety of settings. For dry environments, workplace mats offer support for employees who will be standing in one place for long periods of time in places like warehouses, packaging stations, or assembly lines. Entry mats are also common indoor mats that can provide an aesthetic quality, as well as keep dirt from being tracked inside. For wet indoor areas like restaurants, anti-slip mats provide traction and support that can reduce workplace falls.

For dry outdoor areas like sidewalks or entryways, outdoor entrance mats can provide traction for pedestrians as well as trap debris. For cold or wet environments, mats like the Scraper Exterior Entrance Mat feature a rigid, natural-rubber construction that will withstand extremely low temperatures.

Some environments require more specialized mats like ESD or disinfectant mats. ESD are static dissipative mats that offer protection from static electricity. Disinfectant mats are used in places like hospitals or other sterile environments that require antimicrobial protection.

In addition to the environment that the mat will be in, it is also important to consider what function that mat will be serving in that environment. Mats are designed to perform a range of functions, so identifying what you need your mat to do will help you make the right selection. Here is a brief outline of some of the most common types of mats.

In many industries, workers are required to stand in one place for long periods of time. Anti-fatigue mats are cushioned mats that reduce foot pressure and promote blood flow for stationary workers. Over time, anti-fatigue mats can protect staff from a long-term injury.

For wet areas, anti-slip mats provide traction that can reduce workplace slips and falls. Some anti-slip mats also feature a grease-resistant or oil-resistant design. Whether you need an entryway anti-slip mat or a workstation mat that offers support and traction, NoTrax has a wide range of anti-slip options available.

Entrance mats are commonly seen in lobbies, foyers, or other entryways. They are ideal for trapping debris and dirt that pedestrians track in. Entry mats are also available in anti-slip options that will offer traction to reduce slips and falls.

Floor protector mats can keep dirt and debris out of carpets or protect vinyl floors from being scratched by foot-traffic or roller chairs.