What You Should Know Before Buying Commercial Floor Mats

When you’re in the market for commercial floor mats, one of the first things you’ll learn is that there are many different options to choose from. Knowing the terms associated with floor mats and what the different types are used for will help you determine which type or combination of mats are best suited for your business.

All floor mats are designed to provide a safer environment for your staff and visitors but they do have different purposes, so you want to choose the right one for the job. The most common types of floor mats are grouped in categories and discussed below.

Entrance Mats

The two most common types of entrance mats are called the scraper and wiper mats. The scraper mats are used outside the entranceway to scrape the majority of the dirt and debris from the shoes and to absorb most of the moisture before the person walks inside. These are tough and durable enough to hold up to this rough environment and they’re your first line of protection for your visitors. The wiper mats are usually placed inside the entranceway to absorb any moisture and to pick up any debris the scraper mats leave behind.

Mats Designed to Protect Your Employees

Some floor mats are designed specifically to protect your employees. The anti-fatigue and the ergonomic mats are good examples of these. Both are created to provide support and comfort for the worker by reducing some of the stress on the body caused from standing for long periods. These mats give a little with movement so they help to reduce fatigue, pain and injuries.

Anti-static mats help reduce static electricity that builds up in the body, which protects the worker from static shock and it helps prevent this static electricity from damaging sensitive equipment. The non-conductive floor mats provide insulation for the employee that protects them from serious shocks when working with high voltage equipment.

Restaurant kitchen mats are designed to help prevent slip and fall accidents in restaurants, cafeterias and anywhere else food is prepared. These mats are usually made from rubber and they’re designed with grease resistant capabilities. They help reduce the risk of accidents that occur in these areas and some of them also have anti-fatigue properties for more comfort.

Specialty Mats

Chair mats, gym mats, locker room mats and even custom made logo mats are some of the commercial floor mats that fall into the specialty category. Other specialty mats could include message floor mats, contamination control mats and eco-friendly mats. You even have a variety of choices to pick from in each of these categories. For example, when you look at gym mats some are heavy duty for weight rooms and others are anti-fatigue mats for clients performing high-impact aerobics.

Years ago commercial floor mats were all basically made the same way and quality was the only thing you really needed to be concerned with but that is not true today. With so many options available, it’s important that you learn about the different types before you buy, so you’ll know which ones will benefit you the most. Choosing the right type of mat for your specific needs will ensure you’re getting the most from your investment.