How to specify entrance matting solutions for new build commercial developments

Why does entrance matting matter?

In any commercial premises, entrance matting is the first line of defence against dirt, moisture and slip risk. Additionally, a properly designed system will not only reduce wear and tear on internal floor finishes and lower cleaning costs, but will also help prevent slips and falls by trapping water and debris at the threshold. In offices, hospitals and retail properties where there are high footfall or wheeled-traffic areas, a carefully and correctly specified matting system will make a substantial difference in maintenance budgets and interior longevity.

Building regulations & compliance

In the UK, entrance matting must conform to various Building Regulations, British Standards, and HSE recommendations. 

Building Regs Approved Document M provides guidance on building access to ensure safe entrance and exit of buildings, regardless of disability. It stipulates that wheelchairs must not be impeded by floor coverings and that level transitions are imperative. Additionally, BS 7953 (Entrance flooring systems) covers the functional requirements for entrance matting, as well as materials and design, and installation and maintenance. It offers guidelines, for example, regarding minimum lengths to ensure sufficient steps to clean shoes (2.1m). 

Slip resistance is also a legal and safety concern. Floors must be suitable under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, and follow HSE benchmark recommendations for low slip potential.  

Performance & functionality

When assessing the spec for your entrance matting requirements, you should consider:

•    The capacity for dirt and moisture retention - the system must offer scraping, absorption and retention in layered zones.

•    Slip resistance across wet and dry surfaces, ideally with certified test results (pendulum testing).

•    Durability under foot and wheeled traffic (especially on trolleys, wheelchairs).

•    Ease of maintenance and cleanability (e.g. removable and washable modules).

•    All entrance systems must be structurally stable with minimal tolerances and no tripping edges.

Types of entrance matting

Project managers should consider the following types of entrance matting, all of which can be installed either in a recessed matwell or surface-mounted when a recess is not available:

Custom logo mats – An excellent branding tool, these mats feature jet-printed or inlaid designs tailored to the customer’s unique brand colours and graphics.

Heavy-duty entrance mats – Designed for high-traffic areas and external use, these mats are made from durable materials such as rubber or aluminium extrusions, typically positioned at entrances or in the primary matting zone.

Recessed entrance mats (matwells) – Installed within a matwell frame, these mats sit flush with the surrounding flooring, providing a clean, level finish.

Barrier matting – Commonly used as secondary matting, this layer is designed to absorb residual moisture left after initial debris removal.

Design & specification considerations for new build projects

•    Mat length & width – ideally entrance matting should be sufficient for users to take 8-10 steps to traverse it; for medium traffic this is typically 6m or 8-10m for high traffic areas. The width should cover the full width of the entrance so users cannot bypass the mat.

•    Matwell depth – there should be sufficient depth, typically 20-35mm for thickness of mat, plus frame and drainage. 

•    Drainage and removal of debris - recessed matting with drainage capabilities should feature a gradual fall in the subfloor to a drainage outlet beneath to remove excess water.

•    Thresholds, transitions & level tolerances - integration with adjacent flooring must be smooth and level, to avoid trip hazards, as outlined in Approved Document M.

•    Branding & aesthetics – where custom logo mats are being considered, colours should coordinate and offer a contrast for visually impaired users (guidance in BS 8300).

•    Exposure & canopy design – heavy-duty, resilient matting that offers drainage should be used where entrances are exposed. 

•    Wheeled traffic tolerance - ensure matting can withstand trolleys, wheelchairs, luggage.

Sustainability

In today’s environmentally aware world, clients and specifiers require sustainable credentials. Pay particular attention to:

•    Matting with a high recycled content

•    Products that are manufactured in the UK or those that have reduced transport emissions.

Installation & maintenance of entrance matting

•    Installation - recessed entrance mats must be installed flush, with proper edge trim and anchoring, and with appropriate tolerances to minimise issues with expansion. 

•    Commissioning cleaning - after construction, the matting must be cleaned thoroughly ahead of handover.  

•    Ongoing, routine maintenance – entrance matting should be vacuumed daily and, dependent on footfall, matting should be deep cleaned monthly to ensure the channels are kept free from excess dirt and debris. 

•    Monitoring slip performance – wear on the matting should be monitored to maintain slip resistance over time.

•    Replacement criteria – when matting becomes worn or flattened, it should be replaced to maintain function and compliance.

Sector-specific considerations

Each sector has its own unique considerations when specifying entrance matting, as follows:

•    Retail & hospitality both experience seasonal spikes in traffic so barrier matting will help to preserve interior finishes.

•    Healthcare settings require washable matting to fulfil hygiene demands, plus slip resistance for safety. 

•    Educational settings are often bound by budget constraints so a durable, easy-to-maintain and cost-effective system is preferable, possibly with vandal resistant options.

•    Office/corporate buildings will benefit from custom logo matting to reinforce brand identity, while compliance, aesthetics and longevity must also be considered.

The Tretford Design Range from Entrance Matting Systems

Specifying entrance matting systems for new build commercial developments encompasses regulatory compliance, functional performance, exceptional design and long-term maintenance planning. At Entrance Matting Systems, our Tretford Design Range is a compliant commercial entrance mat, featuring a durable and hard wearing infill with a rigid, recycled aluminium base. 

Offered in over 40 colours, the Tretford Range is ideal for custom logo and branding solutions, and is sustainably manufactured from the by-product of Cashmere goat farming, with a natural jute backing. 

To find out more about how the Tretford Range can help with your next project, please get in touch with our specialist team today by email at info@entrance-matting.com or by telephone on 01205 761757.