Mat Check-Out: Comparing Commercial vs Retail Mats

"The most expensive mat you will purchase is a cheap mat." Whether you are constructing a new facility, managing an established property, or undertaking a renovation, flooring is a significant investment that warrants careful consideration. While much attention is often given to the quality of the flooring materials, the selection of appropriate mats is frequently underestimated. It may be tempting to opt for a mat from a retail store due to its perceived affordability, however, the right choice of matting can play an integral role in preserving floor quality, enhancing safety, and maintaining a professional appearance.

For businesses at any stage, understanding the distinction between retail and commercial-grade mats is essential. Is a retail mat adequate to fulfil your requirements, or does investing in commercial matting offer greater value, durability, and return over time?

Materials Matter

The quality of a floor mat starts with its material, which dictates not only its durability but also its performance under various conditions. In commercial settings, choosing the right material is essential to ensure that your mats can handle high foot traffic and demanding environments. Nitrile rubber, for instance, is frequently used in commercial mats for its exceptional resistance to fuel, chemicals, and temperature variations. This durability also ensures that the mat remains flat and resists warping over time, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

Another preferred material in commercial mats is PET(polyethylene terephthalate), often made from recycled materials. PET offers stain and fade-resistant properties, which help maintain a clean, professional appearance even with frequent use.

In contrast, mats available in retail stores will often useless durable material better suited for residential or light commercial use. These mats may feature vinyl backing instead of nitrile rubber, which may be sufficient in low traffic areas but is prone to warping or cracking under heavy traffic and fluctuating temperatures over time.

How To Identify The Difference:‍

1. ‍Check Backing – Vinyl backing generally feels thinner and less resilient compared to nitrile rubber.‍
2. Look for Colour and Texture – PET mats often have a consistent, smooth texture, and maintain vibrancy despite exposure to sunlight or heavy use.

Durability in Make

How a mat is constructed can significantly impact its effectiveness in maintaining cleanliness and safety. The design elements and fiber density play a critical role in how well a mat performs in trapping dirt and moisture, which is crucial for high-traffic areas. It also affects how the mat is maintained.

This video, from our mat supplier M+A Matting, demonstrates the high twist yarn design of commercial mats, and how it aids in trapping dirt at the bottom. In contrast, the retail grade mat accumulates dirt at the surface, which can then be tracked throughout the facility. (Click 'Learn More' to watch the video on vimeo).

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Mats placed closer to the entrance, such as Scraper and Waterhog mats feature unique designs to remove the most amount of dirt and moisture. Scraper mats are made entirely from nitrile rubber and have a ribbed surface that can reach into the grooves of footwear to remove dirt. Similarly, Waterhog mats have a distinct bi-level design utilizing nitrile rubber for the backing, and PET for the top surface. The raised areas effectively remove dirt and moisture, while the lower grooves trap and retain water, preventing moisture from accumulating on the top.

In contrast, mats purchased from retail stores are often constructed differently. While they may initially appear plush and effective at trapping dirt and moisture, their performance tends to decline rapidly within creased foot traffic. The fibers are usually less densely packed and less durable, which diminishes their ability to retain dirt and maintain a clean appearance over time.

1. ‍Check Fiber Density – Commercial mats have more densely packed fibers for better dirt and moisture retention.
2. Look for Reinforcements – High-quality mats often include additional reinforcements in their design. For instance, Waterhog mats feature a border that helps prevent slipping and improves durability, especially when absorbing substantial amounts of water.‍
3. Designed For Specific Install – Commercial matting can have smooth or cleated backing which helps prevent mats from shifting. A smooth rubber backing is often ideal on marble, wood, or tile floors, while cleated rubber backing can be used for carpeted and smooth floors.

Maintenance and Longevity

Proper maintenance is crucial for maximizing the lifespan and effectiveness of floor mats. For commercial mats, professional laundering is highly recommended due to their dense, tightly woven fibers designed to trap dirt and moisture. This thorough cleaning process is necessary to fully release the embedded dirt without damaging the mat, thereby ensuring its durability and continued performance.

Conversely, mats purchased from retail stores are often not engineered for industrial laundering. Their materials may not withstand the rigorous wash cycles of commercial equipment. Instead, routine care typically involves regular vacuuming, occasional hosing, and air drying. While this approach can maintain the appearance of the mats, it often leads to quicker wear and tear, particularly if frequent cleaning is required.

1. Regular vacuuming can help extend the time between professional cleanings, but vacuuming only removes about 10% of the dirt. (Georgia State University Test)‍
2. Commercial mats can last several years with proper professional cleaning, while retail mats often show wear and need replacement within 1-2 years, even with regular care.

Advantage of Partnering with a Mat Rental Facility

Partnering with a mat rental service maximizes efficiency and ensures optimal performance. We begin by visiting your site to assess your daily activities and traffic patterns. This helps us recommend the most suitable types, sizes, and quantities of mats for your space, ensuring that the mats provided are perfectly suited to your needs while considering your budget and preferences. Additionally, our service includes comprehensive maintenance: we manage the pickup of soiled mats, professional laundering, and return them to you in optimal condition. We also perform regular quality checks to replace any mats nearing the end of their lifecycle, at no extra cost, ensuring consistent quality and performance.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls:

1. Mat sequence is crucial -  Using a logo mat at the entrance before a Waterhog can result in your branding being obscured by dirt. Logo mats are best positioned near reception areas, with more robust mats like Waterhogs placed at high-traffic points to handle dirt and moisture effectively.
2. Maintenance costs add up -  Improper mat placement can also lead to increased cleaning needs, potential slip hazards, or floor damage, escalating overall maintenance costs and efforts.

In conclusion, selecting the right mats requires a thorough evaluation of material quality, construction, and maintenance needs. Commercial mats are built to withstand heavy foot traffic and diverse environmental conditions, with professional laundering extending their lifespan. In contrast, while retail mats may offer a lower initial cost, they often lack the durability and performance required for high-traffic areas. By considering these factors, you can determine whether a mat rental service or alternative options best suit your facility’s needs. Ultimately, choosing the right mat solution ensures a safer, cleaner, and more visually appealing environment for your business.

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