GUIDE TO SPECIFYING ENTRANCE MATTING
GUIDE TO SPECIFYING ENTRANCE MATTING
Entrance matting is a safety-critical building product, not just a floor finish.
When specified incorrectly - or omitted entirely - the risk of slips and trips rises, cleaning and maintenance costs increase, surrounding floor finishes wear prematurely, hygiene is compromised, and a poor first impression undermines the building’s aesthetic and identity.
This guide is for architects and specifiers and focuses on how to specify entrance matting that:
- meets UK standards and accessibility requirements
- performs under real footfall conditions
- survives value engineering without loss of performance
Key specification considerations:
When specifying entrance matting, three factors determine performance:
- Matting length and width
- Traffic type, frequency and load
- Internal or external exposure
If any one of these is wrong, the system will underperform.
1. What is the recommended entrance mat size?
Mat length is the single biggest contributor to dirt and moisture removal:
- 3–5 metres for normal footfall
- 6–7 metres for medium traffic environments
- 8–10 metres for high dirt ingress and heavy traffic
A minimum of 2.1 metres should be maintained in accordance with 8300-2 (2018), allowing for wheelchair manoeuvrability and inclusive access.
Zonal entrance matting systems
Ideal entrance matting should be specified as a three-zone system:
Zone 1. Coarse dirt removal (exteior)
Zone 2. Intensive cleaning (intermediate)
Zone 3. Fine dirt and moisture retention (internal)
Zonal systems significantly reduce slip risk and protect internal finishes beyond the entrance. Learn more about: Clean Off Zones.
2. Traffic and load classification
Entrance matting must be selected for actual building use, not just appearance.
Typical classifications range from:
- Light pedestrian traffic
- High footfall public access
- Heavy-duty wheeled loads (trolleys, forklifts, vehicles)
Failure to align mat construction (profile thickness) with traffic demand leads to premature wear, system failure, and safety risks.
Tip: Use the manufacturer’s traffic classification chart or speak to their technical team (01761 502154) for guidance.
3. Internal vs external matting
Internal matting retains residual moisture and fine dirt. Ribbed carpet inserts are most common, highly durable but are not suitable for direct outdoor use.
External matting withstands heavy contamination, moisture ingress, and environmental exposure. Rubber, brush, or bristle-fibre inserts excel at removing coarse dirt and moisture before it enters the building
Transition areas (e.g., revolving doors) often combine internal and external inserts to maximise cleaning performance.
Incorrect insert selection is a frequent cause of early failure - particularly where internal-grade systems are specified externally (i.e. ribbed carpet externally).
Standards and compliance
Entrance matting contributes directly to:
- slip and trip risk reduction
- accessibility and inclusive design
- long-term floor protection
Specifications should align with BS 7953, correct recess detailing, and appropriate drainage (only in external applications in most projects) where required .
Common specification failures
- Insufficient mat length after VE
- Incorrect insert type for exposure conditions
- Poor coordination of recess depth (not accounting for door opening)
- Omission of drainage beneath external mats
These issues are avoidable at design stage by contacting the manufacture.
Need support with your specification?
We provide architects and specifiers with:
- project-specific entrance mat layouts
- traffic-based product selection
- compliant detailing and technical advice
Early coordination prevents late-stage substitutions and performance compromise.