Commercial Entrance Matting Backing Explained

ENTRY MATS EXPLAINED

• MAIN article
• EDGE types
• SURFACE types
• Mats by PLACEMENT
• Mats by APPLICATION

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Open vs. Solid Backing

Open back – with holes for water drainage:
Open-back mats are ideal for areas with heavy snow or rain. The open structure allows fluids to drain off the surface, keeping the mat dry. These mats are especially helpful in low-maintenance environments. The thicker the mat, the more debris it can trap below the surface.

Examples:

• Entrances near dirt roads or yards benefit from deeper open-back mats to capture larger debris.
• Beachfront areas where sand is tracked in — open backing makes it easy to rinse away fine particles.
• Entrances exposed to melting snow or ice — the open back prevents puddling by allowing water to flow through.

Solid backing – contains moisture and debris:
Mats with solid backing are better for holding in water and debris until cleaned. This protects the floor underneath and minimizes mess migration into interior spaces.

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Cleated vs. Smooth Backing

Cleated backing – grips carpeted floors:
Cleats or nubs on the underside grip carpet surfaces to prevent movement. This helps keep mats flat and stable, reducing trip hazards and maintaining aesthetics. However, cleated mats can slide on smooth floors.

Smooth backing – best for hard surface floors:
Smooth backing is recommended for hardwood, tile, marble, and other solid flooring. These mats stay in place due to weight and friction. Larger smooth-backed mats also work well on carpet because of their heavy weight — a 4' x 10' mat can weigh 20+ pounds, which helps hold it in place regardless of cleats.

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Rubber Backing vs. Vinyl Backing
Vinyl is a cost-effective composite material used in most mats. Rubber backing is usually only necessary in a few cases:

• Rental mats that will be laundered frequently — rubber tolerates washing machine abuse better.
• Environments with chemicals that degrade vinyl — rubber is more chemically resistant.
• Outdoor areas with direct sunlight — rubber resists UV damage better, although top surface performance still matters most for outdoor use.
• Special manufacturing requirements — some molded or textured mats require rubber due to its flexibility and durability, especially those with raised edges or molded yarn designs.