What Is Entrance Matting? UK Types, Standards & Size Guide 2026
What Is Entrance Matting?
Entrance matting is specialist flooring placed at the entrance of a building to remove dirt, moisture, and debris from footwear before it enters the interior. It combines scraping, wiping, and absorbing surfaces to capture soil at the threshold — reducing cleaning costs, protecting interior floors, and improving safety. UK commercial buildings are expected to have appropriate entrance matting under HSE slip prevention guidance.
Why Entrance Matting Matters
Research from BICS (British Institute of Cleaning Science) estimates that up to 85% of dirt entering a building comes in on people's feet. Without entrance matting:
- Interior floors require 3-5× more cleaning effort
- Hard floor surfaces become slippery when wet (particularly tiles and polished stone)
- Slip and trip accidents at entrances are among the most common workplace injuries
- Costly interior floor coverings degrade faster from abrasive dirt particles
Types of Entrance Matting
| Type | Best For | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Rubber scraper mat | Outdoor use, heavy footfall | Removes heavy mud and dirt from boot soles |
| Coir mat | Residential, low-medium traffic | Scrapes and absorbs moisture |
| Carpet-top entrance mat | Office and retail entrances | Absorbs moisture, wipes shoes clean |
| Rubber-backed textile mat | Commercial entrances | Anti-slip backing, absorbent top |
| Modular entrance matting systems | High-traffic commercial buildings | Multi-zone scrape-wipe-dry sequence |
| Recessed pit matting | New-build commercial | Flush-mounted, permanent installation |
What Size Entrance Mat Do I Need?
The most common mistake is specifying entrance mats that are too small. For effective dirt and moisture removal:
- Commercial buildings: UK guidance recommends a minimum 2 metres depth in the direction of travel — sufficient for two full footsteps on the mat, capturing 70-80% of tracked-in dirt.
- High-traffic locations: Consider 3-5 metre entrance matting zones, divided into scraping and absorbing sections.
- Residential homes: A minimum 40cm × 60cm mat for light use. 60cm × 90cm is more effective.
Is Entrance Matting Required by UK Law?
Entrance matting is not explicitly mandated by name, but HSE guidance on preventing slips and trips (HSG 156) states that appropriate precautions must be taken at building entrances where floors become wet and slippery. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require employers to assess and mitigate slip risks — entrance matting is the primary control measure. Building Regulations Part M (accessibility) also references mat placement to prevent trip hazards.
Entrance Matting Standards — BS 7953 and BS 8300
- BS 7953: Covers selection and use of entrance flooring systems. Specifies that mats should not create trip hazards (max 2mm pile height when compressed), be slip-resistant when wet, and be dimensioned for effective soil removal.
- BS 8300: Access for disabled people — specifies that entrance matting must be flush with adjacent floor surfaces and not impede wheelchair access or create trip hazards for people with mobility impairments.
Rubber Entrance Matting for Commercial Use
Heavy-duty rubber entrance matting — typically ribbed or studded SBR or EPDM rubber — is the most durable choice for commercial and industrial entrances. Benefits include:
- Excellent durability (10+ years in heavy commercial use)
- Waterproof — channels water away from the walking surface
- Anti-slip even when wet (PTV 36+ when tested to BS 7976-2)
- Easy to clean — sweep, hose down, or machine wash
- Available in rolls or tiles for custom sizes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is entrance matting?
Entrance matting is specialist flooring placed at building entrances to remove dirt, moisture, and debris from footwear. It protects interior floors, reduces cleaning costs, and prevents slip accidents. Commercial buildings in the UK should specify entrance matting to at least 2 metres depth in the direction of travel.
What size entrance mat do I need?
For commercial buildings, UK guidance recommends entrance matting at least 2 metres deep in the direction of travel (two full footsteps). Residential entrance mats should be at least 40cm × 60cm; 60cm × 90cm is more effective at capturing dirt.
Is entrance matting a legal requirement in the UK?
Entrance matting is not named in specific legislation, but HSE guidance and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 require employers to mitigate slip risks at building entrances. Appropriate entrance matting satisfies this duty and is covered by BS 7953.
What is the difference between entrance matting and anti-fatigue matting?
Entrance matting removes dirt and moisture from shoes at building thresholds. Anti-fatigue matting reduces physical strain from prolonged standing with a cushioned structure. They serve different purposes and are installed in different locations.
How long should entrance matting last?
Quality commercial entrance matting lasts 5-10 years in normal use. High-traffic locations may need replacement every 3-5 years. Regular vacuuming and cleaning extends mat life significantly.
