It should come as no surprise that the entryway to your premises is where potential customers and visitors will form their first impressions of your company – so you need to make it count. Laying down outdoor rubber mats is a great move towards a favourable first impression – it can make the entryway look more put together, as well as protect your premises against dirt.
But how do you go about picking the right mats for the purpose you have in mind? In the list below, we’ve taken a closer look at some of the essentials that you should keep in mind:
Begin by considering exactly where the mat is going to be used. If it’s going to be used purely in an outdoor area, it’s important that you have picked one that is made from weather-resistant materials (rubber ticks this box with ease). If it may also be used indoors or just inside the doorway, you can be a little more lenient with the material.
For mats used in high traffic areas, look for ones with abrasive or textured surfaces. This will prevent them from being worn down too quickly from the myriad people walking over them, as well as help to remove the muck and dirt that people’s shoes inevitably pick up. Look for scraper surfaces, in particular, as they will remove even the most stubborn mud.
On muddy or wet days, one of the worst things that can happen is to have the mat slide around underneath your feet or even shoot out from right underneath you all together. Rubber is a great choice, as it manages to adhere to the ground quite well. Other solutions include thick, non-slip backings that will keep everything in place.
Although outdoor rubber mats are durable and won’t slide around when you wipe your shoes, you should consider whether they are suitable for your climate. Prolonged exposure to the elements and cold can cause the rubber to prematurely crack if you’re not careful. If you’re worried, move it indoors when the weather is poor.
Whilst mats come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, it’s important that the one you have selected is in keeping with your doorway. It goes without saying that both feet have to fit comfortably on the surface, but also make sure that it occupies about three quarters or 80% of the doorway. Also consider its height, as you don’t want the door to get stuck.
Keep in mind that a clean mat will trap more dirt and debris, so keep yours as clean as possible. More often than not, all you will need to do is give them a good shake out every few days. The great thing about rubber is that you can also hose it down if it grows overly dirty (such as during winter) and leave it to air dry.
Regardless of the purpose, we hope that you have found the above tips and information useful in picking outdoor rubber mats for your premises. It is important that you have thought carefully about the decision and considered all of your options to ensure that you’re making the right choice. The wrong mat could leave a sour taste in the mouths of your clients.
