ENTRANCE MATTING GUIDE
Scraper mats are positioned outside your building entrance or just inside the door. Their job is to aggressively scrape heavy soil, mud, gravel, and debris from shoe bottoms before visitors go any further.
The bi-level surface design is key: raised rubber cleats scrape shoes clean, while the recessed channels trap debris below foot level so it can't be tracked back out.
Best Placement:
Key Features to Look For:
After the scraper mat removes heavy debris, scraper/wiper mats handle the medium-size particles and — critically — absorb moisture. This is where WaterHog mats excel.
The bi-level "waffle" surface continues to scrape while the PET fabric wicks moisture away from shoes. The signature "water dam" border holds up to 1.5 gallons of water per square yard, keeping it contained on the mat instead of spreading across your lobby floor.
Best Placement:
Key Features to Look For:
Bi-level surface — scrapes AND traps debris below shoe level
Quick-drying fabric — PET fiber dries faster than nylon
Indoor/outdoor versatility — can be used in covered entries
By the time visitors reach Zone 3, the heavy debris and most moisture has already been removed. Carpeted wiper mats handle the finishing work — capturing fine dust particles and absorbing any remaining dampness.
Zone 3 mats also serve an aesthetic function. They're often the first "interior" mat visitors see, so they should complement your lobby decor. This is where logo mats shine — capturing that final bit of dirt while reinforcing your brand.
Best Placement:
Key Features to Look For:
Dense carpet fiber — traps fine dust particles
Stain-resistant — maintains appearance with heavy traffic
Color options — complements interior design
Logo capability — branding opportunity
The full 3-zone system provides maximum protection (85%+ dirt capture), but any matting is better than none. If space or budget is limited, prioritize Zone 2 (WaterHog scraper/wiper) — it handles both scraping and moisture removal. A single well-placed 4'x6' WaterHog can capture 50-60% of tracked-in soil.
Work with what you have. A 6-foot runner that covers Zones 2 and 3 functions is still effective. Choose a scraper/wiper mat (WaterHog) that can do double duty. Some buildings also add logo mats at elevator lobbies or corridor transitions to extend the capture zone throughout the building.
Yes — but choose the right type. WaterHog Impressions HD Logo Mat is designed for Zone 2 (heavy-duty entrance use). Classic Impressions and ColorStar Impressions logo mats are better suited for Zone 3 (interior use). Using an interior logo mat at an exterior entrance will cause premature wear and fading.
Zone 1 (outdoor scrapers): Shake or vacuum weekly, deep clean monthly. Zone 2 (WaterHog): Vacuum 2-3 times per week, extract clean quarterly. Zone 3 (carpeted): Vacuum daily in high traffic, spot clean as needed. Proper maintenance extends mat life and maintains effectiveness.
Studies show proper entrance matting can reduce interior cleaning costs by 60-70% by capturing soil before it spreads. At $600 per pound to remove dirt once inside (ISSA data), a complete 3-zone system typically pays for itself within 6-12 months through reduced cleaning, extended floor life, and lower slip-and-fall risk.
Yes. Genuine WaterHog mats outperform imitations significantly. The bi-level design, water dam border, and PET fiber construction are engineered specifically for commercial entrance use. Cheap knockoffs lack the water retention, durability, and slip-resistance of authentic WaterHog. We only sell genuine M+A Matting WaterHog products.
Yes. LEED IEQ Credit 3.2 (Construction IAQ Management Plan) and LEED IEQ Credit 5 (Indoor Chemical and Pollutant Source Control) both recognize permanent entryway systems. Products like WaterHog Eco Elite (made from recycled PET) and ColorStar (eco-friendly construction) can contribute to LEED points.
Smooth backing is for hard floor surfaces (tile, concrete, wood) — it lies flat without scratching. Cleated backing has rubber nubs that grip into carpet pile to prevent movement. Choose based on what's under the mat, not where the mat is located.
