WaterHog Drainable Border Mat

Description

Why WaterHog Drainable Border Mat?

The signature water dam border on standard WaterHog mats is a design advantage — it contains up to 1.5 gallons of water per square yard, keeping moisture on the mat and off your floors.

But that same border becomes a problem in uncovered outdoor locations.

When rain falls directly on a standard WaterHog, the water dam border traps it. The mat fills up. Water has nowhere to go. The mat becomes waterlogged, takes forever to dry, and can freeze solid in winter conditions.

WaterHog Drainable Border Mat eliminates the raised border.

The flat edge allows water to drain freely off all sides. Rain passes through the bi-level surface, scrapes dirt as usual, and exits rather than pooling. The mat continues to function even during active rainfall. It dries quickly after storms. It won’t freeze into a solid block.

This is the WaterHog specifically designed for:

• Building entrances without awnings or overhangs
• Sidewalk approaches exposed to weather
• Loading docks open to the elements
• Parking structures and garages
• Outdoor patios and seasonal spaces
• Any entrance where rain falls directly on the mat

The bi-level waffle design is identical to classic WaterHog — same dirt-scraping, moisture-trapping performance. The only difference is drainage behavior.

Key Features

No Water Dam Border Flat edge allows water to drain freely off all sides. Mat won’t become waterlogged in rain or freeze solid in winter.

Bi-Level Waffle Design Same proven WaterHog construction. Raised nubs scrape shoes clean; recessed channels trap dirt below shoe level.

Designed for Uncovered Outdoor Use The only WaterHog mat specifically engineered for direct weather exposure.

Solution-Dyed PET Fabric 24 oz/yd² fabric made from recycled plastic bottles. Stain resistant, fade resistant, quick drying. Won’t rot from weather exposure.

Reinforced Rubber Nubs Crush-proof construction maintains performance in high-traffic outdoor applications.

Eco-Friendly PET surface made from 90%+ recycled plastic. SBR rubber backing contains 20% recycled content from car tires.

Made in USA Manufactured by M+A Matting.

WaterHog Drainable Border vs Standard WaterHog

Choose Drainable Border when: The mat will be exposed to direct rain, snow, or heavy moisture without overhead protection.

Choose Standard WaterHog when: The mat will be in an indoor location or under an awning/overhang where water containment is desirable.

Where to Use Drainable Border

Uncovered Building Entrances Front doors without awnings. Side entrances exposed to weather. Emergency exits.

Sidewalk Approaches Walkways leading to covered vestibules. The mat scrapes dirt before visitors reach the protected entrance.

Loading Docks & Service Entrances Open-air dock areas. Warehouse roll-up doors. Service bays.

Parking Structures Garage entrances. Elevator lobbies in open parking decks. Stairwell landings.

Outdoor Patios & Seasonal Spaces Restaurant patios. Event spaces. Seasonal retail areas.

Where NOT to Use Drainable Border:

• Indoor locations (use standard WaterHog to contain moisture)
• Covered outdoor areas with awnings (water containment is fine)
• Anywhere you want moisture contained rather than drained

Placement Tips for Optimal Drainage

For best drainage performance:

1. Place on a slight slope if possible — water flows off more efficiently
2. Ensure clearance underneath — don’t place against walls or barriers that block water exit
3. Allow drainage path — water needs somewhere to go after leaving the mat
4. Consider substrate — best on concrete, pavers, or other hard surfaces that handle water

Freeze/Thaw Behavior

WaterHog Drainable Border is designed for outdoor use including cold weather:

• PET fabric doesn’t absorb water, but moisture can freeze around fibers
• Drainable design minimizes water retention, reducing freeze potential
• Mat will thaw normally once temperatures rise — no damage to construction
• Tip: Lift and shake mat after freezing rain to remove ice buildup

Available Sizes

Mat sizes are approximate — rubber shrinks and expands with temperature. Tolerable variance is 3-5%.

Note: Gold, Light Green, Orange, Purple, Solid Red, White, and Yellow are available in 3′ and 4′ widths only (no 6′ widths).

Available Colors (12)

Bluestone, Bordeaux, Camel, Charcoal, Dark Brown, Evergreen, Medium Blue, Medium Brown, Medium Grey, Navy, Red/Black, Solid Red

Backing Options

Smooth Backing (78-mil SBR) For hard outdoor surfaces — concrete, pavers, stone. Flat rubber surface provides grip without scratching.

Universal Cleated Backing (78-mil SBR) For carpeted areas (indoor seasonal use) or textured surfaces. Cleats grip to prevent sliding.

Anchor Safe Backing (100-mil Nitrile) Extra grip for high-traffic areas. Available on select sizes: 2’x3′, 3’x5′, 4’x6′, 6’x8′.

Specifications

Surface

Backing

Overall

Standards & Certifications

• Passes CPSC-FF1-70 for surface flammability of carpets

Cleaning Instructions

Regular Maintenance:

• Vacuum regularly (daily in high-traffic areas; weekly in lower-traffic)
• During inclement weather, wet/dry vacuum may be more effective

Deep Cleaning:

• Hose off or pressure wash as needed to remove heavy soil/debris
• Hang mat or prop at angle to drain
• Allow to dry completely before returning to service

Note: Drainable Border mats dry faster than standard WaterHog due to the open edge design.

FAQs

What’s the difference between Drainable Border and regular WaterHog?
The border. Standard WaterHog has a raised “water dam” border that contains moisture on the mat (up to 1.5 gallons per square yard). Drainable Border has a flat edge that allows water to drain off freely. Same bi-level waffle design, different water behavior.

When should I choose Drainable Border over standard WaterHog?
When the mat will be exposed to direct rain, snow, or heavy moisture without overhead protection. If water falls directly on the mat, you want it to drain away rather than pool.

Can I use Drainable Border indoors?
You can, but there’s usually no reason to. Standard WaterHog’s water containment is an advantage indoors. Use Drainable Border where its drainage capability provides actual benefit.

Will the mat freeze in winter?
The mat can freeze if moisture is present and temperatures drop below freezing. However, the drainable design minimizes water retention, reducing freeze potential compared to a standard WaterHog that traps water. The mat will thaw normally without damage.

How do I position the mat for best drainage?
Place on a slight slope if possible. Ensure clearance around edges so water can exit. Don’t position against walls or barriers that block drainage.

Is this mat NFSI certified for slip resistance?
The Uncle Mats page doesn’t list NFSI certification for Drainable Border, though some other sources indicate it is certified. Confirm with us if slip resistance certification is required for your application.

What’s the best backing for outdoor concrete?
Smooth backing provides good grip on hard outdoor surfaces without scratching. Cleated backing is designed more for carpet or textured surfaces.

Related Products

Standard WaterHog (With Water Dam Border):

• WaterHog Mat — Classic waffle pattern, water containment
• WaterHog Diamond Mat — Diamond pattern, water containment

Other Outdoor-Capable Mats:

• SuperScrape Plus Mat — Heavy-duty outdoor scraper (Zone 1)

Specialty WaterHog:

• WaterHog Plus Mat — Commercially launderable
• WaterHog Eco Premier Mat — Premium eco-friendly option

Manufacturer

M+A Matting

 

Additional information