When floor mats are mentioned, most people probably think of a mat inside or outside a door to keep out dirt and moisture. If speaking of anti-slip matting, however, then a bathroom floor is most often pictured. While it is certainly necessary to have mats or rugs that do not slip in places where the floor may become wet, there are many other uses for these mats both in the home and in commercial settings.
A vast variety of mats that do not skid are on the market at present and are available in all shapes, sizes, thicknesses and colors. For the home, there is no question that safety is the prime consideration when placing mats in the bathroom, including on the floor and in the bathtub and shower.
No matter where they are used, however, whether at the door or in front of the kitchen sink, they must have a backing that will ensure they will not skid out from under someone. They are actually carpet pieces bound to vinyl or rubber. A self-adhesive material is used on the backing to make the mat stick to the floor and when traction or weight is applied, as in walking over them, the backing grips the floor and will not move in any direction. It is important to look for a quality mat, however, so that the backing is guaranteed not to crumble in a short time.
Practical and Attractive
At one time these mats were simply very plain utility items but today’s products are attractive and blend in with any décor or can even be used as accent pieces. They are designed for indoors, outdoors on patios and around the pool, in the garage and even in the car to keep things from sliding off the dashboard. They are available in any color or motif and of course, are customizable with the family’s name.
Floor mats also have many commercial uses and can be seen when entering a business, often with their logo tastefully embedded. They are used to prevent dirt from tracking into the building, but the non-slip backing is an important safety measure for customers and clients.
Employers also use the non-slip mats in areas that have wet floors or grease and oil residue and present a slip and fall hazard. Whether for home, business or commercial use, anti-slip matting is a popular and inexpensive safety measure that manufacturers constantly improve and consumers welcome.