Make a grand entrance

They say that it takes only 60 seconds for someone to form their perspective of a building, and according to a study by the ‘Progressive Grocer’, 91% of shoppers select a store to shop in based on its appearance, meaning that it is essential to make sure your space is making the best first impression possible.

In commercial and public buildings, property owners and facility managers face the daily challenge of trying to keep their facilities clean and safe, as well as optimising their maintenance budget.

Installing the correct entrance flooring solutions, with the right maintenance programme, will lengthen the lifetime and retain the appearance of the interior flooring products. This will save money on maintenance, premiums/liabilities, cleaning frequency, premature carpet replacement, and premature hard floor refinishing. Efficient matting can save up to 65% of cleaning costs dedicated to floors and helps keep floors dry and safe.

3-zone flooring systems 

One increasingly popular concept is a ‘3-zone solution’ to act as a barrier system to prevent dirt and moisture from entering the building, and to cover all of a building’s matting needs. Different areas of a building require different types of mats. This concept splits these areas into zones:

• Zone 1 - Outdoors: The area just before the building access requires a product with scraping action to remove grit and heavy dirt particles, including snow or sand.

• Zone 2 - Indoors: The primary area just inside the building where a product with dual action – scraping and moisture retention – should be installed to defend against dirt and moisture. This area often features a recessed mat well.

• Zone 3 - Indoors: The secondary area inside the building after Zone 2. A textile product for moisture retention is the preferred solution. It is also applicable to circulation areas other than entrances.

There may also be the need for what we would call ‘Special Usage’ mats for areas with specific needs such as brand image promotion, anti-fatigue, wet areas, communication or messages, etc.

Splitting your space into three distinct zones means you can choose the most suitable products based on their particular function, enabling you to select a coordinated combination of mats for maximum floor protection. Milliken’s OBEX product range, for example, offers highly effective comprehensive modular entrance solutions to cover your entrance matting needs across all three zones. 

A mat shouldn’t be an afterthought of building design, but a key functional and aesthetic consideration. After all, you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression!