ENTRANCE matting can evoke concern or hesitation in the most seasoned flooring contractor. Many avoid it or feel reluctant to take on entrance matting jobs. But you needn’t worry.
With proper information and preparation, entrance matting can be commercially rewarding and is less complicated to install than you might think.

Entrance matting is a building’s first line of defence against dirt and moisture, and crucial in safety. So, INTRAsystems has enlisted matting installation specialist, Phil Taylor from Tailored Matting (one of its long-term install partners) to share his thoughts and tips.

‘There’s definitely been an increase in awareness about entrance matting recently, but there’s still a lack of understanding relating to costs, product options, lead times, preparation, and installation requirements,’ explains Phil.

Too complicated?
Yes. You’ll find complicated and costly products on the market, but INTRAsystems is on a mission to simplify things. That’s why it offers three installation support packages, so you needn’t avoid entrance matting projects anymore.

In the company’s own words:
Option 1: Full installation service: We supply your chosen product to one of our approved network of qualified installers to cut, shape and fit for you, ensuring minimum worry and a perfect result.
Option 2: Factory-shaped matting service: INTRA conducts an onsite survey and then precision cut all sections in our factory to the exact shape required. We deliver everything with detailed drawings and instructions for you to drop into the prepared matwell.

Option 3: Contractor training support: Learn for yourself with our training packages and videos, designed to help you cut, shape and fit all your projects.

Newards, working with Tailored Matting, took advantage of our onsite survey service for Napoleon’s Casino, in Leeds. The matwell had been perfectly prepared so, even though Phil hadn’t worked with our innovative, INTRAshape product before, it turned out to be extremely quick to install.

‘The INTRA drawings tell you what number bit goes where, and the bits all have numbers on, so it was just like a jigsaw puzzle really. Everything slotted in amazingly well. The coloured fibre inserts with bronze anodised framework lends itself so well to the surroundings. It looks awesome and a real feature that finishes off the entrance lobby.’

INTRAshape: Elevated entrance matting designs made simple
In this small project, the Medium Slim Diamond features a 45deg angle to create the herringbone pattern. But there are 11 more tessellating shapes (and 22 fibre inserts) to choose from.

You can mix-and-match each shape with another as they can all sit snugly together. The recycled aluminium frames are available in silver, black or bronze anodised finish.

Preparation is everything
With rigid entrance matting, the difference between a good and an exceptional project is thorough preparation. So, what do you need to consider before installing?

Subfloor: The perfect foundation
‘Unlike flexible flooring substrates, it’s absolutely critical that aluminium entrance matting has a flat, undulation-free matwell base.’

An uneven subfloor will compromise the entire installation, causing major headaches for any entrance matting installer. Lumps and bumps cause movement, noise issues, and potential long-term damage to the matting system.

Preparing the matwell

• Ensure the base is totally level and
  debris free.
• Make sure the depth matches the
  specified matting and is uniform across
  the whole area.
• Add drainage if required, particularly
  for external installations.
• Secure the mat frame ensuring it’s flush with surrounding flooring.
  Measure lots, fit once
  
  Confirm dimensions across the whole matwell area, even if working from architectural drawings.
  ‘If the frame hasn’t been set perfectly square, it’ll taper in. It could be 2m wide nearest the door, but the other end could be down to 1.95m. It’s only 5cm, but it can make a big difference.’
  
  Phil’s been caught out plenty of times with poor preparation by on-site contractors, so his team always takes a quick, self-levelling screed to every job to avoid long delays or repeat visits. A trusty mini grinder and jigsaw help him cut and shape to fit the inevitable tolerances – particularly with a new mat well.
  
  At Napoleon’s Casino, accurate subfloor preparation was crucial to achieving the seamless joints in the herringbone pattern and surrounding flooring.
  
  Pro install tips
  Setting out
• Use a chalk ‘ping’ line and square for accurate alignment.
• Install in ‘lanes’ for larger mat wells.
• Start from the centre and work out.
  Installing
• Divide longer sections using a T-bar profile.
• Work methodically in sections.
• Cut accurately and use templates where necessary.
• Leave room for expansion (typically 2-3mm).
• Where required, use recommended adhesive for added stability.
  Essential tools
• Chalk line, Straight Edge, Square and measuring tools.
• Utility knife.
• Soft Face Hammer (if installing INTRAlink2
• Jigsaw with suitable blades.
• Chop Saw/Guide Rail Saw with suitable blades.
• Mini grinder for fine adjustments.
• Rotary brush vacuum for a finishing touch clean.
  
  The perfect fit
  As Entrance Matting specialists, INTRAsystems Global has built its reputation on simple, high-quality products alongside outstanding customer care.
  
• Recessed or surface-mounted systems.
• Recycled PVC INTRAlink2 to INTRAlux sheet fibre.
• Best-selling aluminium INTRAform range with interlocking planks available with a range of insert widths and profiles.
• Easy to maintain INTRAflex with an open or closed construction system.
  
  We design and manufacture all our products in house here in the UK – always keeping ease, performance and sustainability in mind. Whatever your project brief and budget, we can help; from small, perfectly formed projects like the one at Napoleon’s Casino, to large multi-lane entrances
  
  Our technical experts and support team will help you choose the best solution, and our 5-star customer service team is always on hand to help with installation and maintenance advice.
  Phil even recounts a time when we accidentally (and uncommonly) missed something from the delivery.
  
  ‘One guy got in the car and drove straight into London to get them to us. You can’t fault that. Everyone makes mistakes but to respond to it in that way was just phenomenal.’
  
  Entrance matting confidence
  By following these pro tips and choosing top quality products and partners like INTRAsystems, you can confidently install entrance matting.
  
  Visit www.intrasystems.co.uk/case-studies/napoleons for full details of this perfectly proportioned project
  www.intrasystems.co.uk