SOLUTIONS TO SUIT ALL
Danni Cooke, Business Manager for UK-based entrance matting manufacturer COBA Flooring, looks at the pros and cons of
compromising with entrance matting.
The main entrance is an important area for any business or public building, whether we’re talking about a hotel or office reception, an entrance to a school, hospital or shopping centre. The reason I say this, is because entrances create an impression the moment a visitor passes the threshold. And, that impression needs to be a good one which is why entrance design is so important.
Of course, the design of an entrance will depend on the purpose of a building, the volume of people who pass through it, and the ambience it is trying to create. Design should also encompass entrance matting, taking into consideration both aesthetic and functional requirements.
Today, manufacturers such as COBA Flooring, offer so much choice when it comes to entrance matting in terms of system design, surface style, material, pattern and colour options. This makes it easy for architects, contractors and interior designers to get creative with entrance matting, rather than viewing it as a mundane necessity. The problem is, all too often, the humble entrance mat comes last in the pecking order, and subsequently can be where compromises are made.
Even the most impressive entrances are sometimes subject to compromise when it comes to entrance matting; especially if budgets are under pressure during the final phases of a build, or refit. Compromise can be fine if the alternative is an entrance matting system that still looks the part, while being functional too in terms of floor protection and underfoot safety.
THE VALUE OF ‘VALUE-ENGINEERED’ As a manufacturer, this scenario has been a key driver in COBA Flooring’s product development, and the options we have available to our customers. It’s why we today offer a range of value-engineered solutions (very often available ex- stock) to address this all-too-common situation. The solutions sit alongside our premium product range of custom-made aluminium systems.
For example, we have products such as PathMaster for areas that don’t (or can’t) have a recessed matwell and can be a good compromise if budgets won’t stretch to aluminium systems. We even offer an ‘economy’ option within our bespoke aluminium range, in the form of Plan.e.
By doing so, we are not only giving customers choice, but we are providing effective solutions – and the word ‘solution’, I stress is deliberate because it is only a true solution if
30 | ENTRANCES & FRONT OF HOUSE
the entrance matting fulfils its core purpose, while looking presentable too.
Compromising isn’t fine, however, if the matting is simply ‘cheaper’ or isn’t the right choice for the environment in which it is being used. Reducing the size of the matted area is also not a good idea. Yes, it may save money, but it won’t help protect floor surfaces or make them safer. For optimum performance, we recommend a minimum length of 3-4m for low pedestrian flow, through to 9-12m of matting for very busy pedestrian areas.
INSTALLATION EFFICIENCIES SUPPORT CONTRACTORS’
PRODUCTIVITY Another cost factor concerns the installation project itself. Flooring contractors of course want their businesses to be a) competitive to win the project in the first place and b) profitable. They want effective solutions just as much as the end-user because they have their reputation at stake too.
Entrance matting systems designed for ease of installation can be support this. At COBA, we offer interlocking tiles, modular systems and rolls that can be cut to shape on-site with ease. Even our custom-made aluminium systems have features that make them easier to install.
When it comes to entrance matting, having the manufacturer’s support can be very beneficial in installation efficiency. Through our Sales and Customer Service teams, we make it a priority to have as much direct dialogue with flooring contractors to offer any technical assistance or address any queries.
Having this flow of communication is valuable to all parties from specification through to installation, with many (non- custom) products being available ex-stock, which is helpful if entrance matting is needed in a hurry.
www.cobaflooring.com www.tomorrowscontractfloors.com
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