Which Mat is Best for You?
It’s often easy to overlook the matting that lines the floors of foodservice operations. But having the appropriate matting in each area of a foodservice operation is vital in facilitating a safe and comfortable environment for both workers and patrons. According to Apex Matting, there are typically three criteria for selecting the right matting.
- Comfort. Generally, the thicker the mat, the more comfortable it is to stand on. Mats typically come in thicknesses of 3/8″, 1/2″, and 7/8″. The thinnest mats are best for high-traffic areas while the thickest mats are best for areas where workers stand for extended periods of time.
- Drainage. The degree to which a mat is required to drain is directly related to the amount of spillage or potentially standing water that might be present.
- Quality. Considering grease and oil break down matting, the more grease and oil a mat is exposed to, the higher quality an operator will want.
For more on selecting the right mat for different spaces in an operation, consult the table below.
| Location | Recommendation | Description | |
| 1 | Cooking Line | San EZE II Red, Tek-Tough Red, Optimat Red, Optimat Brown, Tek-Tough Jr. Red, Super Flow Red | Grease-proof rubber with ergonomic comfort and traction in wet or grease areas |
| 2 | Carving Station | San EZE Black, Tek-Tough Black, Tek-Tough Jr. Black, Super Flow Black | Flexible configurations, some exposure to greases, oils, & water, drainage, & comfort |
| 3 | Dishwasher/Pot Scrub | Tek-Tough Black, Tek-Tough Jr. Black, Super Flow Black | Heavy duty rubber makes this a good economical choice – excellent drainage from work platform |
| 4 | Dessert Bar | Optimat Brown, Tek-Tough Jr. Black, Super Flow Black | Beveled Edge and rubber surface make cart access easy |
| 5 | Bar | Tek-Tough Jr. Black, Grip True Black, Super Foam, Tek-Tough Black | Drainage, anti-slip, and comfort |
| 6 | Waitperson Station | Super Flow Black, Tek-Tough Jr. Black, Comfort Rest | Provides excellent coverage and supports fatigue relief |
| 7 | Walk in Freezers & Coolers | Deep Freezer Mat, Multi Mat II | Cold temperatures will not affect rubber |
| 8 | Receiving | Multi Mat II, Grip True | Assist in prevention of slips and falls -sure traction design keeps mat firm in place |
| 9 | Cash Register | SuperFoam, Comfort Rest | Makes standing more comfortable – Ideal for dry areas and work stations |
| 10 | Foyer | Atlantic Olefin, Bristol Ridge, Water Master | Perfect for placement inside entrances |
| 11 | Entrance | Ridge Scraper, Water Master, Finger Scrape | Helps keep mud and dirt outside – excellent water absorption |