Running a warehouse, factory, or industrial facility? The right rubber matting improves worker safety, protects your floors, and can even boost productivity. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about industrial rubber matting.
Why Industrial Rubber Matting?
Industrial environments present unique challenges that standard flooring can't address:
- Safety hazards – Slippery surfaces from oil, water, or chemicals
- Worker fatigue – Hard concrete floors cause discomfort
- Floor damage – Heavy equipment and traffic wear floors
- Noise – Machinery vibration transfers through floors
- Electrical risks – Need for anti-static protection in some areas
Types of Industrial Rubber Matting
1. Solid Rubber Sheeting
Continuous rubber sheets for general-purpose floor protection. Available in various thicknesses and grades.
Best for: Walkways, workbenches, equipment protection
Thickness: 3mm to 25mm
2. Anti-Slip Rubber Mats
Textured surface rubber with raised patterns (studded, ribbed, or checker plate) for superior grip.
Best for: Wet areas, loading bays, around machinery
3. Anti-Fatigue Industrial Mats
Cushioned mats for workstations where employees stand for extended periods.
Best for: Production lines, assembly stations, packing areas
4. Drainage/Perforated Mats
Mats with holes or channels to allow liquids to drain through. Essential for wet environments.
Best for: Commercial kitchens, food processing, wash-down areas
5. Oil-Resistant Mats
Nitrile rubber mats that resist degradation from oils, fuels, and solvents.
Best for: Garages, machine shops, maintenance areas
6. Anti-Static/ESD Mats
Conductive or dissipative mats that prevent static build-up.
Best for: Electronics manufacturing, clean rooms, explosive atmospheres
Key Specifications Explained
Shore Hardness
Measures rubber hardness on a scale of 0-100:
- 40-50 Shore A – Soft, cushioning (anti-fatigue)
- 60-70 Shore A – Medium (general purpose)
- 70-80 Shore A – Firm (heavy traffic, equipment)
Chemical Resistance
- Natural Rubber – Good abrasion, poor oil resistance
- Nitrile (NBR) – Excellent oil and fuel resistance
- Neoprene – Good chemical and weather resistance
- EPDM – Excellent weather and ozone resistance
Installation Methods
- Loose lay – Simply roll out and trim to fit (small areas)
- Tape adhesive – Double-sided tape at edges (semi-permanent)
- Full adhesive – Glued to floor (permanent, high-traffic areas)
- Interlocking – Puzzle-fit tiles (reconfigurable)
Choosing by Application
| Application | Recommended Type |
|---|---|
| Warehouse aisles | Ribbed rubber runners |
| Machine shops | Oil-resistant nitrile mats |
| Production lines | Anti-fatigue roll matting |
| Loading docks | Heavy-duty studded rubber |
| Electronics assembly | ESD/anti-static mats |
Safety Standards
Industrial matting should meet relevant UK/EU standards:
- EN 13845 – Slip resistance (R9-R13 rating)
- EN 1081 – Electrical resistance (ESD)
- Fire ratings – Check Cfl-s1 or better for fire resistance
Our Recommendations
🏭 Best for Factories: Bubble Top Mats
Anti-fatigue design with durable bubble surface, ideal for standing workstations.
📦 Best for Warehouses: Rubber Matting Rolls
Heavy-duty rubber rolls for walkways, aisles, and high-traffic zones.
Get a Quote
Need matting for a large facility? Contact our trade team for volume pricing and expert recommendations.
Free UK delivery on all orders. Cut-to-size service available.
