How to Measure and Install Matwell Mats Without Mistakes

How to Measure and Install Matwell Mats Without Mistakes

Introduction – Why Accurate Matwell Installation Matters

Matwell mats play an important role in entrance mat installation, both in homes and commercial spaces. Whether it’s a shopping centre or a school, proper installation ensures:

  • Safety: A flush-fitting mat prevents trip hazards.

  • Durability: Correctly placed mats handle foot traffic better.

  • Professional appearance: Clean transitions between flooring and matting.

Common mistakes, such as inaccurate measuring or uneven base preparation, often lead to raised edges, water pooling, or fast wear. Avoiding these errors starts with proper planning.

What Is a Matwell and Why Use It?

A matwell is a section of the floor that’s built slightly lower than the surrounding surface so that a mat can be fitted seamlessly into it.

Matwell vs Surface-Mounted Mats

  • Matwell mats are designed to sit neatly within a shallow recessed floor area, making them perfect for spaces that require a finish, especially where anti-fatigue mats are essential.

  • Surface-mounted mats sit on top and can create height differences that may cause issues.

Common Applications

  • Retail entrances

  • Office buildings

  • Gyms using heavy-duty mats

  • Kitchens (for anti-slip mats)

Tools and Materials You'll Need

Before starting your Matwell installation guide, gather these essentials:

Tools:

  • Tape measure (millimetres)

  • Spirit level

  • Straight edge

  • Utility knife

Materials:

  • Custom entrance mats or tiles

  • Matwell frame (aluminium or PVC)

  • Screed or filler

  • Adhesive (if required)

  • PPE: gloves, knee pads, goggles

Measuring for a Matwell Mat: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Measure Length, Width & Corners Correctly

Use a metal tape to measure:

  • Internal width (left to right)

  • Internal length (top to bottom)

  • Diagonals (to check for squareness)

Step 2 – Confirm the Recess Depth for a Level Fit

Double-check how deep the matwell is to make sure the mat doesn't sit too low or high. The most common depths are:

  • 12mm (for lighter use)

  • 17mm (frequent in busy entrances)

Step 3 – Leave Room for Flexibility

Be sure to leave a slight clearance of about 3–4mm around the edges. This gap helps with fitting and allows for any material expansion.

Step 4 – Measuring for Custom Shapes or Revolving Doors

For irregular layouts or curved entrances, create a paper or cardboard template and send it to your mat supplier.

Real-life Example: A retail store in Dublin used a 2m x 3m matwell with cut-to-size entrance mats to prevent slipping during rainy months.

Choosing the Right Matwell Mat System for Your Needs

Aluminium vs PVC vs Coir vs Carpet Inserts

  • Strong and structured, aluminium-based mats are a top pick for businesses that see heavy foot traffic.

  • PVC: Cost-effective and modular.

  • Coir mats: Popular for their coarse fibres, which are great for brushing off mud and grit.

  • Carpet inserts: Aesthetic and comfortable.

High Footfall vs Light Use

  • Use heavy-duty matting for busy areas.

  • Coir or carpet mats work well in homes or light-use offices.

Weather & Accessibility

  • Ireland’s wet weather calls for water-absorbent inserts.

  • Ensure compliance with anti-slip recessed mats.

Preparing the Matwell for Installation

Creating or Adjusting the Recess

Make sure the base where the mat will sit is dust-free, evenly shaped, and matches the required depth for your mat type. Ideally, this should be planned before floor finishing.

Screeding and Levelling for Correct Depth

Use screed for matwell preparation. The surface must be:

  • Even

  • Dry

  • Level within 1mm

Installing the Matwell Frame or Edging

Install the matwell frame fitting securely. Aluminium frames should be mitred and laid flush.

Pro Tip: This step prevents your mat from shifting or warping over time.

How to Install Matwell Mats – Step-by-Step

Aligning and Inserting the Mat Correctly

  • Lay the mat according to the rib direction

  • Insert one section at a time for modular types

Fixing Interlocking or Single-Piece Mats

  • Clip the modular mats together tightly

  • For single mats, ensure a tight edge-to-frame fit

Sealing Edges and Ensuring a Flush Fit

Use sealant if required, especially for wet zones or external doors.

Special Cases: Revolving Doors & Floating Floors

  • For curved entrances, use flexible templates

  • Floating floors need compatible mat profiles

Frequent setup errors and tips to prevent them

Depth Mismatches

  • Mistake: Mat sits too high or too low

  • Fix: Use a level and verify depth before fitting

Misaligned Ribs and Edges

  • Mistake: Mat looks uneven

  • Fix: Align direction before cutting or inserting

Inadequate Support for Heavy Traffic

  • Mistake: Mat shifts or wears out fast

  • Fix: Use reinforced frames and commercial door mats, Ireland-approved products

Troubleshooting Tip: Watch for signs of a trip hazard or uneven entrance mats.

Matwell Mats Compliance in Ireland and the EU

To meet Irish and EU regulations:

  • Fire Resistance: EN 13501 standard

  • Accessible Design: Must follow BS 8300 for public spaces

  • Slip Ratings: Use materials tested for grip in wet conditions

  • Disability Access: Required under Ireland’s national accessibility laws

Check that all products are labelled with CE certification when applicable.

Maintaining Your Matwell Mats for Long-Term Performance

Cleaning Frequency and Methods

  • Vacuum weekly

  • Deep clean monthly (especially rubber mats and coir mats)

How to Replace Damaged or Worn Tiles

  • Lift modular tiles with a suction cup

  • Replace only the damaged section

Recommended Cleaning Products

Use neutral pH cleaners for floor matting, or check the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Local Suppliers and Installation Services in Ireland

Looking for matwell mats Ireland suppliers? Try:

  • Entrance Matting Ireland (Cork)

  • MatPro (Dublin)

  • Entrance Solutions (Cork)

  • FloorGuard (Limerick)

  • EuroMat Systems (Galway)

Trusted for supplying and fitting entrance matting in Dublin to EU standards.

FAQs About Measuring and Installing Matwell Mats

What is the standard matwell depth?

17mm is standard for most recessed mats.

Can you install over tile or concrete?

Yes, just make sure the surface is clean, level, and dry before starting.

Do I need to glue the mat in place?

Not necessarily. Some mats stay in place without adhesive, but in high-traffic or commercial settings, a bit of glue may help keep everything secure.

What is the best mat type for Irish weather?

Coir mat installation or rubber inserts work best for wet entrances.

Conclusion – A Perfect Fit Every Time

Installing a matwell mat properly starts with accurate measurement, the right tools, and proper installation steps. Whether you're a DIYer or a facilities manager, following these steps will help you install matwell mats Ireland-wide with zero stress.

Have questions or need help selecting the right product? Our team is happy to help. Browse our selection of indoor mats, outdoor mats, and modular mats or speak to one of our friendly experts today.