Custom size entrance matting is ideal for businesses that need a mat to fit a specific doorway, mat well, lobby or recessed entrance area. A properly fitted entrance mat helps trap dirt and moisture at the door, protects surrounding floors and creates a safer, cleaner entrance for staff, visitors and customers.
Two very similar options available from Mats4U are the Frontrunner Entry Custom Size Matting and the Frontrunner Plus Custom Size Entrance Mats. Both are open-grid entrance mats, both can be cut to fit specific areas, and both are suitable for busy commercial entrances.
The main difference is the surface construction. Frontrunner Entry uses a robust open-grid PVC surface to scrape dirt and allow water and debris to fall through. Frontrunner Plus combines a PVC open-grid base with absorbent carpet inserts, giving it stronger moisture removal for internal entrances where drying footwear is just as important as scraping dirt.
Table of Contents
- Why Compare Frontrunner Entry and Frontrunner Plus?
- Quick Comparison: Frontrunner Entry vs Frontrunner Plus
- What Is Frontrunner Entry Custom Size Matting?
- What Is Frontrunner Plus Custom Size Entrance Matting?
- Scraping vs Scraping and Absorption
- Open-Grid Drainage Performance
- PVC Surface vs Carpet Insert Surface
- Mat Wells, Recesses and Bespoke Fitting
- Foot Traffic, Heels and Wheeled Access
- Indoor, Outdoor and Transitional Use
- Size, Width and Length Options
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Product Comparison: Frontrunner Entry and Frontrunner Plus
- Which One Should You Choose?
- Where to Use Custom Size Entrance Mats
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Compare Frontrunner Entry and Frontrunner Plus?
Frontrunner Entry and Frontrunner Plus are worth comparing because they are both custom size entrance matting products designed for busy doorways. They both use an open-grid structure that lets dirt and water fall below the walking surface, helping reduce transfer into the building.
They are also both suitable for commercial areas where standard mat sizes may not provide the correct coverage. This makes them useful for recessed mat wells, larger entrance zones and irregular entrance layouts that need a more tailored matting solution.
Both Are Custom Size Entrance Mats
Both products can be supplied to fit specific entrance areas. This is useful where the mat must sit neatly inside a recess or cover a larger lobby space without leaving gaps.
Both Use Open-Grid Construction
Both mats allow dirt, grit and moisture to fall beneath the top surface. This helps keep the visible walking surface cleaner and reduces the amount of debris walked further inside.
Both Suit Busy Commercial Entrances
Both products are designed for high-footfall environments such as offices, retail stores, hospitality venues, schools, universities and public buildings.
Different Main Strengths
Frontrunner Entry is stronger for aggressive scraping and drainage. Frontrunner Plus is stronger where moisture absorption and a softer internal entrance finish are also required.
Quick Comparison: Frontrunner Entry vs Frontrunner Plus
The table below gives a simple overview of how the two custom size entrance mats compare.
| Feature | Frontrunner Entry Custom Size Matting | Frontrunner Plus Custom Size Entrance Mats |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Busy entrances needing strong dirt scraping and open-grid drainage | Internal and transitional entrances needing scraping plus moisture absorption |
| Mat Type | Open-grid PVC scraper entrance mat | Open-grid PVC entrance mat with absorbent carpet inserts |
| Surface | Ribbed open-grid PVC surface | Textured PVC with absorbent carpet inserts |
| Main Function | Scrapes dirt and moisture from footwear | Scrapes dirt and absorbs moisture |
| Material | Durable UV-stable PVC | PVC base with absorbent carpet inserts |
| Thickness | Approximately 10.5–14mm | Approximately 14–16mm and 10.5–12mm depending on option |
| Drainage | Open grid allows dirt and water to fall through | Open grid allows dirt and water to fall through while inserts absorb moisture |
| Footwear and Wheels | Suitable for heels and wheeled traffic | Suitable for heels and wheeled traffic |
| Typical Use | Indoor and outdoor commercial entrances | Indoor and transitional commercial entrances |
| Main Advantage | Strong scraping, drainage and durable PVC construction | Dirt scraping with added moisture absorption from carpet inserts |
What Is Frontrunner Entry Custom Size Matting?
Frontrunner Entry Custom Size Matting is a robust open-grid entrance mat designed to remove dirt and moisture from footwear. Its ribbed PVC structure scrapes shoes as people walk over it, while the open grid channels dirt and water below the walking surface.
It is suitable for high-footfall commercial entrances and is designed to keep floors cleaner and safer. It can be used in recessed mat wells or cut to fit different entrance dimensions.
Strong Scraping Surface
The ribbed PVC surface is designed to scrape dirt, grit and moisture from footwear. This makes it useful at entrances where outdoor dirt is regularly walked inside.
Open-Grid Drainage
The open grid lets dirt and water fall through the mat. This helps stop debris sitting on top of the walking surface and reduces the transfer of dirt into the building.
Flexible PVC Construction
The mat is made from UV-stable PVC, making it durable enough for busy entrance areas and suitable for indoor and outdoor use in different climates.
Bespoke Entrance Fit
Frontrunner Entry can be customised to fit specific dimensions, including recessed wells and entrance layouts that are not suitable for a standard mat size.
What Is Frontrunner Plus Custom Size Entrance Matting?
Frontrunner Plus Custom Size Entrance Matting is an open-grid entrance mat with absorbent carpet inserts. It is designed to scrape dirt from footwear while also retaining and drying moisture underfoot.
This makes it a strong choice for busy internal and transitional entrances where the mat needs to remove both soil and moisture. It is suitable for mat wells, recesses and large commercial entrance areas.
Dual-Function Surface
Frontrunner Plus combines heavy-duty PVC with carpet inserts. The PVC structure supports scraping and drainage, while the inserts absorb moisture from shoes.
Maximum Moisture Removal
The carpet inserts help dry footwear more effectively than an open PVC scraper alone. This is useful where wet shoes regularly enter the building.
Heavy-Duty Commercial Use
Frontrunner Plus is built to withstand heavy foot traffic in commercial and industrial environments. It is suitable for entrances that need both performance and a smart finish.
Suitable for Mat Wells and Recesses
The mat can be customised for recessed entrance areas, helping create a neat, professional and practical entrance matting installation.
Scraping vs Scraping and Absorption
The biggest difference between these two mats is how they deal with moisture.
Frontrunner Entry Scraping
Frontrunner Entry focuses on strong dirt scraping. The PVC ribs remove dirt and debris from footwear and allow it to fall through the mat.
Frontrunner Plus Scraping and Absorption
Frontrunner Plus scrapes dirt but also absorbs moisture through its carpet inserts. This makes it better when wet footwear is a major concern.
Which Is Better for Heavy Dirt?
Frontrunner Entry is a strong choice for heavy dirt and grit because its open PVC surface is designed to scrape footwear aggressively.
Which Is Better for Wet Shoes?
Frontrunner Plus is better for wet shoes because the carpet inserts help absorb and dry moisture as people walk across the mat.
Open-Grid Drainage Performance
Both mats use an open-grid structure, which is one of the main reasons they are effective in busy entrances.
Why Open-Grid Matting Works
An open-grid surface allows dirt, grit and water to fall below the main walking area. This helps prevent debris from staying on the surface and being walked further into the building.
Frontrunner Entry Drainage
Frontrunner Entry uses a fully open PVC grid that allows dirt and water to fall through quickly. This suits entrances that need strong drainage and easy maintenance.
Frontrunner Plus Drainage
Frontrunner Plus also has an open-grid design beneath the surface, but the carpet inserts add an extra moisture-retaining function.
Cleaning Under the Mat
With both mats, dirt and debris will collect underneath over time. The mat should be lifted periodically so the floor or mat well below can be cleaned.
PVC Surface vs Carpet Insert Surface
The surface design changes how each mat feels, looks and performs.
Frontrunner Entry PVC Surface
Frontrunner Entry has a more practical all-PVC scraper surface. It is ideal where the entrance needs a robust, easy-clean surface with strong dirt removal.
Frontrunner Plus Carpet Insert Surface
Frontrunner Plus has absorbent carpet inserts built into the PVC surface. This gives it a softer entrance finish and better moisture control.
Which Looks More Minimal?
Frontrunner Entry has a simpler and more minimal open-grid appearance, especially in black or grey.
Which Looks More Interior-Focused?
Frontrunner Plus looks more suitable for internal commercial entrances because the carpet inserts create a warmer and more finished entrance appearance.
Mat Wells, Recesses and Bespoke Fitting
Both mats are useful where a standard mat size is not enough. A custom size mat can provide full coverage and a cleaner fit inside a mat well or recess.
Frontrunner Entry in Mat Wells
Frontrunner Entry can be cut to fit recessed wells and custom entrance dimensions. This helps create a safer and more professional finish than overlapping loose mats.
Frontrunner Plus in Mat Wells
Frontrunner Plus is also suitable for mat wells and recesses. It is a strong option where the entrance needs both scraping and moisture absorption in a fitted system.
Why Correct Fit Matters
A correctly fitted entrance mat reduces gaps, movement and edge issues. It also ensures that people take more steps across the mat before reaching the internal floor.
Ramped Edges and Borders
Ramped edges and borders are available upon request for both products. These can help create a finished edge where the mat is surface-mounted rather than placed in a recess.
Foot Traffic, Heels and Wheeled Access
Both products are designed for commercial entrances where many different users may pass through each day.
Frontrunner Entry Traffic Suitability
Frontrunner Entry is suitable for high foot traffic and can be used by people wearing heels. It is also suitable for wheeled traffic such as wheelchairs, pushchairs and shopping trolleys.
Frontrunner Plus Traffic Suitability
Frontrunner Plus is designed for busy commercial entryways and allows heels and wheeled traffic to pass over the mat, despite the open-grid structure.
Which Is Better for Heavy Footfall?
Both mats are suitable for heavy foot traffic. Choose Frontrunner Entry if scraping and drainage are the main needs, and choose Frontrunner Plus if moisture absorption is also important.
Which Is Better for Shopping Centres?
Frontrunner Plus is often the stronger option for shopping centres because it combines scraping, drainage and moisture absorption in high-footfall indoor entrances.
Indoor, Outdoor and Transitional Use
Placement is important because each mat is designed for slightly different entrance conditions.
Frontrunner Entry Placement
Frontrunner Entry is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Its UV-stable PVC construction and open-grid surface make it practical for areas exposed to changing weather and dirt.
Frontrunner Plus Placement
Frontrunner Plus is designed for indoor and transitional spaces. This makes it better for internal entrances, lobbies and covered entry points where moisture absorption is needed.
Which Is Better for Outside the Door?
Frontrunner Entry is generally the better option for outside or more exposed entrances because it does not rely on carpet inserts for performance.
Which Is Better Just Inside the Door?
Frontrunner Plus is generally better just inside the door because it helps dry footwear while still scraping dirt and allowing drainage.
Size, Width and Length Options
Both mats are available in bespoke options, but the exact width and length restrictions should be considered before ordering.
Frontrunner Entry Size Options
Frontrunner Entry is available in roll widths of 0.6m, 0.91m and 1.22m. For bespoke lengths, the maximum length is 10m up to 91cm wide, while widths over 91cm are available up to 5m long.
Frontrunner Plus Size Options
Frontrunner Plus is available in 10m rolls with widths of 0.6m and 0.91m, or a 5m roll with a 1.22m width. It can be customised to fit specific entrance dimensions.
Which Offers Similar Size Flexibility?
Both products offer very similar size flexibility, making them suitable for custom entrance layouts and recessed mat wells.
Measure Carefully Before Ordering
Always measure the entrance or mat well carefully before ordering. For recessed areas, check both the width and length in several places, as some mat wells may not be perfectly square.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Regular cleaning helps both mats continue to trap dirt and moisture effectively. If dirt builds up below the mat, performance can be reduced.
Cleaning Frontrunner Entry
Sweep or vacuum the surface regularly to remove loose dirt and debris. Rinse the mat with water or mild detergent when needed, and lift it periodically to clean underneath. A hose or pressure washer can be used for deeper cleaning.
Cleaning Frontrunner Plus
Vacuum the carpet inserts regularly to remove loose dirt and dust. Rinse the PVC base with water or mild detergent when required and lift the mat periodically to clear dirt below. The carpet inserts should dry fully before the mat is placed back into use.
Which Is Easier to Clean?
Frontrunner Entry is simpler to clean because it has an all-PVC surface. Frontrunner Plus needs extra care because the absorbent carpet inserts must be vacuumed and dried properly.
Maintenance Tip
Avoid harsh chemicals on both mats, as these may damage the PVC or affect the carpet inserts. Always allow the mat and floor below to dry before returning the area to full use.
Product Comparison: Frontrunner Entry and Frontrunner Plus
The following two Mats4U products are very similar custom size entrance mats, making them ideal for a direct comparison.
Which One Should You Choose?
The easiest way to choose between Frontrunner Entry and Frontrunner Plus is to decide whether the entrance needs mainly scraping and drainage, or scraping with added moisture absorption. If the area is exposed to heavier dirt and you want a simple all-PVC grid, choose Frontrunner Entry. If the entrance is internal or transitional and wet footwear is a major issue, choose Frontrunner Plus.
Choose Frontrunner Entry Custom Size Matting If:
- You need a strong open-grid PVC scraper mat.
- The entrance brings in dirt, grit and outdoor debris.
- You want a mat that allows water and dirt to fall below the surface.
- You need indoor or outdoor entrance use.
- You prefer an all-PVC surface without carpet inserts.
- You want simpler cleaning and maintenance.
- The mat will be used in a retail store, office, hotel, transport hub or public building.
- You need a custom size mat for a recessed well or larger entrance area.
Choose Frontrunner Plus Custom Size Entrance Mats If:
- You need dirt scraping and moisture absorption.
- The mat will be used in an internal or transitional entrance.
- Wet footwear is a regular problem.
- You want absorbent carpet inserts built into the mat surface.
- You need a smart entrance mat for offices, hotels, shopping centres or schools.
- You want a mat suitable for busy commercial entryways.
- The mat needs to fit a mat well or custom entrance size.
- You are happy to vacuum and dry the carpet inserts as part of maintenance.
The Simple Answer
Choose Frontrunner Entry for strong scraping, drainage and simple PVC performance. Choose Frontrunner Plus when the entrance also needs moisture absorption and a more internal commercial finish.
Where to Use Custom Size Entrance Mats
Custom size entrance mats can be used anywhere a standard mat does not provide enough coverage or does not fit the entrance properly. The right choice depends on foot traffic, moisture levels and whether the entrance is internal, external or transitional.
Office Buildings
Frontrunner Entry is a strong practical option for busy office entrances. Frontrunner Plus is better for lobbies where a smarter internal finish and moisture absorption are needed.
Retail Stores
Both mats can work well in retail entrances. Choose Frontrunner Entry for dirt-heavy entrances and Frontrunner Plus for shopfronts where wet footwear and interior appearance matter more.
Shopping Centres
Frontrunner Plus is a strong choice for shopping centres because it combines scraping, drainage and moisture absorption in high-footfall internal entrance areas.
Hotels and Hospitality Venues
Frontrunner Plus is ideal for hotel lobbies and hospitality entrances where a welcoming appearance and moisture control are important. Frontrunner Entry can be used where heavier scraping is needed.
Transportation Hubs
Both mats are suitable for transportation hubs such as airports, stations and bus terminals. Frontrunner Entry is strong for practical dirt removal, while Frontrunner Plus adds moisture absorption for internal areas.
Schools and Universities
Both mats are suitable for schools and universities. Frontrunner Entry is useful at main doorways, while Frontrunner Plus is better for internal entrance lobbies and corridors where moisture is a concern.
Public Buildings
Frontrunner Entry is a practical option for public buildings with high foot traffic. Frontrunner Plus is better where a cleaner, drier and more finished interior entrance is required.
Mat Wells and Recesses
Both products are suitable for mat wells and recesses. A custom size mat helps create a neater fit and reduces the chance of gaps around the entrance area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the difference between Frontrunner Entry and Frontrunner Plus?
A1: Frontrunner Entry is an open-grid PVC scraper mat for dirt and drainage. Frontrunner Plus combines a PVC open grid with absorbent carpet inserts for scraping and moisture absorption.
Q2: Which mat is better for scraping dirt?
A2: Frontrunner Entry is the stronger choice when aggressive scraping and dirt removal are the main priorities.
Q3: Which mat is better for absorbing moisture?
A3: Frontrunner Plus is better for absorbing moisture because it includes carpet inserts.
Q4: Are both mats suitable for custom sizes?
A4: Yes. Both products can be customised to fit specific entrance dimensions and recessed mat wells.
Q5: Are both mats suitable for busy commercial entrances?
A5: Yes. Both mats are designed for busy commercial entryways and high-footfall areas.
Q6: Can heels pass over these mats?
A6: Yes. Both mats are suitable for heels despite their open-grid construction.
Q7: Can wheelchairs and trolleys pass over these mats?
A7: Yes. Both mats are suitable for wheeled traffic such as wheelchairs, pushchairs and shopping trolleys.
Q8: Which mat is better for outdoor use?
A8: Frontrunner Entry is generally better for outdoor or more exposed use because it has an all-PVC surface and is suitable for indoor and outdoor environments.
Q9: Which mat is better for internal entrances?
A9: Frontrunner Plus is usually better for internal entrances where moisture absorption and a more finished appearance are important.
Q10: Which mat is easier to clean?
A10: Frontrunner Entry is easier to clean because it has a simple all-PVC surface. Frontrunner Plus also needs the carpet inserts to be vacuumed and dried properly.
Q11: What colours are available for Frontrunner Entry?
A11: Frontrunner Entry Custom Size Matting is available in black and grey.
Q12: What material is Frontrunner Entry made from?
A12: Frontrunner Entry is made from durable UV-stable PVC.
Q13: What material is Frontrunner Plus made from?
A13: Frontrunner Plus has a PVC base with absorbent carpet inserts.
Q14: Can both mats be used in mat wells?
A14: Yes. Both mats are suitable for recessed mat wells and can be cut to fit specific spaces.
Q15: Are ramped edges available?
A15: Yes. Ramped edges and borders are available upon request for both products.
Q16: Which mat is better for shopping centres?
A16: Frontrunner Plus is usually better for shopping centres because it offers both scraping and moisture absorption for high-footfall internal entrances.
Q17: Which mat is better for transport hubs?
A17: Both can be used in transport hubs. Frontrunner Entry is stronger for dirt scraping, while Frontrunner Plus is better where moisture absorption is also needed.
Q18: How should Frontrunner Entry be cleaned?
A18: Sweep or vacuum regularly, rinse with water or mild detergent, lift the mat to clean underneath and use a hose or pressure washer for deeper cleaning.
Q19: How should Frontrunner Plus be cleaned?
A19: Vacuum the carpet inserts regularly, rinse the PVC base with water or mild detergent, clean underneath the mat and allow the carpet inserts to dry fully.
Q20: Where can I buy Frontrunner Entry and Frontrunner Plus custom size entrance mats?
A20: Frontrunner Entry Custom Size Matting and Frontrunner Plus Custom Size Entrance Mats are both available from Mats4U.
