Custom entrance mats are a practical choice when a standard mat size does not fit the entrance area properly. They are useful for recessed mat wells, large commercial entrances, long walkways, public buildings and busy doorways where dirt and moisture need to be controlled before they spread further inside.
Two very similar options available from Mats4U are the Frontrunner Plus Custom Size Entrance Mats and the Frontrunner Entry Custom Size Matting. Both are open-grid entrance matting products, both can be made to bespoke sizes, and both are designed to help keep floors cleaner and safer in high-traffic entrance areas.
The main difference is the surface construction. Frontrunner Plus has a PVC base with absorbent carpet inserts, giving it stronger dirt scraping and moisture absorption. Frontrunner Entry is made from durable UV-stable PVC, making it a simpler open-grid scraper mat for dirt, debris and water drainage.
Table of Contents
- Why Compare Frontrunner Plus and Frontrunner Entry?
- Quick Comparison: Frontrunner Plus vs Frontrunner Entry
- What Is Frontrunner Plus Custom Size Entrance Matting?
- What Is Frontrunner Entry Custom Size Matting?
- Carpet Inserts vs Open PVC Surface
- Dirt and Moisture Control
- Open-Grid Drainage Performance
- Heels and Wheeled Traffic
- Custom Sizing and Recessed Mat Wells
- High-Traffic Entrance Suitability
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Product Comparison: Frontrunner Plus and Frontrunner Entry
- Which One Should You Choose?
- Where to Use Custom Entrance Matting
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Compare Frontrunner Plus and Frontrunner Entry?
Frontrunner Plus Custom Size Entrance Mats and Frontrunner Entry Custom Size Matting are worth comparing because they are both custom entrance matting products designed for busy entrances. They both use an open-grid structure to let dirt and water fall beneath the mat surface, helping keep the walking surface cleaner and safer.
They are also both suitable for commercial entrances where people may walk over the mat with shoes, heels, pushchairs, wheelchairs, shopping trolleys or other wheeled traffic. This makes them useful in offices, retail stores, hospitality venues, transport buildings, schools and other public spaces.
Both Are Custom Size Entrance Mats
Both products are available in bespoke sizing, making them suitable where a standard entrance mat is not the right fit.
Both Use an Open-Grid Design
The open-grid design allows dirt, grit and moisture to fall through the mat surface instead of sitting on top where it can be walked further into the building.
Both Are Suitable for Busy Entrances
Both mats are designed for areas with regular foot traffic and can help reduce the amount of dirt and moisture entering internal spaces.
The Main Difference Is Moisture Absorption
Frontrunner Plus includes absorbent carpet inserts, while Frontrunner Entry is a simpler PVC scraper mat. This makes Frontrunner Plus better where moisture removal is a bigger priority.
Quick Comparison: Frontrunner Plus vs Frontrunner Entry
The table below gives a simple overview of how the two custom entrance mats compare.
| Feature | Frontrunner Plus Custom Size Entrance Mats | Frontrunner Entry Custom Size Matting |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Busy internal and transitional entrances needing dirt scraping and moisture absorption | Commercial entrances needing strong dirt scraping, drainage and a durable PVC surface |
| Mat Type | Custom size open-grid entrance mat with absorbent inserts | Custom size open-grid PVC entrance scraper mat |
| Material | PVC base with absorbent carpet inserts | Durable UV-stable PVC |
| Surface Function | Scrapes dirt and absorbs moisture | Scrapes dirt and channels moisture below the mat |
| Open Grid | Yes, allows dirt and water to fall through | Yes, allows dirt and water to fall through |
| Thickness | Approximately 14-16mm and 10.5-12mm options | Approximately 10.5-14mm |
| Traffic Suitability | Heavy foot traffic in busy commercial entryways | High foot traffic in commercial and public entrances |
| Heels and Wheels | Suitable for heels and wheeled traffic | Suitable for heels and wheeled traffic |
| Custom Length Guidance | Maximum 10m length up to 91cm wide; over 91cm wide available up to 5m length | Maximum 10m length up to 91cm wide; over 91cm wide available up to 5m length |
| Main Advantage | Better moisture removal due to absorbent carpet inserts | Simpler durable PVC scraper mat for dirt removal and drainage |
What Is Frontrunner Plus Custom Size Entrance Matting?
Frontrunner Plus Custom Size Entrance Mats are designed for busy entryways where dirt scraping and moisture absorption are both important. The mat combines a heavy-duty PVC base with absorbent carpet inserts, allowing it to scrape dirt from footwear while also helping remove moisture.
The open-grid construction allows dirt and water to fall beneath the mat surface. This helps reduce trafficked soil entering the building and supports a cleaner, drier entrance area.
Dual-Function Surface
The main advantage of Frontrunner Plus is the dual-function surface. The PVC base provides scraping, while the carpet inserts help absorb moisture from footwear.
Open Grid for Drainage
The open-grid design lets dirt and water fall below the walking surface, helping keep the top of the mat cleaner and more slip resistant.
Suitable for Heels and Wheeled Traffic
Even though the mat uses an open-grid structure, it is still suitable for heels and wheeled traffic, making it useful in public and commercial entrances.
Good for Smart Commercial Entrances
Frontrunner Plus is a strong choice for offices, hotels, shopping centres, schools, transport hubs and other entrances where both appearance and moisture control matter.
What Is Frontrunner Entry Custom Size Matting?
Frontrunner Entry Custom Size Matting is a durable open-grid PVC entrance mat designed to remove dirt and moisture from footwear. Its ribbed open-grid surface scrapes shoes and channels dirt beneath the mat, helping stop debris from travelling further inside.
It is quick and easy to install, suitable for heels and wheeled traffic, and available in black and grey for a clean commercial entrance finish.
Durable UV-Stable PVC
Frontrunner Entry is made from durable UV-stable PVC, making it suitable for demanding entrance areas with high foot traffic.
Ribbed Open-Grid Surface
The ribbed surface scrapes dirt and moisture from shoes, while the open-grid structure allows dirt and water to fall through the mat.
Good Grip in Wet Conditions
The mat is designed to provide grip even when wet, helping reduce slip risks in entrance areas.
Simple Commercial Finish
Frontrunner Entry is available in black and grey, making it suitable for commercial and public buildings that need a neat, simple entrance matting solution.
Carpet Inserts vs Open PVC Surface
The clearest difference between Frontrunner Plus and Frontrunner Entry is the surface construction.
Frontrunner Plus Carpet Inserts
Frontrunner Plus uses absorbent carpet inserts within the PVC base. This gives the mat extra moisture control compared with a standard open PVC scraper mat.
Frontrunner Entry PVC Surface
Frontrunner Entry uses a ribbed open-grid PVC surface. This makes it a strong dirt scraper and drainage mat for busy entrances.
Which Surface Is Better for Wet Shoes?
Frontrunner Plus is better for wet shoes because the absorbent inserts help remove and retain moisture from footwear.
Which Surface Is Better for Simple Dirt Scraping?
Frontrunner Entry is better where the main requirement is simple dirt scraping and open-grid drainage.
Dirt and Moisture Control
Both mats are designed to reduce the amount of dirt and moisture walked into the building. This helps keep internal floors cleaner, drier and safer.
Frontrunner Plus Dirt and Moisture Control
Frontrunner Plus scrapes dirt from shoes, traps soil below the surface and uses absorbent inserts to help remove moisture. This makes it a strong choice where wet footwear is common.
Frontrunner Entry Dirt and Moisture Control
Frontrunner Entry uses a ribbed open-grid surface to scrape dirt and moisture from footwear. Dirt and water fall through the mat rather than sitting on top of the walking surface.
Which Controls Moisture Better?
Frontrunner Plus controls moisture better because it includes absorbent carpet inserts.
Which Is Better for Dry Dirt and Debris?
Both mats can manage dry dirt and debris, but Frontrunner Entry is a practical choice where the focus is mainly on scraping and channelling dirt below the mat.
Open-Grid Drainage Performance
Open-grid matting is useful because it gives dirt and water somewhere to go. Instead of staying on the surface, dirt and moisture can fall below the mat where they are less likely to be tracked further inside.
Open Grid on Frontrunner Plus
Frontrunner Plus uses an open-grid design below the surface, allowing dirt and water to fall through while the carpet inserts help remove moisture from shoes.
Open Grid on Frontrunner Entry
Frontrunner Entry also has an open-grid structure, which channels dirt and water beneath the mat and helps prevent pooling on the surface.
Why Open Grid Matters
Open-grid matting is especially useful in commercial entrances where dirt, grit and water can build up quickly during busy periods.
Which Has Better Drainage?
Both products provide open-grid drainage. Frontrunner Plus adds absorbent inserts for moisture control, while Frontrunner Entry focuses on open PVC scraping and drainage.
Heels and Wheeled Traffic
Entrance mats in commercial buildings often need to support more than standard foot traffic. They may need to handle heels, wheelchairs, pushchairs, shopping trolleys and other wheeled movement.
Frontrunner Plus Wheel and Heel Use
Frontrunner Plus is suitable for heels and wheeled traffic despite its open-grid structure. This makes it suitable for busy public entrances and commercial spaces.
Frontrunner Entry Wheel and Heel Use
Frontrunner Entry is also suitable for heels and wheeled traffic, making it useful in retail, office, hospitality and public building entrances.
Which Is Better for Public Buildings?
Both mats are suitable for public buildings because both are designed for high foot traffic and wheeled use.
Which Is Better for Retail Entrances?
Both can work well in retail entrances. Frontrunner Plus is better where moisture control is important, while Frontrunner Entry is better for a simpler scraper-style solution.
Custom Sizing and Recessed Mat Wells
Both products are useful when the entrance area needs a bespoke fit. This is especially important for recessed mat wells, where the mat needs to sit neatly within the existing floor recess.
Custom Sizing for Frontrunner Plus
Frontrunner Plus can be cut to custom dimensions or recessed well areas. For bespoke lengths, the maximum length is 10m up to 91cm wide. Anything over 91cm wide is available up to 5m in length.
Custom Sizing for Frontrunner Entry
Frontrunner Entry can also be cut to fit specific dimensions, including recessed wells. It follows the same bespoke length guidance: maximum 10m length up to 91cm wide, and up to 5m length for widths over 91cm.
Ramped Edges and Borders
Ramped edges and borders are available upon request for both products. This can be useful when the mat is surface-mounted rather than fitted into a recess.
Which Is Better for Bespoke Areas?
Both products are suitable for bespoke entrance areas. The choice should be based on whether moisture absorption or simple PVC scraping is more important.
High-Traffic Entrance Suitability
Busy entrances need matting that can keep performing when large numbers of people walk through the building every day.
Frontrunner Plus in High Traffic
Frontrunner Plus is built for heavy foot traffic and is ideal for busy commercial entryways where both scraping and moisture absorption are needed.
Frontrunner Entry in High Traffic
Frontrunner Entry is made from robust UV-stable PVC and is designed to endure high foot traffic and varying weather conditions.
Which Is Better for Transport Hubs?
Both products can suit transport hubs. Frontrunner Plus is better where heavy moisture removal is required, while Frontrunner Entry is a strong scraper option for large public entrances.
Which Is Better for Offices?
Both mats can work well in offices. Frontrunner Plus gives a more complete scraping and drying function, while Frontrunner Entry gives a neat and durable PVC matting finish.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning is important with open-grid matting because dirt and debris can collect beneath the mat. Regular maintenance helps the mat continue performing properly.
Cleaning Frontrunner Plus
Vacuum the mat surface regularly to remove loose dirt from the carpet inserts. The PVC base can be rinsed with a hose or mild detergent solution. For deeper cleaning, lift the mat periodically and clear out dirt and debris underneath.
Cleaning Frontrunner Entry
Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove surface dirt and debris. The mat can be rinsed with water or mild detergent when needed. For deeper cleaning, lift the mat to clear debris below the open grid, then hose or pressure wash.
Which Is Easier to Clean?
Frontrunner Entry is slightly simpler to clean because it does not have carpet inserts. Frontrunner Plus needs a little more care because the absorbent inserts should be kept clean and properly dried.
Cleaning Tip
Do not leave dirt to build up below open-grid entrance matting. Lifting and cleaning underneath the mat helps maintain drainage and keeps the entrance area working properly.
Product Comparison: Frontrunner Plus and Frontrunner Entry
The following two Mats4U products are very similar custom entrance matting options, making them ideal for a direct comparison.
Which One Should You Choose?
The easiest way to choose between Frontrunner Plus and Frontrunner Entry is to look at how much moisture control is needed. If the entrance regularly deals with wet shoes, rain, high footfall and a need for better drying performance, choose Frontrunner Plus. If the main issue is dirt scraping, debris control and open-grid drainage, choose Frontrunner Entry.
Choose Frontrunner Plus Custom Size Entrance Mats If:
- You need custom size entrance matting for a busy commercial entrance.
- You want both dirt scraping and moisture absorption.
- You need absorbent carpet inserts to help dry footwear.
- The entrance receives heavy foot traffic.
- The mat will be used in an office, hotel, retail store, school or transport hub.
- You need open-grid drainage for dirt and water.
- You need a mat suitable for heels and wheeled traffic.
- You need bespoke sizing for a recessed mat well or large entrance.
- You want ramped edges or borders available upon request.
Choose Frontrunner Entry Custom Size Matting If:
- You want a simpler custom size PVC entrance mat.
- You need strong dirt scraping and open-grid drainage.
- You do not need absorbent carpet inserts.
- You want a durable UV-stable PVC mat.
- The entrance needs to handle high foot traffic.
- You need a mat suitable for heels and wheeled traffic.
- You want black or grey colour options.
- You need a mat that can be cut to fit specific dimensions or recessed wells.
- You want a practical scraper mat for commercial or public entrances.
The Simple Answer
Choose Frontrunner Plus Custom Size Entrance Mats for higher moisture absorption and a more complete scrape-and-dry entrance matting system. Choose Frontrunner Entry Custom Size Matting for a simpler, durable PVC scraper mat that traps dirt and water beneath the surface.
Where to Use Custom Entrance Matting
Custom entrance matting can be used in many areas where standard mat sizes are not enough. It is especially useful in commercial and public buildings where the entrance needs to look neat while also reducing dirt, moisture and slip risks.
Retail Stores and Shopping Centres
Both mats are suitable for retail entrances. Frontrunner Plus is better where wet shoes and moisture control are a bigger issue, while Frontrunner Entry is a strong option for dirt scraping and open-grid drainage.
Office Buildings
Both mats can help keep office entrances cleaner and more professional. Frontrunner Plus gives stronger moisture absorption, while Frontrunner Entry gives a neat PVC scraper surface.
Hotels and Hospitality Venues
Frontrunner Plus is a strong choice for hotels and hospitality venues because it helps keep entrances cleaner and drier while still looking suitable for customer-facing areas.
Transport Hubs
Both mats are useful in transport hubs where high volumes of people enter the building. Frontrunner Plus is better where moisture removal is important, while Frontrunner Entry is good for durable scraper coverage.
Schools and Universities
Both mats can work well in educational buildings. Custom sizing is especially useful for larger entrances and recessed mat wells.
Public Buildings
Frontrunner Entry is a practical option for public entrances because it is durable, UV-stable and suitable for high foot traffic.
Recessed Mat Wells
Both mats can be cut to fit recessed mat wells. This helps create a neater finish and reduces movement compared with a loose mat placed on top of the floor.
Large Commercial Entrances
Both products can be used in larger entrances where bespoke sizing is needed. Frontrunner Plus is better for scrape-and-dry performance, while Frontrunner Entry is better for straightforward dirt control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the difference between Frontrunner Plus and Frontrunner Entry?
A1: Frontrunner Plus has a PVC base with absorbent carpet inserts for dirt scraping and moisture absorption. Frontrunner Entry is a durable UV-stable PVC mat designed mainly for scraping dirt and channelling moisture below the mat.
Q2: Which mat is better for wet entrances?
A2: Frontrunner Plus is better for wet entrances because the absorbent carpet inserts help remove moisture from footwear.
Q3: Which mat is better for dirt scraping?
A3: Both mats scrape dirt well, but Frontrunner Entry is the simpler scraper-focused option with a ribbed open-grid PVC surface.
Q4: Are both mats custom size?
A4: Yes. Both products can be supplied in bespoke sizes for specific entrance areas or recessed mat wells.
Q5: Can both mats be used in recessed mat wells?
A5: Yes. Both products can be cut to fit recessed mat wells and custom dimensions.
Q6: Do both mats have an open-grid surface?
A6: Yes. Both mats use an open-grid structure that allows dirt and water to fall beneath the walking surface.
Q7: Are both mats suitable for heels?
A7: Yes. Both mats are suitable for heels.
Q8: Are both mats suitable for wheeled traffic?
A8: Yes. Both mats are suitable for wheeled traffic, making them practical for commercial and public entrances.
Q9: What material is Frontrunner Plus made from?
A9: Frontrunner Plus is made from a PVC base with absorbent carpet inserts.
Q10: What material is Frontrunner Entry made from?
A10: Frontrunner Entry is made from durable UV-stable PVC.
Q11: Which mat has carpet inserts?
A11: Frontrunner Plus has absorbent carpet inserts.
Q12: Which mat is simpler to clean?
A12: Frontrunner Entry is slightly simpler to clean because it does not have carpet inserts.
Q13: How do I clean Frontrunner Plus?
A13: Vacuum the carpet inserts regularly, rinse the PVC base with water or mild detergent when needed, and lift the mat periodically to remove dirt and debris underneath.
Q14: How do I clean Frontrunner Entry?
A14: Sweep or vacuum regularly, rinse with water or mild detergent when needed, and lift the mat to clear debris below the open grid.
Q15: Which mat is better for hotels?
A15: Frontrunner Plus is usually better for hotels because it provides stronger moisture absorption and a more complete entrance matting solution.
Q16: Which mat is better for public buildings?
A16: Both mats can work well in public buildings. Frontrunner Entry is a practical scraper option, while Frontrunner Plus is better where moisture absorption is important.
Q17: What colours are available for Frontrunner Entry?
A17: Frontrunner Entry is available in black and grey.
Q18: Can ramped edges and borders be added?
A18: Yes. Ramped edges and borders are available upon request for both products.
Q19: Which mat should I choose for a large entrance?
A19: Choose Frontrunner Plus if the large entrance needs better moisture removal. Choose Frontrunner Entry if the main requirement is durable open-grid dirt scraping.
Q20: Where can I buy Frontrunner Plus and Frontrunner Entry custom entrance mats?
A20: Frontrunner Plus Custom Size Entrance Mats and Frontrunner Entry Custom Size Matting are both available from Mats4U.
