What Dri-Dek does before standing water turns a floor slick and moldy

In a shower, sauna, locker room, or pool deck, water doesn't just make the floor slick — it sits. A flat surface, even a textured one, holds a film of water right where bare feet land, and the warm, damp film that lingers between uses is exactly what mold, mildew, and germs feed on. Mopping buys you a few minutes; the water comes back.

Dri-Dek solves it from a different angle: it lifts you above the water. Each tile is a raised, knobby, perforated grid, so water drains straight through and flows away underneath while you stand on the dry high points on top. Air circulates in the gap below, so the floor actually dries between uses instead of staying wet. You get grip up top and a floor that isn't a permanent puddle.

That combination matters in barefoot wet areas. Hygiene and cleaning authorities like ISSA stress that standing water and damp, hard-to-dry floors are what drive both slip risk and microbial growth in showers and locker rooms. A surface that keeps feet up out of the water and lets the floor beneath dry is tackling the slip and the mold problem at the same time.

Why an interlocking raised-vinyl build, and why this one

Dri-Dek is molded from a tough, UV-stabilized virgin vinyl in a flame- and chemical-resistant formulation, which is what lets it live on a wet floor for years. It resists the inorganic acids, oils, grease, detergents, and brine that wet areas and cleaning routines throw at it, holds up from -30°F to 167°F, and carries UV stabilizers so outdoor sun doesn't break it down. The same material is made to resist mold, mildew, and bacteria rather than harbor them.

The design is the other half. Each 12-by-12-inch tile is 9/16 inch thick with a knobby, perforated top, so it drains in every direction and cushions underfoot at the same time — the flex in the raised knobs takes some of the ache out of standing on hard concrete or tile. It's also flame resistant, having passed the UL 94V-0 vertical flame test, and it's tough, with a tensile strength around 2,750 PSI.

Best of all, it goes down without a contractor. The tiles, sheets, and rolls snap together on all four sides to build a surface of any size or shape, and they trim with a knife to fit wall-to-wall or around a drain, a bench, or a corner. Beveled edge and corner pieces finish the exposed borders into gentle ramps. When it's time to clean, you hose it, pressure-wash it, or lift a section and rinse under it.

Where it belongs — and what it isn't

Dri-Dek is at home anywhere a floor gets wet and stays wet. That's pool decks and pool surrounds, showers, saunas, steam and changing rooms, locker rooms, and the damp ring around a spa or hot tub. Because it interlocks into any shape and handles sun and temperature swings, it works indoors and out, in commercial facilities and in a home bathroom, basement, or patio alike.

It helps to be clear about what this isn't. It's a walk-on modular floor surface, not a flotation device, and not the liner sheet that goes under an above-ground pool. If you want a mat to put under a pool or a float for the water, this isn't that product. Dri-Dek installs on top of your existing floor — concrete, tile, or decking — and turns it into a dry, draining surface.

One honest note on chemistry: the vinyl resists most acids, oils, and solvents, but a few aggressive industrial solvents are the exception, so for a specialized chemical environment it's worth checking the specifics with us. In a normal pool, shower, or locker-room setting, chlorine, cleaning products, and daily wear are well within what it's built to take.

Three Things to Check Before You Spec It

Dri-Dek is simple to order once you've settled three things.

First, choose your format. Loose 1-by-1-foot tiles are the most flexible for a small or intricate space and for lifting individually to clean. Pre-assembled 3-by-4-foot sheets or 3-by-12-foot rolls cover a big pool deck or locker room far faster, snapping to each other just like the tiles. Many jobs mix them: rolls for the open floor, loose tiles to fill the edges.

Second, plan your edges. Wherever the surface meets open floor that people step onto, the beveled edge strips and corner pieces turn the 9/16-inch height into a gentle ramp, so there's no lip to trip on and carts or wheelchairs can roll on. Decide which sides are exposed before you order so you have the right trim on hand.

Third, pick a color with the room in mind. It comes in twelve colors, so you can go practical or design-led. Pool Blue and Blue lean fresh and aquatic on a deck; gray, black, and almond read neutral and hide grit in a locker room; brighter colors can zone an area or match a brand. Darker, muted tones show debris the least between cleanings.

Why Mats Inc.

We've been matching mats to real floors since 1964, and a wet floor is one place where the right surface pays off every single day. We'll help you work out how many tiles, sheets, or rolls your space needs, which edge and corner pieces to add, and which of the twelve colors suits the room — and we'll flag anything about your setting that matters before you order. It's part of our wider lineup of pool and wet-area matting, and every order is backed by our 1-year limited warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Dri-Dek keep you out of the water, exactly?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

It works by lifting you above the floor instead of just draining the top. Each tile is a raised grid of knobs with a perforated, open surface, so water falls straight through and flows away underneath while your feet rest on the dry high points. The gap beneath lets air move and the floor dry between uses, which is what stops the standing water and the mold and mildew that come with it. It's molded from a tough, UV-stabilized vinyl in a flame- and chemical-resistant formulation built to live in that wet environment.

Will it hold up to chlorine, sun, and years of wet use?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

It's built for exactly that. The vinyl resists inorganic acids, oils, grease, detergents, and the brine and chlorine of a pool environment, and it's UV-stabilized so sun doesn't make it brittle — in weatherometer testing it held around 98 to 99 percent of its tensile strength and color. It works continuously from -30°F to 167°F, so an outdoor deck through summer and winter is no problem, and it passed the UL 94V-0 vertical flame test. A couple of aggressive industrial solvents are the exception, so for a specialized chemical setting, check with us first.

How do the tiles, sheets, and rolls differ, and which should I get?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

They're the same surface in three formats, and they all interlock with each other. Loose 1-by-1-foot tiles are the most flexible — best for small or intricate spaces and for lifting one at a time to clean under. The 3-by-4-foot sheets and 3-by-12-foot rolls are pre-assembled tiles that cover a big pool deck or locker room much faster. Most large jobs mix them: rolls or sheets for the open floor, loose tiles to fill in edges and odd corners.

Where does Dri-Dek work best?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, VP of Marketing

Anywhere a floor gets wet and stays wet, indoors or out. It's a natural on pool decks and surrounds, in showers, saunas, steam and changing rooms, and locker rooms, and around the damp base of a spa or hot tub. Because it snaps into any shape and handles sun and temperature swings, it's just as at home in a commercial aquatic center as in a home bathroom, basement, mudroom, or patio. If the floor gets wet, it has a place there.

What colors does it come in, and how should I choose?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, VP of Marketing

It comes in twelve colors, which is part of what makes it easy to fit a space rather than fight it. Pool Blue and Blue feel fresh and aquatic on a deck or around a spa; gray, black, and almond read neutral and professional in a locker room and hide grit well; and the brighter colors — red, yellow, teal, green — can zone an area or pick up a facility's branding. If you want the floor to disappear and stay looking clean between washes, the darker, muted tones show the least debris.

My space is an odd shape — can I make it fit, and even design a pattern?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, VP of Marketing

Yes, and that's one of the best things about it. Because every piece interlocks on all sides and trims with a knife, you can build a surface to any footprint — around a drain, a bench, a curved pool edge — and finish the exposed sides with beveled edge and corner pieces for a clean, ramped border. And since it comes in twelve colors, you can mix them to create borders, lanes, or a simple pattern, or match a brand color. Send us your layout and we'll help you plan the pieces and colors.

Written by Jinna Hopson, VP of Marketing, Mats Inc.

What Vynagrip does before someone slips on a wet deck

Around a pool, in a locker room, or behind a wet bar, the floor is the part of the room you stop noticing — right up until a foot goes out from under someone. It's easy to assume a textured tile or a quick wipe-down has it covered. The trouble is that water has nowhere to go on a flat surface, so it sits in a thin film exactly where people walk barefoot or in wet shoes.

Vynagrip is built to break that film. Its open-grid surface lets water drain straight through to the floor below, so the top of the mat stays in contact with feet instead of with a puddle. The raised diamond tread gives shoes and bare skin something to bite into. That combination is what separates a real non-slip pool mat from one that only looks grippy while it's dry.

A slick pool deck or wet-area floor isn't a small problem. The National Floor Safety Institute points to wet, hard floors as one of the most common settings for slip-and-fall injuries, and a busy deck or beverage station sees a steady stream of wet feet all day. Matting that keeps traction underfoot while the water disappears below is doing safety work, not decoration.

Why an open-grid PVC build, and why this one

Vynagrip is made from flexible, non-porous PVC in a two-layer, open-grid construction. Non-porous matters more than it sounds. Because water and spills can't soak into the material, the mat doesn't hold moisture the way a fabric or foam surface would — so it won't turn into a home for bacteria or mildew in a damp pool area or shower room.

The two-layer grid is what makes the drainage work. Water passes through the open pattern on top and clears out underneath, so the walking surface stays usable even when the deck around it is soaked. On traction, the surface is rated R11 under DIN 51130 and scores 72–88 wet on the ASTM E303 pendulum test — strong numbers for a barefoot, wet-area mat.

It's also tougher than a pool mat strictly needs to be, which is the point: it holds up. The PVC resists most acids, alkalines, and oils, and it stays workable across a wide temperature range, from well below freezing up to 140°F. The two-layer build adds a little give underfoot too, so standing on it for a while is easier on your legs than standing on bare concrete.

Where it belongs — and what it isn't

Vynagrip earns its place anywhere water and foot traffic meet. Think pool decks and the walkway from the pool to the locker room, shower and changing areas, the floor behind a poolside bar or beverage station, and wet work zones in kitchens, food service, and refrigerated spaces. In each of these, the same job repeats: drain the water, keep the grip.

It helps to be clear about what this mat is not. It's a walk-on surface mat, not a flotation device, and it's not the liner-protector cloth that goes underneath an above-ground pool. If you're looking for a mat to put under a pool or a float for in the water, this isn't that product. Vynagrip works on top of the deck, under your feet — whether that deck is concrete, tile, or paver.

One honest note for outdoor use: the PVC itself resists sun degradation, but the red color isn't colorfast in constant direct sunlight, so a red mat in full sun will fade over time. For exposed outdoor decks, the darker colors are the safer pick. In shaded or indoor wet areas, color holds up fine.

Three Things to Check Before You Spec It

Vynagrip is straightforward to order, but three things decide whether you get the right setup the first time.

First, decide between rolls and modules. Rolls come in 33-foot lengths and standard widths, and they're easy to cut to fit on site — the right call for covering a long deck or an open wet-area floor. Modules arrive pre-cut with finished ramped edging on three sides, so they sit cleanly against a wall or workstation without a trip lip.

Second, match the format to your edges. An open run of matting in the middle of a floor is one thing; a mat people step onto from a dry surface is another. Where a clean transition matters — a doorway, the edge of a bar, the lip of a shower — ramped edging keeps the change in height gentle, so the mat itself doesn't become the thing someone trips on.

Third, plan for sun and heat. Outdoors, choose a darker color and keep the red for shaded or indoor spots. Also know that PVC can shrink slightly — up to about 2% — and heat speeds that up, so on a hot, exposed deck, leave a little room at fixed edges rather than butting the mat tight wall to wall.

Why Mats Inc.

We've been matching mats to real floors since 1964, and wet areas are where the wrong choice shows up fastest. We'll help you size Vynagrip to your actual deck or work zone, talk through rolls versus modules for your layout, and flag the details — edging, color, sun exposure — that catch people out after a mat ships. It's part of our wider lineup of pool and wet-area matting, and every order is backed by our 1-year limited warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vynagrip actually made of, and why does that matter near water?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

It's a flexible, non-porous PVC mat built in two layers, with an open-grid top and a diamond tread. The non-porous part is the key for wet areas — water and spills can't soak in, so the mat doesn't stay damp or trap the bacteria and mildew that build up on surfaces holding moisture. The open grid lets water drain straight through instead of pooling on top, which is what keeps the walking surface grippy when everything around it is wet.

How slip-resistant is it when the deck is soaking wet?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

Wet traction is exactly what it's built for. The surface is rated R11 on the DIN 51130 ramp test and scores 72–88 wet on the ASTM E303 pendulum test, both of which point to strong grip with water present. It also drains at the V10 level, so water keeps moving off the top rather than sitting under your feet. On top of that, the PVC shrugs off most acids, alkalines, and oils and works from below freezing up to 140°F, so a hot deck or a chemical splash won't break it down.

Does it come in rolls or tiles, and can I get a custom size?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

Both. You can order it as a roll in 33-foot lengths and 2-, 3-, or 4-foot widths, which you cut to fit on site — good for long decks and open floors. Or you can order modules at 4' x 2'5" or 5' x 3' that arrive with finished ramped edging on three sides, ready to drop against a wall or bar. If your space is an odd shape, custom sizes are available on request.

Can I use this outside around the pool, or is it really an indoor mat?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, VP of Marketing

It works in both, and the pool deck is one of its best homes. Outdoors it handles weather and a wide temperature swing without getting brittle, so it's at ease on an open deck, a poolside path, or a shower and changing area. The one thing to plan for outside is sun: pick a darker color for spots in constant direct sunlight, since the red can fade out there over time. Indoors and in shade, any color holds up.

What does it look like, and what colors can I get?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, VP of Marketing

It has a clean, open diamond-grid look that reads as purposeful rather than busy — like it belongs in a working wet area, not like an afterthought. It comes in black and red as standard. Black is the easy choice for hiding the bits of grit and debris a pool deck collects, while red can mark off a zone or add a little contrast. Just remember the red is best kept out of full, constant sun.

My deck has an awkward layout — will this actually fit it?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, VP of Marketing

Most likely, yes, and that's one of its strengths. Because the rolls cut easily on site, you can shape a run around steps, drains, ladders, and corners instead of forcing your space to match a fixed mat size. For built-in spots like a bar floor or a recessed changing area, the modules with ramped edges give you a finished look. And if nothing standard works, you can have it made to a custom size to fit the exact footprint you've got.

Written by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO, Mats Inc.

• Heavy duty 7/8" construction with durable, beveled borders.
• Anti-fatigue matting provides cushion and support for wet, greasy and dry environments.
• Elevated construction allows fluids to drain away from work areas.
• Yellow or Orange Colored borders for increased safety awareness.
• Connectors available to link mats together for larger areas.
• 7/8" thick.
• 3 sided bevel mats are beveled on 1 short side & 2 long sides of the mat.
  
• 4 sided bevel mats are beveled on all 4 sides.
  

Safety-Step Perforated is our modular drainage mat with built-in connectors on two sides that offers the greatest flexibility for large and nonuniform installations.

• Low cost, high value mat for any industrial application.
• Anti-fatigue mat withstands wet environments.
• Multi-nib backing provides aeration so floors can dry quickly
• Modular design allows for custom installation.
• Beveled edges and corners are available.
• Molded in connectors on two adjoining sides.
• Mats are available with holes for drainage application.
• 1/2" thick

Traction Hog Mats

Enhance comfort and safety with Traction Hog Mats, engineered for both dry and damp environments. Perfect for industrial and food service areas, these mats provide reliable protection and support in high-traffic settings.

Key Features of Traction Hog Mats

• Superior Comfort: 5/8" thick nitrile-blended foam minimizes fatigue and offers excellent cushioning for extended standing periods.
• Enhanced Traction: Slip-resistant, silicone carbide-coated surface ensures secure footing in wet and oily conditions.
• Anti-Microbial Protection: Provides lifetime defense against odors and material degradation, maintaining a clean environment.
• Easy Maintenance: Lightweight and flexible design allows for effortless cleaning and handling, saving time and effort.
• Safe Design: Beveled edges facilitate smooth cart movement and reduce tripping hazards. Certified high-traction by NFSI ensures top safety standards.
• Durable & Resistant: Resistant to oil, grease, and chemicals, ensuring longevity and performance in harsh environments.
• Versatile Applications: Ideal for use in wet, slippery manufacturing areas, coolers, freezers, kitchens, and other demanding spaces.
• Slip Resistant Surface: Meets ASTM C1028-96 with a coefficient of friction of .78 dry, providing reliable slip resistance.
• Customizable Options: Available with or without drainage holes to suit specific installation needs and preferences.

Why Choose Traction Hog Mats?

By selecting Traction Hog Mats, you invest in a durable and versatile solution that enhances safety and comfort in your workspace. Trust our high-quality mats to deliver exceptional performance and support your operational needs effectively.

Cushion-Lok Mats

Cushion-Lok Mats are durable PVC workstation mats designed for wet environments where chemical resistance is crucial. These mats are perfect for areas with frequent spills due to their effective drainage system and raised design that keeps workers elevated and dry.

• Material: Made from 100% recycled PVC, ensuring superior resistance to industrial chemicals, cutting fluids, oils, and greases.
• Drainage: Features hundreds of portholes that facilitate quick drainage, maintaining a clean and safe working surface.
• Traction: Raised blade design increases traction and elevates workers above spill areas, enhancing safety and comfort.
• Customization: Available in pre-assembled stock sizes or customizable configurations to suit various workspace dimensions.
• Safety Enhanced: Our stock size mats are designed with six-inch wide beveled edges on three sides, significantly reducing tripping hazards for a safer workstation.
• Edge Options: Standard mats feature Safety Yellow edges for enhanced visibility. Black edges available upon request for a sleek look.
• Robust Build: Features a full 7/8" thickness for enhanced durability and comfort.
• Customizable Fit: Available in custom sizes. Contact Customer Service for pricing details.

What Heronrib does before a wet pool deck takes someone's feet out

A poolside or locker-room floor seems harmless until someone crosses it barefoot and the water underfoot decides the rest. It's tempting to trust textured tile or a fast mop. But on a flat surface, water spreads into a thin film right where bare feet land, and tile that grips when dry turns slick the moment it's wet.

Heronrib is built to clear that film. Its two-layer body sits on channelled underbars that self-drain in four directions, so water runs off and away instead of pooling on top. The embossed surface gives bare feet a firm grip. That's what makes it a true non-slip pool mat rather than one that only feels safe dry.

On a barefoot wet floor, a slip isn't minor. The National Floor Safety Institute links wet, hard floors to a large share of slip-and-fall injuries, and pools, showers, and changing rooms keep those floors wet from open to close. A mat that drains water away and holds grip underfoot is doing safety work every hour it's down.

Why a self-draining PVC build, and why this one

Heronrib is made from strong, non-porous PVC, and non-porous is the word that matters in a barefoot wet area. Because water can't soak in, the mat doesn't stay damp or harbor the bacteria and fungus that thrive on wet floors. On top of that, it's built with anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties, so it actively resists the athlete's foot fungus and mildew that locker rooms and showers tend to grow.

The two-layer construction is what makes the drainage work. Channelled underbars lift the walking surface off the floor and send water away in four directions, while the embossed top holds traction. That grip is certified — Classification C on the DIN 51097 barefoot ramp test, and a 0.9 dry / 0.7 wet reading on ASTM F1677 — strong figures for a surface people cross with no shoes on.

It's also made to last in tough conditions. The PVC resists most acids, alkalines, and oils, stands up to UV without degrading, and works from below freezing up to 140°F, so an outdoor deck and an indoor shower are both fair game. The two-layer body adds cushioning and sound absorption underfoot, so a busy pool hall is a little softer and quieter to walk through.

Where it belongs — and what it isn't

Heronrib earns its place wherever bare feet meet a wet floor. That's the pool deck and pool surround, but also changing rooms, locker rooms, shower rooms, spa and sauna areas, and the wet zones of gyms and recreation centers. Because it works indoors or out and contours to uneven surfaces, it suits both a tiled shower floor and a textured outdoor deck.

It's worth being clear about what this mat is not. It's a walk-on barefoot surface, not a flotation device, and not the liner-protector sheet that goes under an above-ground pool. If you're after a mat to put under a pool or a float for the water, this isn't that product. Heronrib works on top of the deck, under your feet — on concrete, tile, or a finished pool surround.

For larger areas it behaves like a system. Rolls join edge-to-edge with connector clips or welded snap track to cover a whole pool hall seamlessly, ramped edging finishes the borders so there's no trip lip, and floor hooks anchor sections where they need to stay put. The same mat scales from a single shower bay to a wall-to-wall deck.

Three Things to Check Before You Spec It

Heronrib is easy to order well once you've settled three things.

First, plan the layout and joins. For a single shower or changing bay, one cut piece does it. For a full deck or pool hall, rolls join side-to-side and end-to-end with connector clips or welded snap track, so map where the seams fall and where you'll want ramped edging to finish an exposed border cleanly.

Second, measure the whole wet path, not just the obvious spot. The walk from the pool to the showers, the full changing-room floor, the lip around a spa — size the mat to cover wherever feet are actually wet, because a dry-foot gap is exactly where the next slip happens. It cuts to fit on site, so odd shapes and obstacles aren't a problem.

Third, plan for heat and movement outdoors. The PVC handles sun and a wide temperature range, but like any thermoplastic it can shrink slightly — up to about 2%, faster in heat — so on a hot, exposed deck, anchor sections with floor hooks and leave a little room at fixed edges rather than butting it tight wall to wall.

Why Mats Inc.

We've been matching mats to real floors since 1964, and barefoot wet areas are where the wrong choice gets noticed fastest — by feet, by inspectors, and by anyone who slips. We'll help you size Heronrib to your actual wet path, plan the seams and edging for a clean install, and choose the right anchoring for an outdoor deck. It's part of our wider lineup of pool and wet-area matting, and every order is backed by our 1-year limited warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's Heronrib made of, and how does it drain so well?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

It's made from strong, non-porous PVC in a two-layer build. The top layer carries an embossed surface that grips bare feet; underneath, a set of channelled underbars lifts that surface off the floor and lets water run away in four directions. So instead of sitting in a puddle, water clears the moment it lands. The non-porous PVC won't soak up moisture, and it's built with anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties, so the same mat that drains also resists the bacteria and fungus wet floors tend to breed.

How slip-resistant is it for bare feet, and will it last outdoors?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

Its grip is certified for barefoot use specifically — Classification C on the DIN 51097 ramp test, with a 0.9 dry / 0.7 wet reading on ASTM F1677, both strong for a no-shoes surface. As for lasting outdoors, the PVC resists UV without degrading, shrugs off most acids, alkalines, and oils, and works from below freezing up to 140°F. That combination is why the same mat holds up on a sun-exposed deck and in a daily-use shower room without going brittle or slick.

What sizes does it come in, and can it cover a big area?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

It comes in 33-foot rolls in 2-, 3-, and 4-foot widths, and you cut it to fit on site. For a large pool hall or deck, rolls join side-to-side and end-to-end with connector clips or welded snap track, so there's no practical limit to the area you can cover in one continuous, seamless surface. For a small space like a shower bay, a single cut piece does the job. Custom matting is available when a standard width won't fit the layout.

Besides right at the pool, where does Heronrib make sense?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, VP of Marketing

Anywhere people go barefoot on a wet floor. It's a natural fit for changing rooms, locker rooms, and shower rooms, the surrounds of spas and saunas, and the wet zones of gyms and recreation centers — not just the pool deck itself. Because it works indoors or outdoors and contours to uneven ground, it's as comfortable on a textured outdoor deck as on a tiled indoor floor. If a space mixes bare feet, water, and foot traffic, it belongs there.

What does it look and feel like underfoot?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, VP of Marketing

It has a clean, ribbed, embossed surface that reads as purposeful — clearly there to grip and drain rather than to decorate. The look is low-key and functional, the kind of surface that signals the floor is handled without drawing attention to itself. Underfoot, the two-layer body adds a bit of cushioning and even absorbs sound, so a busy, echoey pool hall feels a touch warmer and quieter to cross. If a specific color or finish matters for your space, let us know and we'll confirm what's available.

My pool area is an odd shape with drains and corners — will it fit?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, VP of Marketing

Almost certainly. Because it cuts to fit on site and contours to uneven surfaces, you can shape a run around drains, ladders, corners, and changing benches instead of forcing the space to match a fixed mat. Ramped edging finishes any exposed border so there's no trip lip, and for a tricky footprint custom matting is available. Send us the dimensions and the obstacles, and we'll map out a layout that covers the wet path cleanly.

Written by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO, Mats Inc.

What Heronair does before a wet work floor causes a fall

In a busy work area, the floor gets wet and stays wet — washdown, splashes, drips, tracked-in water. It's easy to assume a quick mop or a coat of non-slip paint keeps people safe. The catch is that water spreads into a thin film on a hard floor, right where people walk and stand, and a painted or tiled surface that grips dry can turn slick the moment it's wet.

Heronair is built to take that film out of play. It's an open-grid PVC mat that's impermeable to fluids, so water and debris drop through and disperse below the surface instead of pooling on top. The etched surface gives shoes traction, and the mat keeps draining even when the floor around it is soaked. That's the difference between a real non-slip wet-area mat and a surface that only behaves when it's dry.

A wet, slick work floor isn't a minor nuisance. The National Floor Safety Institute ties wet, hard floors to a large share of slip, trip, and fall injuries, and a walkway or wet work zone keeps feeding that risk shift after shift. A mat that drains the water away and holds grip underfoot is doing safety work the whole time it's down.

Why a lightweight tubular PVC build, and why this one

Heronair is made from non-porous PVC in a two-layer, tubular construction — and that hollow build is the heart of what makes it different. The tubes make the mat genuinely light: at around 0.9 pounds per square foot, it's easy to lift, roll, and reposition by hand. In a space where mats get pulled up for cleaning or moved between tasks, that lightness is a real day-to-day advantage.

The same open structure that keeps it light also keeps it draining. Liquids pass straight through and clear away beneath the mat, and it's certified slip resistant at R11 with V10 drainage under DIN 51130. Grip comes from an etched surface, so traction is strongest across the lines of the pattern. The hollow body also insulates against a cold floor and absorbs sound, taking some of the chill and clatter out of a hard work area.

Because people stand on these floors for hours, the cushioning matters. The give in the tubular build reduces fatigue underfoot, which is easier on legs and backs than bare concrete. The PVC itself resists most acids, alkalines, and oils, handles UV without degrading, and works from below freezing up to 140°F. Made in black, it's produced from post-industrial recycled material — averaging at least 30% recycled content — and the whole mat is 100% recyclable.

Where it belongs — and what it isn't

Heronair belongs in wet, working spaces where people are on their feet in shoes. Think light-industrial areas and walkways, washdown zones, beverage and prep stations, and the wet service and back-of-house areas around a pool — pump and equipment rooms, plant rooms, and staff walkways — rather than the barefoot deck itself. Wherever liquids underfoot meet standing workers, it earns its place.

It's worth being clear about what this mat is not. It's a shod, walk-on work mat — not a barefoot-certified pool mat, not a flotation device, and not the liner sheet that goes under an above-ground pool. For the barefoot pool deck, shower, or changing room, a barefoot-rated mat is the right call. Heronair's job is the working wet floor, in shoes, where drainage and anti-fatigue support matter most.

How it goes down is simple. It comes in 33-foot rolls, cuts to fit on site, and contours to uneven surfaces, so it follows a real floor instead of fighting it. For larger areas, rolls join side-to-side and end-to-end with connector clips or welded snap track, and ramped edging finishes an exposed border so the mat doesn't become a trip point.

Three Things to Check Before You Spec It

Heronair is easy to order well once you've thought through three things.

First, match it to the duty. This is the lighter, more versatile end of wet-area matting — ideal where you want easy handling, anti-fatigue support, and reliable drainage in shoes. For the most punishing wet floors or the highest wet-grip demands, a heavier, higher-traction mat may suit better. Be honest about how hard the floor gets worked before you choose.

Second, measure the whole wet path and plan the joins. Size the mat to cover wherever liquid actually reaches — the full washdown zone, the length of a walkway — since a dry-foot gap is where the next slip waits. For bigger areas, map where rolls will join with clips or snap track and where ramped edging finishes the border.

Third, plan for heat and movement. The PVC handles a wide temperature range, but like any thermoplastic it can shrink slightly — up to about 2%, faster in heat — so in a hot space or an exposed spot, leave a little room at fixed edges rather than butting it tight wall to wall, and use edging or clips to keep sections in place.

Why Mats Inc.

We've been matching mats to real floors since 1964, and wet work areas are where the wrong mat shows up fastest — in sore legs, slick steps, and mats too heavy to bother moving. We'll help you decide whether Heronair's lightweight, easy-handling build fits your space or whether a heavier mat suits the duty, size it to your actual wet path, and plan the seams and edging. It's part of our wider lineup of pool and wet-area matting, and every order is backed by our 1-year limited warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's Heronair made of, and why is it so light?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

It's made from non-porous PVC in a two-layer, tubular construction — essentially an open grid of hollow tubes. That hollow build is why it's light: about 0.9 pounds per square foot, easy to lift, roll, and move by hand. The open structure also means it's impermeable to fluids — water and debris drop straight through and clear away underneath instead of pooling on top. So the same thing that makes it light also makes it drain, and keeps the walking surface usable when the floor's wet.

How slip-resistant and tough is it, especially with chemicals around?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

It's certified slip resistant at R11 with V10 drainage under DIN 51130, with traction coming from an etched surface — grip is strongest across the lines of the pattern, reading 58 to 77 wet on the ASTM E303 pendulum test depending on direction. On toughness, the PVC resists most acids, alkalines, and oils, stands up to UV without degrading, and works from below freezing up to 140°F. That's what lets the same mat hold up in a washdown area, a chemical-prone work zone, or an outdoor walkway without going brittle.

What sizes does it come in, and can it cover a large floor?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

It comes in 33-foot rolls in 2-, 3-, and 4-foot widths, and you cut it to fit on site. For a large floor, rolls join side-to-side and end-to-end with connector clips or welded snap track, so you can cover a whole walkway or work area in one continuous surface. Because it contours to uneven ground, it follows a real floor rather than needing a perfectly flat one, and custom matting is available when a standard width won't fit.

Can I use this around a pool, or is it really a workplace mat?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, VP of Marketing

It's really a workplace mat, and that's where it shines — light-industrial areas, walkways, washdown and prep zones. Around a pool, its place is the working, in-shoes areas: pump and plant rooms, staff walkways, and back-of-house service spaces, rather than the barefoot deck or shower. For those barefoot areas you'd want a barefoot-rated pool mat instead. If your space is a wet floor where people work on their feet in shoes, Heronair fits.

What does it look like underfoot?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, VP of Marketing

It has a practical, industrial look — an open, etched grid that clearly reads as a working surface built to drain and grip, not as decoration. The standard color is black, which is the easy choice for a work area because it hides the grit, oil, and debris these floors collect between cleanings; the black version is also the one made from recycled material. Other colors are available if you want to mark off a zone or match a scheme — tell us what you need and we'll confirm the options.

My work area has an awkward layout — will it fit, and is it easy to live with?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, VP of Marketing

Yes on both counts. Because it cuts to fit on site and contours to uneven surfaces, you can shape a run around machinery, drains, and corners instead of forcing the space to match a fixed mat. And it's genuinely easy to live with day to day: it's light enough to lift or roll up for cleaning by hand, needs no special tools, and rinses down with a hose. Send us your layout and we'll help you plan widths, joins, and edging.

Written by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO, Mats Inc.

• Drainage holes allow liquids and waste to pass through matting.
• Comfortable construction eases fatigue and increases productivity.
• Heavy duty 7/8" thick rubber construction for wet environments.
• Available in a grease resistant black or a red greaseproof mat.
• Black is also available with a grit coated surface for extra traction.

What Cushion Tile does before a hard, wet floor wears people out

A wet concrete or tile floor around a pool, in a plant room, or behind a counter does two kinds of damage you don't always connect. It's slick where water sits, and it's punishing to stand on for hours — hard, cold, and unforgiving on legs, backs, and feet. Most people notice the slip risk and miss the standing fatigue, but both come from the same hard, wet surface.

Cushion Tile takes on both at once. Each tile is a thick, flexible vinyl square with a waffle-grid, open-mesh surface, so it lifts your feet up out of the water while water drains away through the grid below. At the same time, the give in the recycled vinyl cushions every step, so a floor that used to punish now gives a little back. You stand drier and more comfortably on the same spot.

On a wet, hard floor, that combination matters more than it looks. Standing all day on unforgiving concrete is a genuine source of fatigue and strain, and standing water on top of it adds a slip risk. A cushioned tile that raises feet above the water and softens the surface underneath is protecting the people on it and the floor itself.

Why a recycled cushioned tile, and why this one

Cushion Tile is molded from recycled flexible vinyl, which does two useful things. It gives the tile its cushioning flex — enough to conform to an uneven floor and soften a hard surface underfoot — and it puts a recycled material to work instead of a virgin one, which matters if sustainability is part of your spec. The vinyl is grease and moisture resistant, so a wet or greasy floor doesn't break it down.

The surface is a waffle-grid, open-mesh top on a 3/4-inch-thick tile — noticeably thicker than a thin drainage mat, which is where the cushioning comes from. The open grid lets water and debris fall through and away, keeping the top of the tile clear while your feet stay up above any standing water. It guards against slipping and against the wear that vibration and moisture put on a floor.

It goes down without tools or a contractor. The 12-by-12-inch tiles interlock on every side to build a surface of any size or shape, and they trim to fit around a drain, a bench, or a corner. Interlocking beveled edge and corner pieces ramp the 3/4-inch height down to the floor for a finished, trip-free border. When it's time to clean, you lift a section, rinse, and drop it back.

Where it belongs — and what it isn't

Cushion Tile suits any hard, wet, or greasy floor where people stand or move around. That includes pool decks and surrounds, locker and changing rooms, and shower approaches, but also the wet, standing-work zones it was bred for — behind bars and counters, in plant and equipment rooms, workshops, and washdown areas. Because it handles indoors and out and conforms to an uneven floor, it covers a lot of different ground.

It's worth being clear about what this isn't. It's a walk-on cushioned floor tile, not a flotation device, and not the liner sheet that goes under an above-ground pool. If you want a mat to put under a pool or a float for the water, this isn't that product. Cushion Tile installs on top of your existing floor and turns a hard, wet surface into a cushioned, draining one.

One honest note on grip: this tile's strength is cushioning and lifting feet above the water, and its waffle surface gives solid footing for a walkway or standing area. For the most slip-critical wet spots — a steep, constantly streaming surface where aggressive traction is the priority — a coarser, grittier surface may serve better, and we can point you to one. For general wet-area comfort and safety, this is a strong fit.

Three Things to Check Before You Spec It

Cushion Tile is simple to order once you've thought through three things.

First, size the coverage and count your tiles. Each tile covers one square foot, so a deck or work zone is just its area in tiles, plus edge and corner pieces for any exposed sides. Because it's ideal for covering large surfaces, map the whole area you want cushioned and draining, not just a single standing spot.

Second, plan your edges. Wherever the tiled surface meets open floor people step onto, the beveled edge and corner pieces ramp the 3/4-inch height down so there's no lip to trip on and carts can roll on and off. Decide which sides are exposed before you order so the right ramp pieces come with the tiles.

Third, pick a color for the setting. It comes in several colors, including blue, green, gray, red, and beige, with more available. Blue and gray read clean and neutral around a pool or in a locker room; beige is easy and warm; brighter colors can zone an area or mark a walkway. Darker, muted tones show grit the least between cleanings.

Why Mats Inc.

We've been matching mats to real floors since 1964, and a hard, wet floor is one of the clearest cases for the right surface — it shows up in comfort, safety, and how the floor holds up. We'll help you work out how many tiles and edge pieces your space needs, choose a color for the room, and flag whether Cushion Tile's cushioned surface or a grittier one suits your particular wet spot. It's part of our wider lineup of pool and wet-area matting, and every order is backed by our 1-year limited warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Cushion Tile keep feet out of the water and still feel soft?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

It does both jobs with one design. Each tile is a 3/4-inch-thick square of flexible recycled vinyl with a waffle-grid, open-mesh top. The grid raises your feet above the floor and lets water drain straight through and away, so you're standing on the tile rather than in a puddle. And because the vinyl is thick and flexible, it gives underfoot — that cushioning is where the "cushion" in the name comes from. The same flex also lets it conform to a floor that isn't perfectly flat.

Will it hold up on a wet, greasy, or outdoor floor?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

It's built for exactly those conditions. The recycled vinyl is grease and moisture resistant, so a wet pool deck, a greasy back-of-house floor, or a damp plant room won't degrade it, and it works indoors or outdoors. It also guards the floor beneath it from the wear that vibration and moisture cause. At 3/4 inch thick it's a substantial tile rather than a thin mat, and while the maker rates it for years of service, through us it's backed by our 1-year limited warranty.

What size are the tiles, and can I cover a big area?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

Each tile is 12 by 12 inches — one square foot — and they interlock on every side, so you can build a surface of any size or shape by snapping more together. It's specifically suited to covering large surfaces, so a whole pool deck or work floor is very doable. The tiles trim to fit around drains, corners, and equipment, and interlocking beveled edge and corner pieces finish the exposed borders. Custom sizing is available if you need it.

Where does Cushion Tile make the most sense?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, VP of Marketing

Anywhere a hard floor is wet or greasy and people stand or move on it. Around water, that's pool decks and surrounds, locker and changing rooms, and shower approaches. It's just as at home in the standing-work spots it was designed for — behind a bar or counter, in a plant or equipment room, a workshop, or a washdown area. Because it works indoors and out and conforms to uneven ground, it fits both a poolside setting and a working back-of-house floor.

What colors does it come in, and how should I choose?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, VP of Marketing

It comes in several colors, including blue, green, gray, red, and beige, with more available. The color is a chance to fit the tile to the room: blue and gray feel clean and neutral around a pool or in a locker room, beige reads warm and low-key, and brighter shades like green or red can mark off a walkway or zone an area for safety. If you want the floor to stay looking tidy between cleanings, the darker, muted tones hide grit and debris best.

My space is an odd shape — can I make it fit, and even zone areas by color?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, VP of Marketing

Yes to both. Because every tile interlocks on all sides and trims with a knife, you can build a surface to any footprint — around a curved pool edge, a drain, or a bench — and finish the exposed sides with beveled edge and corner ramps for a clean border. And with several colors to choose from, you can mix them to mark walkways, zone a wet area, or match a facility's look. Send us your layout and we'll help you plan the tiles, edges, and colors.

Written by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO, Mats Inc.

Solid Top Cushion Tile is the “go to” solution for many industrial floor mat applications. It offers superior ergonomic safety mat support during long hours of standing either in commercial or industrial operations.

• Cushion tile is the functional solution to the elimination of fatigue, vibration and slipping.
• The mat is made of durable vinyl plastic and is easy to install and custom cut to fit.
• Made from 100% recycled PVC material.
• Black or yellow ramped edges are available with the same interlocking mechanism.
• Resistant to most chemicals.
• Can be used in industrial plants, machine shops, exercise rooms, health clubs, swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas and in boats.
• 3/4" thickness.
• See #0616 for drainage version

Comfort-King mats offer anti-fatigue relief and alleviate stress on your knees, feet, ankle joints, and pressure points that arise from standing for long periods.

• Reduces fatigue for those in a standing position with a balance of support and softness.
• For use in Dry application areas, including work stations, assembly stations, cashier stations, pharmacies, hospitals, and care facilities.
• Anti-microbial additives help prevent mold, mildew and bacteria growth.
• This mat induces natural flexing of the muscles, reducing the build-up of lactic acid that causes fatigue.
• Available in standard 3/8" or supreme 1/2" thickness.
• Color options: Black, Black/Yellow, Blue, Steel Gray.
• Custom sizes available in 2', 3', 4', and 6' widths. Call or Email us!