Waterhog Entry Mats for Indoor & Outdoor Entryways

Waterhog Eco Premier Mats put a heavy-duty bi-level Waterhog surface at the door, with a diamond-pattern face that scrapes grit and pulls water off shoes from any direction. The raised pattern traps dirt and moisture below the walking surface so it isn't tracked deeper inside, and a rubber-reinforced face keeps the mat doing that for years instead of crushing flat under traffic.

What a Waterhog Eco Premier Mat Stops Before It Reaches Your Floor

Most of the dirt and water in a building comes in on shoes. ISSA field data shows a building takes on up to 12 times more dirt during wet weather, and it takes six to eight steps to walk a sole dry. A mat at the entrance is what decides whether that grit and moisture get caught — or get ground into the floor past the door.

The Waterhog surface is bi-level: raised ridges scrape grit and water off shoes, and recessed channels hold both below the walking surface so they aren't picked back up. A raised water-dam border rings the mat and keeps what it collects — up to 1.5 gallons of water per square yard — on the mat instead of spreading toward your floor.

Why the Diamond Waterhog Surface, and Why This One

The face is solution-dyed PET fiber, 24 ounces per square yard, made from at least 90% recycled content reclaimed from plastic bottles. The diamond pattern gives it multi-directional bite — it scrapes just as well whether foot or cart traffic crosses it straight on or at an angle, which is how traffic actually moves through a wide doorway.

What keeps it working is the rubber reinforcement molded through the raised pattern. It stops the pile from crushing flat under steady traffic, and a crushed mat is the usual reason an entrance mat gets pulled early — once it lies down it stops scraping and starts looking worn. The solution-dyed fiber also resists staining and won't fade or rot, so it keeps its color and grip.

Underneath is a 78-mil SBR rubber backing with 20% recycled tire content, in a universal cleated version for carpet or a smooth version for hard floors. Beveled edges ease the step on and off. You choose a classic rubber border for a tougher, more utilitarian edge, or a fashion fabric border that color-matches the mat for a cleaner, more finished look.

Where It Belongs (and Where It Doesn't)

This is a workhorse entrance mat for indoor and outdoor commercial entries — hotel and office lobbies, retail and restaurant doors, healthcare entrances, schools, and similar high-traffic thresholds. The PET face is rated for indoor or outdoor use and isn't bothered by salt or ice melt, so it holds up at a real front door through the seasons. It's also certified high-traction by the National Floor Safety Institute.

Where it's less suited is the heaviest coarse-debris duty — a loading dock caked in mud and gravel, or a job-site door. It scrapes and holds a lot, but for that kind of punishment you'd put a coarse outdoor scraper first and let the Waterhog finish the job a step inside. As the main entrance mat for ordinary commercial traffic, though, it's built to be the one that does the work.

Three Things to Check Before You Spec It

Three things decide whether this is the right Waterhog for your door.

First, the floor under it. A universal cleated backing grips carpet and stops the mat creeping; a smooth backing is the one for tile, stone, polished concrete, or other hard floors, where cleats can rock. Match the backing to the surface or the mat will shift as people walk it.

Second, the size of the run. It comes in standard sizes from 2'×3' up to 6'×20', plus longer custom lengths. Size it to cover the six-to-eight steps it takes to dry a sole, not just the door opening — an undersized mat lets damp shoes finish the job on your floor and takes all the wear in one strip.

Third, the border. A classic rubber border is the more rugged, lower-maintenance edge for heavy or outdoor use; a fashion fabric border color-matches the mat for a more polished look indoors. Pick by how exposed the spot is and how much the appearance matters at that threshold.

Why Mats Inc.

Mats Inc. has specified commercial entrance matting since 1964, so when you're choosing a Waterhog for a specific door, you're working with people who match the surface, backing, and border to your floor and your traffic rather than reading a box. We help you size the run, pick the backing for your floor, and choose the border for the look you want — and we'll tell you when a coarser scraper belongs in front of it. For the rest of the indoor range, see our all indoor entrance mats.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the bi-level diamond surface work?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

It works on two levels. The raised diamond ridges scrape grit and water off the bottom of shoes, and the recessed channels between them hold what's scraped below the walking surface, so it isn't picked up again and tracked deeper inside. The diamond layout also means it scrapes from any direction — useful at a wide door where people cross at all angles. A raised water-dam border rings the mat and holds the moisture it collects, up to 1.5 gallons per square yard, keeping it on the mat instead of on your floor.

How long does it hold up, and what wears it out?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

In ordinary commercial traffic, expect years of service. The reason it lasts is the rubber reinforcement molded through the raised pattern — it keeps the pile from crushing flat. A crushed pile is what usually ends a mat's life: once it lies down it stops scraping and starts looking worn.

The 24-ounce solution-dyed PET face resists staining and won't fade or rot, so it holds its look indoors or out. What shortens its life early is the wrong backing for the floor, or sizing it too small so a narrow strip takes all the traffic.

Can I use it outside, and how do I clean it?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

Yes — the PET face is rated for indoor or outdoor use and isn't affected by salt or ice melt, so it works at a real exterior door through the seasons, or just inside one. The main limit is the heaviest coarse debris: against mud and gravel, put a rugged scraper first and let this mat finish the job. Cleaning is simple — vacuum regularly, and hose or extract it when it's heavily soiled, then hang it to dry before putting it back down.

What sizes can I get?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing

Standard sizes run from 2'×3' up to 6'×20', and longer custom lengths are available for a wide entry or a long walkway.

Size it to the traffic, not just the door. Aim to cover the six-to-eight steps it takes to dry a sole, so the mat protects the floor across the whole approach rather than getting walked past in a stride or two. For a busy entrance, lean toward the larger end.

What does it look like, and what colors are there?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing

The diamond pattern gives it a more refined, finished look than a plain ribbed or waffle mat — it reads as upscale enough for a lobby while still being a serious working mat. There are 11 colors to match a building palette, and darker or neutral tones hide tracked-in dirt better between cleanings. Because the reinforced surface doesn't crush into shiny lanes, it keeps an even appearance across the whole mat instead of showing where everyone walks.

What's the difference between the classic and fashion border?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing

The border changes both the look and the durability. A classic rubber border is the tougher, lower-maintenance edge — a good match for heavy traffic or outdoor exposure, where it takes abuse without showing it. A fashion fabric border color-matches the mat for a cleaner, more seamless look that suits a polished indoor entrance. Neither changes how the mat cleans shoes; it's about how rugged versus how finished you want the edge to look at that particular door.

By Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO, Mats Inc.

A printed Waterhog logo mat does two jobs at once: it puts your name or logo at the door, and it does the real work of a Waterhog — scraping grit and holding water before either reaches your floor. That pairing is the whole point. A logo on a thin promo mat wears off and curls; a logo printed into a genuine Waterhog entrance mat keeps working long after the first impression lands.

What a Printed Waterhog Logo Mat Does Before Grit Reaches Your Floor

Every entrance makes two impressions at once — what visitors see, and what their shoes leave behind. A printed Waterhog logo mat handles both. The bi-level surface scrapes dirt and moisture off shoes and drops it down between the raised nubs, below shoe level, so it stays in the mat instead of tracking across your lobby.

The raised water-dam border holds that moisture in — up to 1.5 gallons of water per square yard — so the floor behind it stays dry. Your logo sits on a surface that's actually doing the cleaning, not just decorating the doorway.

Why This Construction Holds Up Where a Promo Mat Won't

The surface is a 30 oz/yd² PET polyester fiber, needle-punched into the raised Waterhog nub pattern and bonded to a molded nitrile rubber backing. The reinforced rubber nubs are what keep the pile from crushing flat under traffic — the usual way a logo mat dies, with the print going patchy as the surface mats down. Here the nubs hold the pile up, so the image stays crisp and the mat keeps scraping.

The logo is built up through a color-layering print process rather than sitting on top as a coating, and the PET fiber is made largely from recycled plastic — up to 85% recycled content. The nitrile backing resists curling and cracking in heat or cold, which is what lets the same mat work at an indoor lobby or a covered outdoor entrance.

Where It Belongs — and What It Isn't

This is a commercial entrance mat first and a sign second. It earns its place at front doors, lobbies, reception areas, and front desks — anywhere in hotels, retail, restaurants, offices, schools, and healthcare where the first thing a visitor meets is the floor. Pick smooth backing for hard floors and cleated backing for carpet.

What it isn't is a canvas for fine detail. The print reproduces bold logos, lettering, and clean shapes — not photographic gradients, tiny text, or thin hairlines. Text should be at least 1.5 inches tall and lines at least a quarter-inch thick. Very light background colors are best avoided, since pale fields show everyday soil faster than darker or neutral tones.

Three Things to Check Before You Spec It

First, match the backing to the floor it's going on. Smooth backing grips hard surfaces like tile, stone, and sealed concrete; cleated backing is made to sit on carpet without creeping. Getting this wrong is how a mat slides or ripples underfoot.

Second, pressure-test your artwork before you commit to it. Bold logos and clear lettering reproduce beautifully; gradients, screens, and PMS-specific color matching don't. Build the design around at least 1.5-inch text and quarter-inch lines, and lean toward a darker background that hides soil between cleanings.

Third, size the mat to the entrance, not just the doorway. People need several steps on the surface to leave their dirt behind, so a mat that spans the actual walking path cleans far better than a small one tucked at the threshold. Measure the opening and the stride past it before you choose a size.

Why Mats Inc.

Mats Inc. has specified commercial entrance matting since 1964, and a logo mat is where performance and presentation have to land together — get one right and the other wrong, and the mat fails at the door. We help you spec both: the surface and backing for how the entrance is used, and the artwork so it actually reproduces on the mat. You'll see a proof before anything is produced, and the order is backed by our one-year limited warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can a mat show a logo and still keep my floors clean?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

Because the logo is printed into a working Waterhog surface, not onto a flat promo mat. The bi-level pattern of raised nubs scrapes grit and moisture off shoes and traps it down below shoe level, while the water-dam border holds water on the mat — up to 1.5 gallons per square yard. So the printed surface is doing the same scraping-and-holding job as a plain Waterhog; the artwork just rides on top of it. Your logo greets people while the mat quietly keeps the lobby floor dry.

How long will the logo and the mat hold up under traffic?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

The thing that usually kills a logo mat is pile crush — the surface flattens under foot traffic and the print goes patchy. This construction fights that with reinforced rubber nubs that hold the pile upright, so the image stays crisp and the mat keeps working through heavy use. The nitrile backing resists curling and cracking in heat and cold, and a rubber-bordered mat can even be commercially laundered. Kept clean and sized right, it holds up for years, and Mats Inc. backs every order with a one-year limited warranty.

Can I use it both indoors and outdoors, and which backing do I pick?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

It works at indoor lobbies and covered outdoor entrances alike, because the PET fiber and nitrile backing handle moisture and temperature swings without breaking down. The backing is the choice to get right: smooth backing for hard floors like tile, stone, or sealed concrete, and cleated backing for carpet, where it grips instead of creeping. For a fully exposed outdoor spot that takes constant sun and standing water, talk to us first so we can match the mat to the conditions.

What can I have printed on the mat?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing

Bold logos, lettering, and clean shapes reproduce really well. The print is built up in color layers, so it's made for crisp, well-defined artwork rather than photographic gradients or fine detail. Keep text at least 1.5 inches tall and lines at least a quarter-inch thick, and skip tints, screens, and transparencies. PMS color matching isn't available, but there's a wide standard palette to build from. Send us your artwork and we'll show you how it translates to the mat before anything is made.

What colors does it come in, and does the background matter?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing

There are 56 standard colors to build the logo and background from, which is plenty to match most brand palettes. The one thing worth planning around is the background tone: very light or white fields look sharp on day one but show everyday soil faster than darker or neutral colors. For an entrance that gets real traffic, a mid-tone or darker background keeps the mat looking intentional longer between cleanings, while your logo still reads clearly on top.

What sizes can I get, and how do I pick the right one?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing

It comes in a wide range of standard sizes, from a small 2-by-3 up through long runners and large lobby formats, so you can fit a single door or a wide entrance. The trick is to size it to the walking path, not just the doorway — people need several steps on the mat to leave their dirt behind, so a mat that's too short lets grit slip past. Measure the opening and the few steps beyond it, and we'll help you land on a size that both fits the space and shows the logo well.

By Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing, Mats Inc.

The Waterhog Elite Herringbone is a bi-level entrance mat built to pull dirt and water off shoes and keep them off your floor. Raised nubs scrape debris and moisture down below foot level, while a raised water-dam border around the edge holds the runoff on the mat instead of letting it spread onto the floor. The herringbone face gives it an upscale look right at the door.

What the Waterhog Elite Herringbone Does Before Water Reaches Your Floor

Most of a building's dirt and water walks in on shoes at the entrance — ISSA research puts the bulk of it right at the door. This mat's bi-level surface scrapes that grit and moisture off and drops it below the level your shoe touches, so it stays in the mat instead of riding onto the floor. A raised water-dam border around the edge keeps the trapped water from running off, which is what stops a slick spot from forming at the threshold.

Why Recycled PET and a Bi-Level Face, and Why This One

The face is solution-dyed PET — a polyester made from recycled plastic drink bottles, at least 90% recycled content — woven into a dense herringbone at about 30 ounces per square yard. Solution-dyed means the color is locked into the fiber, so it resists staining and will not fade or rot. The raised nubs that do the scraping are reinforced with rubber, so the pile does not crush flat under steady traffic.

Underneath, the SBR rubber backing — a synthetic rubber — contains about 20% recycled rubber from car tires, and comes in a smooth or a cleated version. The mat is certified high-traction by the National Floor Safety Institute, and beveled edges ease the step up onto it. The water-dam border holds up to 1.5 gallons of water per square yard before it overflows.

Where It Belongs, and What It Is Not

This is an entrance mat for the front of the building — lobbies, office and retail entries, hotels, and restaurants, indoors or out — where you want both performance and a finished look. The herringbone face and recycled build earn it a place in our range of water-capture entrance matting, where the job is holding tracked-in water on the mat and off the floor.

What it is not is a mat for a kitchen or a fuel or service bay — the PET fiber should not sit in areas exposed to animal fats or petroleum, which break it down. It is also a single stage: it traps a lot, but in a downpour or very heavy traffic, pairing it with a second mat just inside keeps the floor beyond it dry.

Three Things to Check Before You Spec It

First, choose the border. The classic border is rubber — rugged, and the better pick for an exposed outdoor or high-abuse entrance. The fashion border is fabric, wrapped in the same recycled material as the face, for a more finished look in a lobby or retail space. Both come in a range of seven colors, so you can match the mat to the floor or the décor.

Second, match the backing to the floor. The cleated backing grips a carpeted surface and resists shifting, while the smooth backing sits flat on hard floors like tile or stone. Picking the wrong one is the usual reason a mat creeps or wrinkles underfoot.

Third, size it to the entrance. It comes in a range of standard sizes and can be made to order in whole-foot lengths up to sixty feet, for a long approach or a wide doorway. Aim for enough length that a person takes several steps across the mat — that is what gives the nubs the chance to clean the whole sole.

Why Mats Inc.

We have specified entrance matting since 1964, and a performance mat like this only pays off when it is matched to the entrance. We will help you weigh the classic border against the fashion border, pick the backing for your floor, choose from the seven colors, and size it to the doorway so it traps what it should. Tell us the entrance and we will spec it to fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Waterhog Elite Herringbone made of?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

The face is solution-dyed PET — a polyester woven from recycled plastic drink bottles, at least 90 percent recycled content — set in a herringbone pattern at about 30 ounces per square yard. The raised nubs that do the scraping are reinforced with rubber so the pile will not crush flat under traffic. Underneath is an SBR rubber backing, a synthetic rubber, made with about 20 percent recycled rubber from car tires. That recycled content may also count toward LEED credits, depending on the rating version and the project.

How much water does it hold, and how slip-safe is it?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

The raised water-dam border around the edge holds up to 1.5 gallons of water per square yard before it overflows, which keeps tracked-in rain and snowmelt on the mat instead of pooling on your floor. The surface is certified high-traction by the National Floor Safety Institute, and the beveled edges give a safe transition from the floor up onto the mat. Because the PET is solution-dyed, it resists staining and will not fade or rot, and it stands up to salt and ice melt without breaking down — useful through a hard winter.

Should I get smooth or cleated backing, and where can I use it?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

The cleated backing grips a carpeted floor and resists shifting; the smooth backing lays flat on hard surfaces like tile or stone — match it to whatever the mat will sit on. The mat works indoors or out at an entrance. The one place to avoid is anywhere exposed to animal fats, like a commercial kitchen, or to petroleum products, since those break down the PET fiber over time.

What sizes does it come in?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing

It comes in a range of standard sizes for typical doorways, and it can be made to order in whole-foot lengths up to sixty feet — handy for a long entry approach or a wide double-door opening. The thing to aim for is enough length that someone takes several steps across the mat, because that is what lets the nubs clean the whole sole rather than just clipping it. Send the opening dimensions and the walking path, and we will point you to the right size.

What colors and border styles are available?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing

There are seven colors to choose from, and two border styles. The classic border is rubber — clean and rugged, the usual pick for an outdoor or heavy-duty entrance. The fashion border is fabric, wrapped in the same recycled material as the face, for a softer, more finished edge that suits a lobby or retail floor. The herringbone face pattern gives either version an upscale look, rather than the plain appearance of a basic utility mat.

Will it look right at a customer-facing entrance?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing

Yes — the herringbone pattern and the fabric fashion border are what set this mat apart from a plain entrance mat, so it reads as intentional in an office lobby, a hotel, a restaurant, or a retail entry. If the entrance is more exposed or takes rougher use, the rubber classic border holds up better outdoors while still looking finished. Either way, you get a mat that performs like a workhorse but does not look like one.

By Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing, Mats Inc.

The Classic Waterhog is the mat most people picture when they think "Waterhog" — the original bi-level scraper built to handle a busy door and keep what's outside from ending up on your floor. It's the workhorse of the line: dependable dirt and moisture control, indoors or out, in a surface made to take real daily traffic. Part of the broader Waterhog entrance mat family, the Classic is the default pick for primary entrances.

What a Waterhog Mat Does Before Dirt Reaches Your Floor

Most of the dirt in a building walks in through the front door. ISSA data shows up to 12 times more dirt enters during wet weather, and it takes six to eight footsteps for someone to wipe their shoes clean. The Classic Waterhog is built to catch that in those first steps inside.

The bi-level surface does the work. Raised ridges scrape grit and moisture off shoes and drop it down between them, below shoe level, where it stays put instead of tracking inside. The water-dam border holds the moisture on the mat — up to 1.5 gallons of water per square yard — so the floor past the door stays dry and safer underfoot.

Why the Bi-Level Construction Holds Up

The surface is a 24 oz/yd² solution-dyed PET fiber, made from at least 90% recycled plastic. Solution-dyed means the color goes all the way through the fiber, so it resists staining and won't fade or rot — it dries fast and keeps its look through repeated cleanings. The waffle pattern's reinforced rubber nubs are what stop the pile from crushing flat, which is how a cheaper mat loses its scrape and starts to look tired.

Under that sits a 78-mil SBR rubber backing — with about 20% recycled rubber from car tires — that grips the floor and resists curling and cracking through temperature swings. Beveled edges give a safe step up onto the mat, and the surface is certified high-traction by the National Floor Safety Institute. It's made in the USA.

Where It Belongs — and What It Isn't

The Classic earns its place at primary entrances that see steady traffic all day — office lobbies, storefronts, schools, restaurants, healthcare entries, and busy homes. It works indoors and out, which is why it's the one mat that covers most doorways without much fuss. Pick smooth backing for hard floors and cleated backing for carpet.

What it isn't is a decorative accent or a logo mat. The Classic is the plain performance surface — bold, even color and a square scraping pattern, not custom artwork or fine print. If a space needs branding at the door, that's a different build; the Classic is for when the job is simply to keep the floor clean and dry.

Three Things to Check Before You Spec It

First, match the backing to the floor. Smooth backing grips hard surfaces like tile, stone, and sealed concrete; cleated backing is made to sit on carpet without shifting. The wrong backing is how a mat creeps or ripples underfoot.

Second, size the mat to the walking path, not just the door. Because it takes several steps to wipe shoes clean, a mat that's too short lets grit past it. The Classic comes in standard sizes through 6 by 20 feet and custom lengths up to 60 feet, so you can cover the real path.

Third, choose the border for the job. The classic rubber border is the tougher, more weather-ready edge — the better call for outdoor or high-abuse entrances. The fashion fabric border gives a softer, more finished look for indoor lobbies. Both use the same surface and colors, so it's really about wear and setting.

Why Mats Inc.

The Classic Waterhog is the mat we reach for most, because it solves the common problem — a busy door tracking dirt and water inside — without overcomplicating it. Our job is getting the details right for your space: the backing for your floor, the size for your traffic, and the border and color for where it sits. We specify rather than install, and every order is backed by our one-year limited warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a Waterhog mat better at trapping dirt than a regular doormat?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

It's the bi-level surface. Instead of one flat layer, the Classic Waterhog has raised ridges with channels between them. The ridges scrape grit and water off your shoes, and the low channels catch it and hold it below shoe level — so it stays in the mat instead of getting carried in on the next step. A water-dam border around the edge keeps the moisture from running off, holding up to 1.5 gallons of water per square yard. A standard doormat just sits there and gets walked over; this one actively pulls the dirt down and keeps it.

How durable is it, and how long should it last?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

It's built to take daily commercial traffic. The surface is a 24-ounce solution-dyed PET fiber — the color runs through the fiber, so it resists stains and won't fade or rot — and reinforced rubber nubs keep the pile from crushing flat, which is what usually wears a mat out. The 78-mil SBR backing resists curling and cracking through temperature changes. Kept clean and sized right, it holds up for years in a busy entrance; what ends a mat early is usually an undersized one taking abuse, or grit left to grind in. Mats Inc. backs every order with a one-year limited warranty.

Can I use it outdoors, and which backing should I choose?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

Yes — it's an indoor/outdoor mat, so it works at exterior entries as well as indoor lobbies and foyers. The backing is the choice that matters: pick smooth backing for hard floors like tile, stone, or sealed concrete, and cleated backing for carpet, where the cleats keep it from sliding. For a fully exposed outdoor spot, the classic rubber border holds up better than the fabric one against weather. If you're not sure, tell us where it's going and we'll point you to the right pairing.

What colors does the Classic Waterhog come in?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing

There are 11 colors, from neutrals like Charcoal, Medium Grey, and Bluestone to richer tones like Navy, Evergreen, Bordeaux, and Red/Black. For a busy entrance, a mid-tone or darker color is the practical choice — it hides everyday soil between cleanings and still looks intentional at the door, while lighter shades show dirt faster. Solid Red is offered in 3- and 4-foot widths. Whatever you pick, the color is dyed through the fiber, so it stays true instead of washing out over time.

What's the difference between the rubber and fashion borders?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing

It comes down to look and setting. The classic rubber border is the more rugged edge — clean, utilitarian, and the better pick for outdoor or high-abuse entrances. The fashion fabric border wraps the mat in a softer, more finished surround, which suits indoor lobbies and reception areas where the entrance is part of the first impression. Both use the same bi-level Waterhog surface and the same colors underneath, so you're really choosing the frame, not the performance.

Can I get it in a custom size to fit my entrance?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing

Yes. Beyond the standard sizes, the Classic is made to order in 3-, 4-, and 6-foot widths in whole-foot lengths up to 60 feet, so you can match the mat to the actual opening and walking path rather than settling for the closest stock size. That's especially useful for wide entries, long runners down a corridor, or covering the full stretch where people walk in. Send us the dimensions of the space and how it's used, and we'll help you land on a size and layout that fits.

By Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO, Mats Inc.

The Waterhog Diamond is the version of the mat you reach for when the entrance is on display. It does the same dirt-and-water work as the rest of the Waterhog entrance mat line, but with a diamond surface pattern and a heavier face that give it a more finished look at the door. It's the step up for lobbies and front entries where you want the mat to look as intentional as it performs.

What a Waterhog Diamond Mat Does Before Dirt Reaches Your Floor

The job of any entrance mat is to take the dirt and water off shoes before either reaches your floor. The Diamond does that with a bi-level surface: raised nubs scrape grit and moisture off the sole and drop it into the channels below shoe level, where it stays instead of tracking inside.

The diamond layout adds something the square pattern doesn't — it scrapes from every direction, so it catches feet approaching the door from any angle. The raised water-dam border then holds the moisture on the mat, up to 1.5 gallons per square yard, keeping the floor past it dry and safer underfoot.

Why the Heavier Diamond Construction Holds Up

The surface is a 30 oz/yd² solution-dyed PET fiber — a heavier face than the standard Waterhog line, which means more material doing the scraping and a denser, more substantial feel underfoot. Solution-dyed means the color runs through the fiber, so it resists staining and won't fade or rot, and the PET is made from at least 90% recycled plastic.

Reinforced rubber nubs keep that heavier pile from crushing flat, which is what protects both the look and the scrape over time. Underneath is a 78-mil SBR rubber backing — with 20% recycled rubber — in smooth or cleated form, with beveled edges for a safe step onto the mat and NFSI-certified high-traction underfoot.

Where It Belongs — and What It Isn't

The Diamond earns its place at entrances that are part of the first impression — hotel and office lobbies, retail entries, restaurants, and healthcare reception areas — and at wide doorways where people come in from several directions. Indoors or out, it pairs strong scraping with a look that reads more finished than a utilitarian mat.

What it isn't is the cheapest way to cover a back door. The heavier face and diamond pattern are an upgrade you choose for appearance and feel; if a service entrance just needs to catch grit and nobody's looking at it, the standard square Waterhog does that job without the step up. The Diamond is for when the entrance is meant to be seen.

Three Things to Check Before You Spec It

First, match the backing to the floor. Smooth backing is for hard floors like tile, stone, and sealed concrete; cleated backing is made to sit on carpet without shifting. The wrong one is how a mat creeps or ripples underfoot.

Second, plan the size around the walking path and the backing rules. It takes several steps to wipe shoes clean, so cover the real path, not just the threshold. Mats up to 40 feet come with either backing; longer runs come in smooth backing only, which matters for long lobby or corridor layouts.

Third, choose the border and color for the setting. The classic rubber border is the more rugged, weather-ready edge; the fashion fabric border gives a softer, more finished surround for indoor lobbies. Since the diamond look is the reason to choose this mat, pick a color that suits the space and hides everyday soil between cleanings.

Why Mats Inc.

The Diamond is the mat we point to when the entrance has to look good and still do the work — but it isn't the right answer for every door, and that's the part we help with. We'll tell you honestly when the heavier diamond face earns its place and when the standard square Waterhog would do the same job, then spec the size, backing, and border to fit. Every order is backed by our one-year limited warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the diamond pattern trap dirt and water?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

The mat has a bi-level surface — raised nubs with recessed channels between them. The nubs scrape grit and moisture off your shoes, and it drops into the channels below shoe level, so it stays in the mat instead of getting tracked across the floor. The diamond layout adds multi-directional scraping: where a square pattern works best with traffic moving straight across, the diamond catches shoes approaching from any angle, which helps at busy or wide entrances. A raised water-dam border around the edge holds the moisture in — up to 1.5 gallons per square yard.

Is the heavier face actually more durable?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

The face is a 30-ounce solution-dyed PET fiber, heavier than the standard Waterhog line, so there's more material taking the abuse before it shows wear. The color is dyed through the fiber, so it resists staining and won't fade or rot, and reinforced rubber nubs keep the pile from crushing flat — the thing that usually makes a mat look tired. The 78-mil SBR backing resists curling and cracking through temperature changes. Kept clean and sized right, it holds up for years in a busy entrance, and Mats Inc. backs every order with a one-year limited warranty.

Can I use it outside, and which backing should I pick?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

Yes — it's an indoor/outdoor mat, so it works at exterior entries as well as indoor lobbies, and it isn't bothered by salt or ice melt. The backing is the choice that matters: smooth backing for hard floors like tile, stone, or sealed concrete, and cleated backing for carpet, where the cleats keep it from sliding. One thing to plan for on long runs — mats up to 40 feet come with either backing, but anything longer comes in smooth backing only. Tell us the floor and the length and we'll match it.

Why choose the diamond pattern over the standard square?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing

It comes down to the look. The classic Waterhog uses a square "waffle" pattern; the Diamond uses a diamond layout that reads as more finished and less utilitarian, which is why it's the usual pick for entrances people actually notice — lobbies, reception areas, hotel and retail entries. The performance is in the same family, so you're really choosing the diamond for its appearance and the heavier, more substantial feel it gives the doorway. If the look of the entrance matters, the diamond is the more polished choice.

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

Answered by Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing

It comes in a range of colors with a choice of classic rubber or fashion fabric border, so you can tune it to the space. The practical advice is the same for any entrance mat: a mid-tone or darker color hides everyday soil between cleanings and keeps the mat looking intentional, while very light shades show dirt quickly in a high-traffic doorway. Since the diamond pattern is the reason to choose this mat, pick a color that lets the look land while staying realistic about traffic. We can confirm the current color options for the size you need.

When is the heavier 30-ounce Diamond worth it over a standard mat?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing

When the entrance is on display and gets real traffic. The heavier face and diamond pattern are an upgrade you choose for appearance and a more substantial feel, so they make the most sense at front entries, lobbies, and wide doorways where the mat is part of the first impression and catches feet from several directions. For a back door or service entrance where nobody's looking and the job is just to grab grit, a standard square Waterhog does that with less fuss. We're happy to help you draw that line for each doorway.

By Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing, Mats Inc.

Waterhog Carpet Tiles take the dirt-and-moisture control of a Waterhog mat and turn it into a modular system you can scale across a whole entrance. Instead of one mat at one door, you lay tiles to cover large lobbies, wide vestibules, odd-shaped areas, and recessed matwells. They're part of the Waterhog entrance mat family, built for the spots a single mat can't reach.

What Waterhog Carpet Tiles Do Before Dirt Reaches Your Floor

The job is the same as any Waterhog surface: take the grit and water off shoes before either reaches your floor. Each tile has a bi-level surface — raised nubs scrape debris and moisture off the sole and hold it in the channels below shoe level, so it stays in the tile instead of tracking deeper into the building.

The difference is reach. A single mat covers one doorway; a tile system covers the whole walk-off zone, which matters at big entrances where people take many steps inside before they're on clean floor. The more of that path you cover, the less dirt and water make it past the entry.

Why a Modular Tile System

Each tile is a 30 oz/yd² solution-dyed PET surface — a heavy face that scrapes hard and wears well — needle-punched and bonded to a 100-mil (quarter-inch) universal cleated SBR rubber backing. The color is dyed through the fiber, so it resists staining and won't fade or rot, the PET is made from at least 90% recycled plastic, and reinforced rubber nubs keep the pile from crushing flat under traffic.

The real advantage is the format. Tiles let you cover large or oddly shaped areas a rectangular mat can't fit, drop into recessed matwells for a flush floor, and — when one tile wears or gets damaged — be swapped out one at a time instead of pulling up the whole floor. They come in three patterns, so the field reads as a finished floor, not a patchwork.

Where It Belongs — and What It Isn't

Tiles are the answer for scale and shape: building lobbies, wide vestibules, transition zones, and recessed matwells where you need continuous walk-off across a big footprint, indoors or out. You can surface-mount them on an existing floor or set them into a recess for a flush, built-in look.

What they aren't is the simplest fix for a single door. Tiles are installed with adhesive, so for one entrance that just needs a mat you can drop down and pick up, a bordered Waterhog mat is the easier call. Tiles earn their place when the area is large, recessed, or shaped in a way a single mat can't cover cleanly.

Three Things to Check Before You Spec It

First, decide surface or recessed. Tiles can sit on top of an existing floor or drop into a matwell for a flush finish — and either way they're set with a solvent-free adhesive, so the subfloor needs to be clean and sound before install.

Second, measure the whole area, not just the doorway. The point of tiles is continuous coverage, so map the full walk-off zone to work out tile count and layout. On a surface install where the edge is exposed, an optional vinyl nosing gives a finished, trip-safe border around the field.

Third, choose the pattern and color for the space. The tiles come in diamond, diagonal, and geometric patterns and a range of colors, so the floor can look designed rather than purely functional. As with any entrance surface, mid-tone and darker colors hide everyday soil between cleanings better than light ones.

Why Mats Inc.

A tile floor is as much about layout as product, and that's where we come in. We'll help you work out tile count, pattern layout, and whether surface or recessed install fits your space, then spec the nosing and adhesive to match. Because tiles replace one at a time, the floor is easy to keep looking right for years — and every order is backed by our one-year limited warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do Waterhog Carpet Tiles work?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

Each tile has the same bi-level Waterhog surface you'd find on the mats — raised nubs that scrape grit and moisture off shoes, with recessed channels that hold it below shoe level so it doesn't track across the floor. The difference is the format: instead of one bordered mat, you're laying a field of tiles that carry the walk-off surface across a whole area. The 30-ounce solution-dyed PET face does the scraping and wiping, and the cleated rubber backing keeps each tile planted. Together they turn a large entrance into one continuous dirt-and-water trap.

How durable are the tiles, and what happens when one wears out?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

They're built for heavy commercial traffic. The face is a 30-ounce solution-dyed PET — color dyed through the fiber, so it resists stains and won't fade or rot — over a 100-mil (quarter-inch) cleated SBR backing, and reinforced rubber nubs keep the pile from crushing flat, which is what usually wears a surface out. The big practical advantage is that tiles are individually replaceable: if one section takes damage or heavy wear, you swap that tile instead of pulling up the whole floor. Kept clean, a tile floor holds up for years, and Mats Inc. backs every order with a one-year limited warranty.

How are the tiles installed, and can they go outdoors?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

Tiles can be surface-mounted on an existing floor or set into a recessed matwell for a flush, built-in finish, and they work indoors or out. Either way they're installed with a solvent-free adhesive, so the subfloor should be clean, dry, and sound first. For a surface install where the edge of the field is exposed, an optional vinyl nosing gives a finished, trip-safe border. If you tell us the area and whether it's surface or recessed, we'll spec the adhesive and nosing along with the tiles.

What patterns do the tiles come in?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing

Three: diamond, diagonal, and geometric. All of them use the same bi-level Waterhog surface, so the choice is about the look of the finished floor rather than performance. A diamond or diagonal layout reads as more decorative and works well in lobbies and front entries that are part of the first impression, while the geometric pattern gives a cleaner, more uniform field. Across a large area, the pattern is a big part of whether the floor looks designed or purely utilitarian.

What colors are available, and which should I choose?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing

There are 7 colors to choose from. For a busy entrance, a mid-tone or darker color is the practical pick — it hides the everyday soil that shows up between cleanings and keeps a large tile floor looking intentional, where a light color would show every footprint. Because you're often covering a sizable area, the color sets the tone for the whole entrance, so it's worth matching it to the space and the traffic rather than just a brand swatch. We can confirm the current options for your chosen pattern.

Can the tiles fit an odd-shaped or recessed entrance?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing

That's exactly what they're for. Because it's a modular system, you can lay tiles to cover wide, long, or irregular areas that a rectangular mat would leave gapped, and drop them into a recessed matwell for a flush floor. You can plan the layout around the real footprint of the space — around columns, corners, and doorways — so the walk-off zone stays continuous instead of a single mat marooned in the middle. Send us the dimensions and shape and we'll help map the layout.

By Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO, Mats Inc.

Waterhog Inlay Logo Mats put your logo into the proven Waterhog bi-level mat rather than on top of it. The inlay is the difference: the area that will carry the logo is cut out of the mat and the colors are hand-laid into the cut-out like a jigsaw, so the logo becomes part of the surface and wears with it. It's the most precise of our Waterhog branding options, which is why it leads our indoor logo mats for a sharp, lasting brand at the door.

Under the logo, it's a full Waterhog. The bi-level surface scrapes dirt and moisture off shoes and traps them below shoe level so they don't track inside, and the raised water-dam border holds moisture on the mat — up to about 1.5 gallons per square yard — keeping it off your floors. Most of the dirt inside a building arrives on foot traffic, per ISSA, and that bi-level scrape-and-trap design is built to handle the load.

It's made to keep its look. Reinforced rubber nubs hold the pile up so it resists crushing under traffic, and the solution-dyed fabric resists fading, so both the mat and the inlaid logo stay sharp longer. It runs on a 68-mil SBR rubber backing in smooth or universal-cleated, with beveled edges for a safe floor-to-mat transition, and it's certified high-traction by the NFSI. The rubber backing also carries 20% post-consumer recycled content from car tires.

It's built for branding at commercial entrances — hotels, retail, restaurants, offices, schools and universities, and commercial buildings — and it's rated for indoor and outdoor use. There are 19 colors to work from, with a choice of a classic rubber border or a fashion fabric border, and it's made to order in sizes up to 6' x 20'. Because the nubs and solution-dyeing slow both crushing and fading, it holds appearance for years; replace it when the inlaid logo finally dulls or the surface packs down in the main traffic path.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the logo made, and will it wear off?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing

It's an inlay, not a print. The logo area is cut out of the mat and the colored sections are hand-laid into the cut-out like a jigsaw, so the logo is built into the surface rather than coated on top — there's no print layer to scuff away. The fabric is solution-dyed, which means color runs through the fiber and resists fading. Between the inlay construction and the solution-dyeing, the logo holds up about as well as the mat itself does, which is the point of choosing this one for branding.

What colors and border options are available?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing

There are 19 colors to build the logo and field from, plus a choice of border: a classic rubber border for a clean, utilitarian edge, or a fashion fabric border when you want the surround to feel more finished. Because the inlay is hand-laid in distinct color sections, it suits bold, well-defined logos and lettering — text at least 3 inches tall, lines at least 3/8 inch — rather than fine gradients or tiny detail. Send us your artwork and brand colors and we'll lay out how it translates into the inlay and confirm the color match before production.

How well does it handle dirt and water?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

This is where the Waterhog construction earns its name. The bi-level surface scrapes dirt and moisture off shoes and drops it below shoe level, so it's held in the mat instead of tracking across your floors, and the raised water-dam border keeps moisture on the mat — up to roughly 1.5 gallons of water per square yard. That makes it a strong performer at a busy or wet entrance, not just a branded mat. Lifting it periodically so the floor underneath dries keeps it working at its best.

Can it go outside, and is it slip-safe?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

Yes on both. It's rated for indoor and outdoor commercial entrances, and the solution-dyed fabric resists fading outdoors. On safety, it has beveled edges that give a safe transition from floor to mat instead of a trip lip, and it's certified high-traction by the NFSI, so it holds grip as people come through. The 68-mil SBR rubber backing — smooth or universal-cleated — keeps it planted; choose cleated for hard floors where you want extra grip underneath.

By Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing, Mats Inc.

The Half-Circle Waterhog Entrance Mat takes the bi-level Waterhog face you'd put inside a busy front door and curves one end into a half-oval, so a plain rectangular runner reads as a finished, grand entrance. It scrapes shoes and holds water below the walking surface, and the rounded end softens the look at lobby doors, hotel vestibules, and curved thresholds where a square mat looks cut off.

What a Waterhog Mat Stops Before It Reaches Your Floor

Most of the dirt and water in a building walks in on shoes. ISSA field data shows a building takes on up to 12 times more dirt during wet weather, and it takes six to eight steps for a person to track moisture off their soles. A mat at the door is where that gets caught — or where it gets missed and ends up on your floor.

The bi-level face does the catching. Raised ridges scrape grit and moisture off shoes, then drop it into the channels below the walking surface so it isn't picked up again and tracked deeper inside. A water-dam border rings the mat and holds what it collects — up to 1.5 gallons of water per square yard — keeping it off the floor instead of spreading it around the threshold.

Why the Bi-Level Waterhog Face, and Why the Half-Circle

The face is solution-dyed PET fiber, about 30 ounces per square yard, made from at least 90% recycled content reclaimed from plastic bottles. Rubber reinforcement runs through the bi-level pattern so the pile holds its shape and doesn't crush flat under steady traffic — a crushed mat stops scraping and starts looking tired, which is the usual reason an entrance mat gets pulled early.

Underneath is an SBR rubber backing that contains 20% recycled tire content and lies flat without curling the way vinyl-backed mats can. You can spec a universal cleated backing, the standard for carpet, or a smooth backing for hard floors. Beveled edges ease the transition on and off, so the mat sits as a safe step rather than a trip point.

The half-circle is the reason to choose this version. The half-oval end finishes a run of matting with a curve instead of a hard corner, so you can build a longer grand entrance by pairing the curved end with a rectangular mat. Set against the bi-level textured face and a color-coordinating fabric border, it reads as a designed threshold, not just floor protection.

Where the Half-Circle Belongs (and Where It Doesn't)

This is an indoor entrance mat first. It earns its place in lobbies, hotel vestibules, restaurant foyers, healthcare entries, and office building doors — high-visibility spots where the floor is on display and the threshold sets the first impression. The curved end suits wide or rounded entries and revolving-door approaches, where a rectangle would look stranded.

It is not a coarse outdoor scraper for mud, gravel, or grease, and it isn't the mat for a loading dock or a wash-down bay. Put it where people walk in from a parking lot or sidewalk and you want the building to stay clean and look finished — not where the heaviest grit needs to be knocked off before anyone reaches the door.

Three Things to Check Before You Spec It

Three things decide whether this mat fits your entrance.

First, the floor under it. A universal cleated backing grips carpet and keeps the mat from creeping; a smooth backing is the right call on tile, stone, or polished concrete, where cleats can rock. Match the backing to the surface or the mat will shift underfoot.

Second, the size of the run. The half-oval ends come in roughly 3-, 4-, and 6-foot widths, and they pair with rectangular mats to extend a true grand-entrance length. Measure the door swing and the walking path so the mat covers the six-to-eight steps it takes to dry a sole, not just the doorway itself.

Third, the look you want at the door. Seven colors and a color-coordinating fabric border let you tie the mat to a lobby palette or a brand standard, and the curved end is what separates a presentation entrance from a plain mat. If the threshold is on display, that finish is the point.

Why Mats Inc.

Mats Inc. has specified commercial entrance matting since 1964, so when you ask whether a half-circle layout suits your doorway, you're talking to people who match mat construction to real traffic rather than reading off a box. This mat is certified high-traction by the National Floor Safety Institute, which carries weight at a wet entrance where a slip is a liability, not just a mess. We help you size the run and pick the backing for your floor, and point you to the rest of our commercial entrance matting if the half-circle isn't the right fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the bi-level surface actually keep dirt off my floor?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

The face is built on two levels. Raised ridges scrape grit and water off the bottom of shoes, and the lower channels between them hold what's scraped below the walking surface, so it isn't picked up again and carried farther inside. A raised water-dam border rings the whole mat and traps moisture — up to 1.5 gallons per square yard — so it stays in the mat instead of running onto your floor. That's the difference between a mat that collects and one that just spreads water around the threshold.

How long will it hold up in a busy entrance?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

In a typical commercial entrance, expect several years of service before the look starts to fade. The reason it lasts is the rubber reinforcement molded through the bi-level face — it keeps the pile from crushing flat. A crushed pile is what usually ends a mat's life: once it lies down it stops scraping and starts looking worn.

The solution-dyed PET fiber resists fading and won't rot, so it holds its color and its grip instead of going dull and slick. What shortens that life early is the wrong backing for the floor, or a mat sized too small for the traffic it's taking.

Should I get the cleated or the smooth backing?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

Match it to the floor. The universal cleated backing is standard for carpet — the cleats bite in and keep the mat from creeping as people walk across it. The smooth backing is the one for hard floors like tile, stone, or polished concrete, where cleats can rock and flat rubber stays put.

Both versions lie flat without curling, and the beveled edges give a safe transition on and off. The one real mistake is a cleated mat on a hard floor, or a smooth-backed mat on carpet.

What sizes does the half-circle come in, and how do I build a grand entrance?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing

The half-oval ends come in roughly 3-, 4-, and 6-foot widths. On their own they round off a doorway; paired with a rectangular mat they extend into a longer run — a curved end, a straight middle, and a second curve if you want both ends rounded. That's how you build the grand-entrance look down a wide vestibule.

Measure the door swing and the walking path before you order, and size for the six-to-eight steps it takes to dry a sole. You want the mat covering the traffic, not just the doorway.

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

Answered by Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing

It's a refined, low-profile look rather than a utility mat. The bi-level face has a finished texture, and a color-coordinating fabric border frames it cleanly at the edge. There are seven colors to choose from, formulated to stay colorfast with the recycled fiber, so you can match a lobby palette or keep to a neutral that hides traffic between cleanings. The curved end is what reads as designed — the detail that makes the entrance look intentional instead of just protected.

Can I match it to our brand or pair it with mats we already have?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing

You can build around your space. The seven-color range and fabric border let you tie the mat to a brand standard or an interior scheme, and the half-oval ends are designed to pair with rectangular Waterhog mats so a curved entrance and a straight runner read as one set. If you're after a printed logo at the door, that's a different construction — a logo mat — and we can point you there, but for a clean, color-matched threshold the half-circle does the presentation work on its own.

By Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing, Mats Inc.

The One-End Waterhog Elite is the version of the mat you choose when the entrance is meant to make an impression. It's a rectangular Waterhog mat finished with a graceful half-oval at one end, where a sunburst fan pattern fans out from the curve and meets the diamond pattern that runs down the body — the same dirt-and-water performance as the rest of the Waterhog entrance mat line, shaped to give a lobby a polished, architectural look at the door.

What the One-End Waterhog Elite Does Before Dirt Reaches Your Floor

Underneath the shape, it's doing the real work of a Waterhog. The bi-level surface scrapes grit and moisture off shoes and drops it into the channels below shoe level, where it stays instead of tracking across the lobby floor. The raised water-dam border then holds that moisture on the mat — up to 1.5 gallons per square yard — so the floor past it stays dry and safer underfoot.

The half-oval end adds the part people notice. A sunburst fan radiates out across the curve, picking up where the diamond body ends, so a plain rectangular runner becomes a finished, directional entrance piece — the kind of mat that reads as part of the lobby design rather than something dropped at the door.

Why This Construction

The face is a 30 oz/yd² solution-dyed PET fiber — a heavy, dense surface that scrapes hard and wears well — needle-punched over an SBR rubber backing. The body carries the diamond pattern and the half-oval end carries a sunburst fan, so the two patterns meet in one continuous surface. Solution-dyed means the color runs through the fiber, so it resists staining and won't fade or rot, and the PET is made from at least 90% recycled plastic.

Reinforced rubber nubs keep that heavy pile from crushing flat, which protects both the look and the scrape over time. The backing comes smooth for hard floors or cleated for carpet, and the mat is certified high-traction by the National Floor Safety Institute. The result is a mat that earns its place on appearance without giving up the performance the Waterhog name is built on.

Where It Belongs — and What It Isn't

This is a front-of-house mat. It belongs at the entrances people see and judge — hotel and office lobbies, retail and restaurant entries, healthcare reception, and any doorway that's part of the first impression. The single oval end makes it the natural pick when the mat runs out from a main door and you want a finished face pointing into the room or out toward the entrance.

What it isn't is a back-door workhorse. The oval shape and heavier face are an upgrade you choose for presentation; if a service entrance just needs to grab grit and nobody's looking at it, a standard rectangular Waterhog does that with less fuss. And if you want a symmetrical look with a finished curve at both ends, that's the two-end version rather than this one.

Three Things to Check Before You Spec It

First, decide which way the oval faces. Because only one end is curved, the mat has a direction — the oval can point into the lobby as you enter or out toward the door. Picture the sightline before you order so the finished end lands where people actually see it.

Second, match the backing to the floor. Smooth backing is for hard floors like tile, stone, and sealed concrete; cleated backing is made to sit on carpet without shifting. The wrong one is how a mat creeps or ripples underfoot.

Third, size it to the walking path. It takes several steps to wipe shoes clean, so the rectangular run should cover the real path, with the oval as the finished end — not the whole mat. The Elite comes in 3-, 4-, and 6-foot widths in a range of lengths; mats up to 40 feet come with either backing, and longer runs come in smooth backing only.

Why Mats Inc.

A grand-entrance mat is a design decision as much as a performance one, and that's where we help. We'll talk through which way the oval should face, whether one finished end or two suits the space, and the width and length that fit the doorway and the traffic — then spec the backing to your floor. You get the upscale look without guessing on the details, backed by our one-year limited warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does it clean shoes if it's shaped like a decorative mat?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

The shape sits on top of a real Waterhog surface — it isn't just for looks. The face is a bi-level pattern of raised nubs with channels between them: the nubs scrape grit and moisture off your shoes, and it drops into the channels below shoe level, so it stays in the mat instead of tracking onto the floor. A raised water-dam border holds the moisture on the mat, up to 1.5 gallons per square yard. The half-oval end changes how the mat looks, not how it works — you get the full scraping-and-holding performance plus a finished shape.

Will the heavier face and the oval end hold up to traffic?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

Yes. The face is a 30-ounce solution-dyed PET — a heavy, dense fiber with the color dyed all the way through, so it resists staining and won't fade or rot — and reinforced rubber nubs keep the pile from crushing flat, which is what usually makes a mat look worn. The SBR backing resists curling and cracking through temperature changes. The oval end is built from the same materials as the rectangular body, so it wears at the same rate rather than fraying first. Kept clean and sized right, it holds up for years, and Mats Inc. backs every order with a one-year limited warranty.

Can I use it outdoors, and which backing should I choose?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

It's an indoor/outdoor mat, so it works at covered exterior entries as well as indoor lobbies. The backing is the choice that matters: smooth backing for hard floors like tile, stone, or sealed concrete, and cleated backing for carpet, where the cleats keep it from sliding. One thing specific to this mat — because only one end is curved, it has a direction, so decide which way the oval faces before it's installed. Tell us the floor and the layout and we'll match the backing and orientation.

What does the half-oval end actually do for the look?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing

It turns a standard rectangular mat into a finished entrance piece. A plain runner reads as functional; the curved end softens that, and the sunburst fan that radiates across the oval gives the mat a deliberate, architectural shape that suits a lobby or hotel entrance where the floor is part of the first impression. With the diamond body flowing into the fan at the curve, it works beautifully running out from a main doorway, drawing the eye in. It's the difference between a mat that's simply there and one that looks designed into the space.

What colors does it come in?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing

It comes in a range of colors, so you can tune it to the lobby or brand palette. For an entrance that gets real traffic, a mid-tone or darker color is the practical choice — it keeps the mat looking intentional and hides the everyday soil that shows up between cleanings, where a very light color shows every footprint. Since this is a mat chosen partly for its look, it's worth picking a color that flatters the space while staying realistic about the traffic it'll see. We can confirm the current color options for the size you need.

Should I get the one-end version or the two-end version?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing

It depends on the look you're after and where the mat sits. The one-end version — a rectangle with a single half-oval — is ideal when the mat runs out from a doorway and you want one finished, curved face pointing into or out of the space. The two-end version, with a curve at both ends, suits a mat that sits more centrally or symmetrically, where both ends are on view. If you're not sure, tell us where the mat goes and how people approach it, and we'll help you choose the configuration that frames the entrance best.

By Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing, Mats Inc.

The Two-End Waterhog Elite is the most finished shape in the line — a rectangular Waterhog mat capped with a graceful half-oval at both ends. A sunburst fan radiates across each curve and meets the diamond pattern that runs down the body, so the mat is symmetrical end to end. It's the same dirt-and-water performance as the rest of the Waterhog entrance mat line, shaped to frame an entrance from either direction.

What the Two-End Waterhog Elite Does Before Dirt Reaches Your Floor

Underneath the shape, it's doing the real work of a Waterhog. The bi-level surface scrapes grit and moisture off shoes and drops it into the channels below shoe level, where it stays instead of tracking across the lobby floor. The raised water-dam border holds that moisture on the mat — up to 1.5 gallons per square yard — so the floor past it stays dry and safer underfoot.

The two oval ends are what set it apart visually. With a sunburst fan finishing each curve, the mat looks complete from whichever direction you approach — no plain cut edge anywhere — which is what makes it read as a designed centerpiece rather than a runner that happens to be there.

Why This Construction

The face is a 30 oz/yd² solution-dyed PET fiber — a heavy, dense surface that scrapes hard and wears well — needle-punched over an SBR rubber backing. The body carries the diamond pattern and both half-oval ends carry the sunburst fan, all in one continuous surface. Solution-dyed means the color runs through the fiber, so it resists staining and won't fade or rot, and the PET is made from at least 90% recycled plastic.

Reinforced rubber nubs keep that heavy pile from crushing flat, which protects both the look and the scrape over time. The backing comes smooth for hard floors or cleated for carpet, and the mat is certified high-traction by the National Floor Safety Institute. Because both ends are finished the same way, the mat wears evenly instead of fraying at a plain edge.

Where It Belongs — and What It Isn't

This is a centerpiece mat. It belongs where an entrance is on full view and approached from more than one side — hotel and office lobbies, retail and restaurant entries, healthcare reception, and grand or double-door entrances where the floor is part of the first impression. With a finished curve at both ends, it suits a spot where the mat sits centrally and both ends are seen, not tucked against a wall.

What it isn't is a mat for a tight or one-directional doorway. If the mat runs out from a single door against a threshold, the one-end version gives you one finished curve where it counts without the extra length the second oval adds. And for a back entrance that just needs to grab grit, a standard rectangular Waterhog does that job with less fuss. The two-end shape earns its place when symmetry and presentation matter.

Three Things to Check Before You Spec It

First, plan for clearance at both ends. Because the mat is finished with an oval on each end, it needs open floor at both — it's built to sit in the run of an entrance, not jammed against a wall or threshold where one curve would be lost. Map the full footprint, ovals included, before you size it.

Second, match the backing to the floor. Smooth backing is for hard floors like tile, stone, and sealed concrete; cleated backing is made to sit on carpet without shifting. The wrong one is how a mat creeps or ripples underfoot.

Third, size the rectangular run to the walking path. It takes several steps to wipe shoes clean, so the straight body should cover the real path, with the two ovals as finished caps. It comes in 3-, 4-, and 6-foot widths in lengths from about 7 feet up past 22 feet; mats up to 40 feet come with either backing, and longer runs come in smooth backing only.

Why Mats Inc.

A symmetrical grand-entrance mat is a design decision as much as a performance one, and that's where we help. We'll walk through whether two finished ends or one suits the space, the width and length that fit the entrance and its traffic, and the backing for your floor — so the mat lands centered and proportioned instead of crowding the doorway. You get the upscale, framed look without guessing on the layout, backed by our one-year limited warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does it actually clean shoes, not just look good?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

The decorative shape sits on a real Waterhog surface. The face is a bi-level pattern of raised nubs with channels between them: the nubs scrape grit and moisture off your shoes, and it drops into the channels below shoe level, so it stays in the mat instead of tracking onto the floor. A raised water-dam border holds the moisture on the mat, up to 1.5 gallons per square yard. The two fan-finished ends change how the mat looks, not how it works — you get the full scraping-and-holding performance across the whole surface.

Will a mat with two shaped ends hold up to traffic?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

Yes. The face is a 30-ounce solution-dyed PET — a heavy, dense fiber with the color dyed all the way through, so it resists staining and won't fade or rot — and reinforced rubber nubs keep the pile from crushing flat, which is what usually makes a mat look worn. The SBR backing resists curling and cracking through temperature changes. Both oval ends are built from the same materials as the body, so the mat wears evenly rather than breaking down at the shaped edges. Kept clean and sized right, it holds up for years, and Mats Inc. backs every order with a one-year limited warranty.

Where should it go, and which backing do I need?

Answered by Dustin Thompson, Owner & CEO

It's an indoor/outdoor mat, so it works at covered exterior entries as well as indoor lobbies. Because both ends are finished with a curve, it's made to sit in open floor — centered in an entrance or running between two approaches — rather than pushed against a wall where one oval would be wasted. For backing, choose smooth for hard floors like tile, stone, or sealed concrete, and cleated for carpet, where the cleats keep it from sliding. Tell us the spot and the floor and we'll match it.

What's the advantage of having an oval on both ends?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing

Symmetry. With a finished curve at each end, the mat looks complete from any direction — there's no plain cut edge to face away from view, so it works as a true centerpiece in a lobby or grand entrance approached from both sides. The sunburst fan radiating across each oval, flowing into the diamond body, gives the whole mat a deliberate, architectural feel. Where a one-end mat points somewhere, the two-end version frames the space evenly, which is why it suits formal and high-visibility entrances.

What colors does it come in?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing

It comes in a range of colors, so you can tune it to the lobby or brand palette. For an entrance that gets real traffic, a mid-tone or darker color is the practical choice — it keeps the mat looking intentional and hides the everyday soil that shows up between cleanings, where a very light color shows every footprint. Since this mat is chosen for its presentation, it's worth picking a color that flatters the space and lets the fan-and-diamond pattern read clearly, while staying realistic about traffic. We can confirm the current color options for the size you need.

Should I choose the two-end version or the one-end?

Answered by Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing

It comes down to where the mat sits and how people approach it. The two-end version — a curve at both ends — is the pick when the mat sits centrally or in an open run and both ends are on view, giving a symmetrical, framed look from either direction. The one-end version makes more sense when the mat runs out from a single doorway against a threshold, where you want one finished curve facing the room and don't need the extra length of a second oval. Tell us the layout and we'll help you choose.

By Jinna Hopson, Vice President of Marketing, Mats Inc.