Which Mats Should Be Used in Data Centres?
by Richard O'Connor
Dec 22, 2025 | *6 minutes to readData centres have a very different relationship with floor matting than most workplaces. A typical entrance mat is built to scrape off grit and soak up rainwater so floors stay clean and dry. In a server room or “white space”, the priorities shift: the goal is to reduce fine dust and particles that can be drawn into equipment, while also managing static electricity so people can work around sensitive hardware safely.
Used well, matting supports two critical aims:
- Contamination control: capturing fine debris from footwear and wheels before it circulates through airflow and filtration.
- Static control (ESD): reducing electrostatic discharge risk by providing a controlled path for charge to dissipate (when correctly specified and grounded).
Used badly, the wrong mat can make things worse by shedding fibres, trapping contaminants that later become airborne, or behaving like an insulator that encourages static build-up.
Start with a simple map of your data centre
Before choosing products, it helps to think in zones. Most sites naturally split into:
- Entry points: doors into the white space, airlocks, gowning areas, and any access routes used by contractors.
- Work areas: benches, crash carts, staging points for unboxing, labelling, inspection, or repairs.
- Routes and thresholds: where temporary cabling is used, where raised floor transitions occur, and where trip risks are highest.
- Electrical areas: switchgear rooms and UPS panels (often separate from the white space).
Once you know the zones, it becomes much easier to match the right type of mat to each one.
Mats to use in data centres
1) Tacky (sticky) mats for entrances and access points
Tacky floor mats are a strong first step for contamination control because they’re designed to capture fine particles from footwear and wheels as people enter the controlled area. They’re most effective when placed at every entrance into the white space, including staff doors and contractor access routes.
There are two common approaches:
- Peel-off tacky mats: multi-layer adhesive film. When the top layer becomes contaminated, you peel it away to reveal a fresh surface. This is easy to manage day-to-day and suits sites that want a quick, visible routine.
- Washable polymeric tacky mats: naturally tacky polymer mats intended for longer-term use. These can capture fine debris well, but they rely on a consistent cleaning schedule to keep performance steady.
What to watch: tacky mats only do their job if the top surface is maintained. If peel-off layers aren’t changed, or polymer mats aren’t cleaned, the entry point becomes a “collection area” rather than a control point.
2) ESD mats for workbenches, staging, and maintenance tasks
Wherever staff handle components, install hardware, or work at a crash cart, you should treat it as an ESD-sensitive task area. That’s where ESD dissipative or conductive mats come into play.
Key points for ESD matting:
- They must be grounded: ESD matting is intended to dissipate charge safely to earth, but only works as designed when installed and connected correctly.
- Match the mat to the task: a bench or staging area may need a different format to a floor standing position.
- Choose permanent performance over “coatings”: matting that relies on a temporary surface treatment can become unreliable as it wears.
For teams who stand for long periods while working at racks or benches, ESD anti-fatigue mats can add comfort while still supporting static control requirements (again: correct grounding is essential).
Standards note: IEC 61340-5-1 is widely used for ESD control programme requirements and is a helpful reference point when setting up ESD-safe handling areas and procedures.
3) Cable protection for safer routes (and fewer “temporary” hazards)
Even well-run data centres end up with temporary leads during installs, testing, or maintenance. Loose cables can quickly become a trip hazard, particularly around doors, thresholds, and staging areas. They can also be damaged by trolleys and foot traffic.
That’s where floor cable protectors help: they create a clearly defined crossing point, protect the cable itself, and make the route more predictable for anyone moving through the area.
Tip: keep cable crossings to a minimum, and position protectors so they don’t interfere with door swing, rack access, or emergency egress routes.
4) Dielectric (switchboard) mats — for electrical panels only
Dielectric mats have a specific purpose: protecting people working in front of high-voltage equipment such as switchgear or UPS panels. They’re insulating mats designed for electrical safety.
They are not a substitute for ESD control and should generally be kept to the electrical context they’re intended for, not placed in server aisles where they may contribute to static build-up.
Mat types to avoid in data centres (and why)
Carpet of any kind
Carpet is a poor fit for data centres because it can generate static through friction and can shed fibres. Those fibres can be drawn into equipment intakes and contribute to build-up over time.
Standard “home/office” doormats (coir, bristle, plush)
Many traditional entrance mats are designed to scrape mud and absorb water, but they can shed their own particles and hold contamination that may later become airborne. In a data centre, you want low-shedding materials and a clear maintenance routine.
Generic rubber or vinyl mats that aren’t ESD-rated
Some mats look suitably industrial but behave as electrical insulators. That can encourage static build-up as staff move around, which is exactly what you’re trying to avoid in ESD-sensitive areas.
Ungrounded “anti-static” mats
If a product relies on a surface treatment and has no proper grounding point, performance can degrade with wear. In ESD control, consistency matters: aim for matting intended for static dissipation with a defined grounding method.
Dielectric mats in server aisles
Dielectric mats are for electrical safety at switchgear/UPS panels. Using them in the white space can work against static control aims.
A practical checklist for choosing data centre matting
- At entrances: do you have tacky mats at every access point into the white space, with a clear change/clean routine?
- At work areas: are ESD tasks happening at benches or carts with grounded, ESD-appropriate matting?
- On routes: are temporary cables controlled with cable protectors, and are trip points reduced around thresholds?
- Materials: are you avoiding fibre-shedding, “fluffy”, or untreated mats that can add contamination?
- Compliance: are you aligning your approach with recognised ESD guidance and your site’s electrical safety procedures?
Where to start
If you’re putting together a simple, sensible specification, a good baseline is:
- Tacky Floor Mats at every white space entrance
- Anti-Static & ESD Mats at work areas and maintenance points (correctly grounded)
- Cable Protectors anywhere temporary leads cross walkways
From there, you can refine by zone: higher traffic entries may need larger tacky coverage; busy maintenance areas may benefit from ESD anti-fatigue matting; and routes used for deliveries may need more robust cable protection and clearer walkways.
Explore More Topics
Which Mats Should Be Used in Data Centres?
Data centres have a very different relationship with floor matting than most workplaces. A typical entrance mat is built to scrape off grit and soak up rainwater so floors stay...
The Best Floor Mats for Packing Stations
Packing stations are often the heartbeat of goods-out. If your team is picking, checking, boxing, labelling, and getting orders ready for collection, they’re likely spending long periods on hard floors,...
The Best Mats for Schools, Universities, and Other Education Institutes
Schools, colleges, universities, and academies all have one thing in common: high footfall. From pupils rushing between lessons to staff, visitors, and parents coming and going throughout the day, education...
The Best Types of Floor Mats for Shops & Retail Environments
Retail entrances work harder than almost any other area of a building. Every customer that walks through the door brings moisture, dirt, grit, and debris with them, all of which...
Best Mats for Campsites and Holiday Parks
If you run a campsite or holiday park, you already know the pattern: one wet weekend and suddenly the reception floor is gritty, the route to the wash block is...
DDA-Compliant Floor Matting: What to Choose (and Avoid) for Accessible Entrances
Contents The DDA and accessibility duties Why there’s no such thing as “certified DDA-compliant” matting The legal frameworks that affect matting choices What...
The Best Floor Mats for Stock Rooms and Store Rooms
Stock rooms and store rooms are often busy, functional spaces that support the smooth running of retail, hospitality, food service and commercial environments. While they may not be customer-facing, these...
Choosing the Best Mats for Farmhouses
Farmhouses are some of the most characterful and welcoming homes in the UK, but they also face flooring challenges that most modern properties rarely encounter. Muddy fields, gravel paths, farm...
Floor Mats Guide for Housing Associations and HMOs
Housing associations, HMO landlords, and property managers oversee buildings where multiple residents share entrances, corridors, and communal facilities. These high-use areas experience significant foot traffic, frequent cleaning demands, and a...
Choosing the Right Mats for Leisure Centres
Leisure centres are dynamic environments where hundreds of visitors pass through each day. From swimming pools and changing rooms to gyms and entrance lobbies, each area presents its own challenges...
The Best Floor Mats for Builders: A Practical Guide for Professionals
Builders and tradespeople work in environments that can shift dramatically from one moment to the next. A single job may involve muddy outdoor areas, unfinished interiors, delicate flooring, and spaces...
Best Floor Mats for Waste Management and Recycling Centres
Waste management and recycling centres operate in some of the most demanding environments of any industry. Constant foot traffic, exposure to liquids and debris, and the presence of oils, chemicals,...
Break Room Mats for Cleaner, Safer Staff Areas
A staff break room is more than just a place to grab a quick coffee. It is a vital welfare space where employees unwind, reset, and return to work feeling...
The Best Floor Mats for Property Developers
Property developers have very different needs from the average homeowner when it comes to floor mats. While a typical domestic doormat only needs to cope with light foot traffic, property...
How to Keep Your Site Cabin Floors Clean
Keeping a site cabin clean may not be the first thing on a busy site manager’s checklist, but it plays a major role in maintaining a safe, organised, and compliant...
Portable Containment Bund - Compatibility Chart
Selecting suitable equipment for chemical storage and spill control depends on verified material compatibility. This guide summarises how common substances interact with PVC with a protective proofing layer (PES/PVC), enabling...
Colorful Classrooms: Leveraging Floor Matting and Adjustable Furniture to Create Engaging Spaces
Learning environments are evolving to meet the needs of students who think, move, and learn differently. Colourful classroom spaces that combine thoughtful design with vibrant visual elements are more than...
Entrance Mat Sizing Guide
Have you ever purchased a mat only to find it's too small to catch dirt or too large for your doorway? Selecting the right-sized mat is essential, not just for...
What Are the Most Eco-Friendly Floor Mats?
Have you ever paused at your front door and wondered if your doormat is eco-friendly? We often focus on recycling and reducing energy use in our homes, but even a...
Which Floor Mats Can You Use Outdoors?
Have you ever stepped outside your door and slipped on a wet, ineffective mat? Or perhaps you've noticed your once-attractive mat has deteriorated rapidly after being exposed to rain and...
How to Fit a Recessed Door Mat
Recessed door mats keep your entryway tidy and safe by fitting flush with your floor. If you have an existing matwell or frame, installing coir...
Why Branded Floor Mats Are a Smart Business Investment
Have you ever considered the importance of your entrance area to your overall business image? Are you making the most of every opportunity to showcase your brand?...
5 Benefits of Using Cable Protectors
Cable protectors are a great way to ensure your cables stay safe and in place. They can be used for many everyday purposes, such as preventing tripping hazards, covering unsightly...
Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal with the Right Doormat
Have you ever walked up to a house and immediately felt like this is a house you want to own, even before even stepping inside? That first impression is...
The Versatility of Floor Mats: More Than Just the Front Door
When most people think of floor mats, the front door is the first place that comes to mind. While it’s true that entrance mats are essential...
Ergonomic Workstations: Things You Need to Know When Setting One Up
Creating an ergonomic workstation is essential for maintaining employee well-being, increasing productivity, and improving staff retention. Poorly designed workstations can lead to discomfort, musculoskeletal issues, and decreased efficiency. This guide...
How to Protect Your Hardwood Floors Using Entrance Mats
Hardwood floors add warmth and elegance to any home, but keeping them looking pristine requires careful maintenance. One of the biggest threats to hardwood flooring is the dirt and grime...
The Different Textures of Entrance Matting and Their Benefits
Entrance mats may seem like a simple addition to your home or business, but not all mats are the same. A mat's texture is crucial in how well it...
What Vegans Need to Know About Door Mats
This article has been written by our Director, Richard O’Connor, who has been exploring how well door mats can align with vegan values. As a vegetarian making more vegan choices...
6 Tips for using a Standing Desk Correctly
As people are becoming more aware of their fitness levels and ways in which they can stay healthy, standing desks have increased in popularity because those who have previously had...
5 Creative Ways to Use Your Logo on Products to Boost Brand Awareness
Businesses today compete for attention across countless platforms. Customers have more choices than ever, so brand loyalty is becoming harder to secure. In this landscape, a brand’s image needs to...
The Different Surfaces of Anti-Fatigue Matting Explained
Understanding the different surface textures of anti-fatigue matting is essential for selecting the right one for your workspace. Anti-fatigue mats come in various textures, each designed to provide specific benefits...
Industrial Matting Fact Sheet
Introduction Industrial matting plays a crucial role in maintaining safety, comfort, and efficiency in various work environments. This fact sheet provides essential information about the different types of industrial mats,...
How to keep warm at work: Cost-effective ways to beat the bills
Are you concerned about your business running costs now that energy prices have gone through the roof? Electricity prices have increased 74% for large industrial units in the past...
The Cost of Slips, Trips, and Falls to British Industry
The Cost of Slips, Trips, and Falls to British Industry Are slips, trips, and falls costing your business dearly? Is your workforce underperforming? Are you missing expertise on the floor...
4-Day Work Week in the UK - Key Facts & Statistics
The world of work has seen a lot of change since the beginning of the 2020s, and — in turn — many companies have placed employee well-being at the top...
From Nut to Mat - How Coir Matting is Made
Door mats might not stand out as being the most obvious product to boast an interesting manufacturing history, but the truth of the matter is that coir...
A Quick Guide to Storing Small Chemical Products Safely
Introduction This blog post provides a simplified guide to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) document titled 'Storing Chemical SR24 Products (small scale)'....
Executive Summary of HSE Work-Related MSDs Statistics
Executive Summary: Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Statistics in Great Britain This article provides a comprehensive summary of the key findings from the Health and Safety...
Executive Summary of HSE Work-Related Fatal Injuries Statistics
Executive Summary of HSE Work-Related Fatal Injuries Statistics This article is compiled by First Mats and provides an executive summary of the
The Costs to Britain of Workplace Accidents, Injuries and Ill-Health: HSE Report Summary
An Executive Summary of the HSE Report: Costs to Britain of Workplace Fatalities and Self-reported Injuries and Ill Health Published in November 2023, this report presents the latest estimates of...
The Environmental Impact of Generator Spills and How to Mitigate Them
Generators, while vital in modern life for a variety of applications, come with certain environmental risks. When not managed properly, spills from these machines can have devastating effects on our...
How to Prevent and Clean Oil Spills in the Workplace: A Comprehensive Guide
Workplace oil spills are more than just an inconvenient mess; they present serious risks to employee safety and the environment. Several pieces of legislation in the UK, such as the...
AdBlue: Its Risks to Health and the Environment
In an era where environmental responsibility and sustainable practices take centre stage, understanding the various components of these efforts is paramount. One such component, extensively used in the automotive industry,...
The Best Colour Door Mats for People With Dementia
Dementia is a syndrome associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning, affecting memory, thinking speed, language, understanding, judgement, mood, and movement. It impacts more than 850,000 people in the...
Tips for Moving Plasterboard Safely and Efficiently
Plasterboard, also known as drywall, is a common material used in construction and renovation projects. While it's a versatile and useful material, moving plasterboard can be challenging due to its...
Understanding UDL: Uniformally Distributed Load
What Does UDL Mean? UDL, or Uniformally Distributed Load, is a term used in the field of manual handling equipment to describe the weight capacity of a particular piece of...
Bund Integrity Testing - What You Need to Know
As a responsible business owner, protecting your assets should be one of your top priorities. One approach to securing your assets is using portable bunding solutions, such as
The Complete Guide to Foam Impact Protectors: Enhancing Workplace Safety
Impact Protection Foam is a vital component in industrial environments, serving as a crucial safeguard against injuries caused by impacts with hard surfaces. Designed with a...
Rising Stress Levels in the UK and the Impact on Workers - Facts and Statistics
A recent study conducted by First Mats has highlighted the growing issue of stress among the UK population. Our survey of over 1,000 UK adults found that more...
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions, we’re here to help
How long does delivery take?
Each product comes with a specified lead time for delivery. We'll keep you informed if there are any delays in meeting this timeline.
Typically, once you’ve finalised your order and approved the proof, it will take 4-5 business days to make and deliver your finished mat.
If my order is damaged, can I return or exchange it?
Got a problem with your order? If something's not right or you're not thrilled with the quality, just let us know within 14 days of getting it. Drop us a line, and we'll tell you what to do next—usually, it starts with you sending us a photo of the issue. Once we check that out, we'll sort you out with a refund or a new item, no fuss.
Can I get my mat delivered more quickly?
Need your item in a hurry? Just Contact us to explore the faster delivery options we might have for you!
If my custom mat is damaged, can I return or exchange it?
Got a problem with your order? If something's not right or you're not thrilled with the quality, just let us know within 14 days of getting it. Drop us a line, and we'll tell you what to do next—usually, it starts with you sending us a photo of the issue. Once we check that out, we'll sort you out with a refund or a new item, no fuss.