Diamond-Plate Matting: How to Avoid Buyer’s Regret

Choosing the right anti-fatigue mat can be daunting. Do a quick Google search and you’ll be inundated with page after page of matting choices.  Take for instance the most iconic anti-fatigue mat – Diamond-Plate.  These mats all look the same – the same rugged pattern in the same color assortment.  What you may not realize is that the tough-looking top surface isn’t so different from one matting manufacturer to the another. The difference is what you don’t see.

If you flip over any of those anti-fatigue mats, you’ll see the real powerhouse – the sponge!  That’s what matters and that’s where dual-layer mats like those differ.  Understanding how these anti-fatigue mats differ greatly reduces the likelihood of buyer’s regret. 

As with any product, there’s no such thing as a “one-size-fits all” solution.

What may be the right choice for one facility is completely wrong for another. It’s no different with anti-fatigue mats. Operations, environments, and goals vary. 

Facilities with multi-shift operations, high foot traffic, unique layouts and need to reduce their purchasing cycles require an anti-fatigue mat manufactured using a high-quality, nitrile-blend sponge.  

Facilities with single-shift operations, lower foot traffic and basic layouts should consider an anti-fatigue mat with a blown-PVC sponge. This type of matting has a shorter life but comes with a lower price. 

Facilities with a tight budget, light foot traffic or have an eco-friendly initiative should consider an anti-fatigue mat using a sponge base made exclusively from recycled materials.

The next time you’re faced with purchasing an anti-fatigue mat, be sure to do your research and chose one with a sponge base that aligns with your unique needs.

Wearwell is the only manufacturer that offers diamond-plate matting with 3 unique sponges, each with distinct advantages (i.e. performance, rebound, value, customization, price point, sustainability, slip resistance, anti-slide, etc.) These options allow customers to align their unique needs with the right anti-fatigue mat.

You can read up and familiarize yourself with Wearwell’s diamond-plate anti-fatigue options, but sometimes you need to see and feel before you commit. That’s precisely why Wearwell offers samples free of charge.

Author – Taunya Swandal, Wearwell Brand and Content Manager