Our ultimate guide to choosing access mats for beaches, pools and hospitals

Pools and locker rooms benefit from solid underfoot surfaces like tiles or decking, but are hazardous when wet, and uncomfortably hot to walk on when exposed to direct sunlight.

Heavy duty access mats and floor mats for wheelchairs improve safety for wheelchair users, pedestrians and those recovering from surgery or injuries, by reducing falls and slip-related accidents at venues and facilities where water is present.

Access mats don’t just make wet environments safer; wheelchair access mats will also stabilize muddy or sandy environments, as well as gravel pathways. They additionally help prevent skidding or slipping in leisure environments that may become slippery with spilled drinks, sunscreen, and dropped foods.

Our access mats create safer transition environments for people with accessibility needs to go from their wheelchair to a disability lift or chair.

A non-slip, rollout walkway access mat provides careers and staff with peace of mind that they can safely support the wheelchair user underfoot while helping with the transition.

When installed at recreation centers and pools, access mats provide comfort and heat protection for swimmers standing or lounging around the edge of the pool.

Beach access mats are used to protect bare feet from hot sand, tiles, paving, or decking.

A hard-wearing access mat with antifungal and antimicrobial properties helps repel mold and bacterial growth before it has a chance to develop, delivering long lasting hygiene – even in humid or wet conditions.

Venues and organizations that invest in our high performance, fit-for-purpose wheelchair access mats, benefit from supportive and slip-resistant surfaces to help wheelchair users and careers for many years to come – even in the most demanding environments.

Our rollout walkway access mats are simple to install – simply roll out and cut to fit on site. They can be quickly moved where and when as needed, and easily adapted for any accessibility requirements. The lightweight, non-porous construction makes cleaning a breeze for contractors and staff.

Ask your salesperson these three key questions:

• Is it easy to install?

Recreation areas, bathing facilities and hospitals often can’t afford to close for contractors to fix surface solutions, so it’s vital to look for rollout walkway access mats that make installation quick and easy. By choosing a lightweight, flexible material, walkways for wheelchairs can be rolled out and cut to fit on site without any special skills or tools.

• How long will it last?

Floor mats for wheelchairs should be able to withstand challenging environments both indoors and outside without cracking or fading. It’s important to consider the mat’s surrounds, and find one made from a durable material that’s resistant to harsh elements like pool chemicals, cleaning chemicals and direct sunlight – and remember to ask your supplier about the mat’s warranty.

• Will it get hot being out in the sun?

If your access mat is going to be exposed to direct sunlight by a pool, at a beach, or at a pier, it’s crucial to consider heat absorption. A raised structure will help keep feet off hot sand, tiles, or boards by acting as a thermal barrier. This type of access mat is far safer for children and students to sit on at swimming classes, training, or at competitions.