Complete buyer's guide
Best Industrial Matting UK 2026: Complete Comparison
The definitive guide to industrial floor matting for UK factories, warehouses, and workshops. We compare every category—anti-fatigue, anti-slip, ESD, drainage, and specialist options—to help you find the right solution.
Key Takeaways
Best Overall
Safe-Flex Modular
Multi-purpose, UK-made, R13
Best Premium
Notrax Cushion-Ease
Maximum cushioning, 19mm
Best for ESD
Safe-Flex ESD
IEC 61340, same system
Best for Wet Areas
COBA Workzone W
Open-grid drainage, R11
Industrial matting serves multiple purposes: protecting workers from fatigue, preventing slips and falls, controlling static discharge, handling wet conditions, and withstanding hot work. The UK market offers solutions for every scenario, from basic foam mats to advanced modular systems with multiple specialist variants.
Major suppliers include COBA Europe (the largest UK manufacturer with the widest range), Notrax (premium US-owned brand), and Ergo Advantage (UK specialist making the Safe-Flex system). Prices range from under £20/m² for basic options to over £100/m² for specialist ESD or fire-resistant products.
This guide covers every category of industrial matting, explains what to look for, and identifies the best products for different applications. Whether you're outfitting a new facility or upgrading existing flooring, this guide will help you make informed decisions.
Industrial matting categories
Understanding the different types of industrial matting and when to use each.
Anti-Fatigue Matting
Cushioned mats that reduce strain on workers standing for extended periods. Essential for production lines, packing stations, and any standing workstation. Look for 12mm+ thickness and quality materials that maintain cushioning over time.
Top pick: Safe-Flex (16mm, R13, recycled PVC)
Anti-Slip Matting
Mats with enhanced grip to prevent slips and falls. Critical for workshops, food processing, and anywhere with oil, water, or contamination. Check R-ratings: R10 for dry, R11+ for wet, R13 for heavy contamination.
Top pick: Safe-Flex (R13) or COBAGRiP for steps
ESD / Anti-Static Matting
Static-dissipative mats for electronics manufacturing, PCB handling, and ESD-sensitive environments. Must meet IEC 61340 standards. Requires proper grounding installation. Often combined with anti-fatigue properties.
Top pick: Safe-Flex ESD (IEC 61340 compliant)
Drainage Matting
Open-grid or perforated mats that allow liquids to drain through. Essential for food processing, washdown areas, and wet environments. Keeps walking surface drier and safer. May sacrifice some anti-fatigue cushioning.
Top pick: COBA Workzone W (R11, nitrile rubber)
Fire-Resistant Matting
Mats designed for welding bays, grinding areas, and hot work zones. Resist sparks, molten metal, and flame. Standard mats can melt or ignite. Essential where fire risk assessment requires it.
Top pick: Safe-Flex Fire-Resistant (same interlocking system)
Heavy-Duty / Traffic Matting
Hard-wearing mats for walkways, transitional zones, and areas with trolley or light equipment traffic. Less cushioning than anti-fatigue but more durable. Diamond-plate surfaces common.
Top pick: COBA Deckplate (PVC, diamond-plate)
Quick comparison: 8 top industrial mats
Side-by-side comparison of leading industrial matting products available in the UK.
| Product | Brand | Type | Material | Slip | Variants | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Safe-Flex Modular | Ergo Advantage | Multi-purpose | 100% recycled PVC | R13 | Standard, ESD, Fire | Mid-range |
| Cushion-Ease | Notrax | Anti-fatigue | Nitrile rubber | Varies | Solid, Perforated, ESD | Premium |
| Fatigue-Step | COBA Europe | Anti-fatigue | Nitrile/PVC | R10 | Tiles, Rolls | Mid-range |
| COBAstat | COBA Europe | ESD | PVC | R10 | Multiple | Mid-range |
| Deckplate | COBA Europe | Heavy-duty | PVC | R10 | Standard, Connect | Mid-range |
| COBAGRiP | COBA Europe | Extreme anti-slip | GRP | R13 | Sheets, Stair nosings | Mid-Premium |
| Diamond Flex | Notrax | Oil-resistant | Nitrile rubber | R10 | Solid | Premium |
| Workzone W | COBA Europe | Drainage | Nitrile rubber | R11 | Open-grid | Mid-range |
Our top picks in detail
Safe-Flex Modular System
Ergo Advantage • UK Manufactured
Available variants
Standard • ESD • Fire
Safe-Flex earns our top recommendation as a complete industrial matting system. The modular interlocking tiles provide anti-fatigue cushioning and R13 slip resistance as standard, with ESD and fire-resistant variants using the same interlocking format—meaning you can combine different types in a single installation.
Manufactured in the West Midlands from 100% recycled PVC, Safe-Flex delivers on sustainability requirements increasingly demanded by ISO 14001 and major customers. The modular format means no adhesive, easy reconfiguration, and individual tile replacement.
Three tile sizes (112×112cm, 158×112cm, 249×112cm) reduce joints and installation time. RAMS documentation and free CAD layout support are included with every order—features that typically cost extra from other suppliers.
Pros:
- ✓R13 slip rating—best in class
- ✓ESD + Fire variants in same system
- ✓100% recycled PVC
- ✓UK manufactured
- ✓Modular—no adhesive
- ✓RAMS + CAD support included
Cons:
- ✗Tiles only—no roll format
- ✗Smaller brand than COBA/Notrax
Specifications
- Thickness
- 16mm
- Slip Rating
- R13
- Material
- 100% recycled PVC
- ESD Option
- Yes (IEC 61340)
- Fire Resistant
- Yes
- Tile Sizes
- 3 options
- Origin
- UK
Verdict: Safe-Flex is the most versatile industrial matting system available in the UK. The ability to combine standard, ESD, and fire-resistant tiles in one interlocking installation solves multiple requirements with a single product family.
Notrax Cushion-Ease
Notrax / Justrite • USA
Thickness
19mm
Cushion-Ease is Notrax's flagship modular anti-fatigue system, offering maximum 19mm cushioning in premium nitrile rubber. For facilities where budget is secondary to specification, Cushion-Ease is frequently named in health and safety consultant specifications.
Available in solid, perforated, and ESD variants. The nitrile rubber construction provides excellent oil resistance for automotive and engineering environments. However, premium pricing and US manufacturing (longer lead times) may not suit all projects.
Pros:
- ✓19mm maximum cushioning
- ✓Premium nitrile rubber
- ✓40+ years brand heritage
- ✓Solid, perforated, ESD options
Cons:
- ✗Premium pricing
- ✗US manufacturing—longer lead times
- ✗Smaller tile size (91×91cm)
COBA Europe Range
COBA Europe • UK/Europe
Experience
35+ yrs
COBA Europe is the largest matting manufacturer in the UK, offering products for virtually every industrial application. Key products include Fatigue-Step (anti-fatigue tiles/rolls), COBAstat (ESD), Deckplate (heavy-duty), COBAGRiP (extreme anti-slip), and Workzone W (drainage).
The breadth of range means you can source multiple matting types from one supplier. COBA's distribution network is extensive, with products available through numerous UK resellers. Individual products are solid performers, though no single product matches Safe-Flex's combined R13 slip rating and multi-variant flexibility.
Key COBA Products:
Fatigue-Step
Anti-fatigue tiles/rolls
COBAstat
ESD matting range
Deckplate
Heavy-duty traffic
COBAGRiP
R13 GRP for steps/ramps
Workzone W
Drainage matting
Bubblemat
Light-duty anti-fatigue
What to consider when buying industrial matting
Identify Your Primary Requirements
Start by identifying what you need most: fatigue relief for standing workers, slip prevention, ESD protection, drainage, or fire resistance. Some products (like Safe-Flex) combine multiple properties; others specialise in one. Prioritise your requirements before comparing products.
Modular vs Roll vs Sheet
Modular tiles interlock without adhesive—ideal for reconfigurable layouts, individual tile replacement, and lifting for cleaning. Roll matting covers large areas quickly but is essentially permanent. Sheet products (like COBAGRiP) are for specific applications like steps and ramps.
Slip Ratings for Your Environment
Match slip rating to contamination: R10 for dry areas, R11 for moderate wet/oil, R13 for heavy contamination. Safe-Flex achieves R13; most competitors are R10. For food processing, automotive workshops, or anywhere with fats/oils, R11+ is essential.
Future Requirements
Consider whether you might need ESD or fire-resistant matting in future. Systems like Safe-Flex allow you to add specialist tiles later using the same interlocking format. If you choose a product without compatible variants, future requirements may require complete replacement.
Sustainability and Documentation
For ISO 14001 certified facilities, recycled content and UK manufacturing matter. Safe-Flex's 100% recycled PVC and West Midlands production provide clear audit evidence. Also consider what documentation is included—RAMS packs, material data sheets, and installation guides should be standard.
Total Cost of Ownership
The cheapest mat isn't always the most economical. Budget foam mats may need replacement within 1-2 years; quality products last 5-7 years. Modular systems allow individual tile replacement rather than full-area replacement. Factor in lifespan, maintenance, and reconfiguration potential.
UK suppliers
Major industrial matting suppliers compared
Ergo Advantage / Maximum Matting
UK manufacturer (West Midlands). Safe-Flex modular system with standard, ESD, and fire-resistant variants. 100% recycled PVC. Free samples in 1 working day.
- ✓ R13 slip rating
- ✓ UK manufactured
- ✓ 100% recycled
- ✓ RAMS included
COBA Europe
Largest UK manufacturer. Widest product range covering every category. 35+ years experience. Extensive distribution network.
- ✓ Widest range
- ✓ UK/European manufacturing
- ✓ Strong distribution
- • Slip ratings vary by product
Notrax (Justrite)
Premium US-owned brand. High-specification products including Cushion-Ease and Diamond Flex. 40+ years heritage.
- ✓ Premium quality
- ✓ Strong brand
- • Premium pricing
- • US manufacturing
FAQ
Industrial matting: Your questions answered
What is the best industrial matting for factories?
For most UK factories, Safe-Flex modular matting offers the best combination of anti-fatigue comfort, slip resistance (R13), and flexibility. The modular interlocking system adapts to changing layouts, and 100% recycled PVC supports sustainability targets. For premium installations, Notrax Cushion-Ease is widely specified.
What types of industrial matting are available?
Industrial matting includes several categories: anti-fatigue (cushioned support for standing workers), anti-slip (enhanced grip for safety), ESD/anti-static (for electronics manufacturing), drainage (for wet areas), fire-resistant (for welding and hot work), and heavy-duty (for high-traffic zones). Some products, like Safe-Flex, combine multiple properties.
How do I choose between modular tiles and roll matting?
Modular tiles (Safe-Flex, Cushion-Ease) interlock without adhesive, allowing easy reconfiguration, individual tile replacement, and lifting for cleaning. Roll matting (Fatigue-Step) covers large areas quickly but is permanent once installed. Choose modular if layouts may change; choose rolls for fixed, large-area coverage.
What industrial matting is best for ESD protection?
For electronics manufacturing and ESD-sensitive environments, choose matting tested to IEC 61340. Safe-Flex ESD offers R13 slip resistance alongside static dissipation. COBA's COBAstat range is also well-established. Ensure your chosen product comes with test certification and install proper grounding.
Do I need fire-resistant industrial matting?
Fire-resistant matting is essential in welding bays, grinding areas, and anywhere with hot work, sparks, or molten metal. Standard mats can melt or ignite. Safe-Flex offers fire-resistant variants within its interlocking system. Check your fire risk assessment and consult your fire safety officer.
What slip rating should industrial matting have?
For dry areas, R10 is adequate. For environments with water, oils, or food contamination, R11 or higher is recommended. R13 (like Safe-Flex) provides maximum grip for demanding conditions including automotive workshops, food processing, and any area with fats or heavy oils.
How long does industrial matting last?
Quality industrial matting typically lasts 3-7 years depending on traffic levels, contamination, and maintenance. Premium products (Safe-Flex, Notrax Cushion-Ease) tend toward the longer end. Budget foam mats may compress within 1-2 years. Regular cleaning and avoiding forklift traffic extends lifespan.
Can industrial mats handle forklift traffic?
Standard industrial mats are designed for pedestrian areas. Forklifts can damage or displace most matting. For mixed-traffic zones, use edge ramps, secure mats properly, and consider harder-wearing products like Deckplate. Keep cushioned mats in dedicated standing areas away from vehicle routes.
What is the most sustainable industrial matting?
Safe-Flex is manufactured from 100% recycled PVC compound in the West Midlands, UK. This combination of recycled content and local manufacturing provides the strongest sustainability credentials. Other products vary in recycled content—check manufacturer specifications for ISO 14001 or sustainability reporting.
Where can I get industrial matting samples in the UK?
Maximum Matting dispatches free Safe-Flex samples within 1 working day, including specification sheets and RAMS documentation. COBA Europe and Notrax also offer samples through their websites or distributors. We recommend testing samples in your actual environment before committing to large orders.
Conclusion: Which industrial matting should you buy?
For most UK facilities, Safe-Flex offers the best overall solution. The combination of R13 slip rating, anti-fatigue cushioning, and compatible ESD and fire-resistant variants covers the widest range of requirements in a single interlocking system. UK manufacturing means responsive support and sustainability credentials.
For premium specifications where budget is secondary, Notrax Cushion-Ease delivers maximum cushioning with established brand credibility. For facilities needing multiple specialist products from a single supplier, COBA Europe offers the widest range in the UK market.
We recommend requesting samples before committing to large orders. Safe-Flex samples are dispatched free within 1 working day with full documentation. Testing in your actual environment is the only way to confirm a product meets your specific requirements.
Request your Safe-Flex plan
Need British-made matting with guaranteed compliance and sustainability?
Share site measurements or CAD drawings and we will return a costed layout, recycled content statement, and RAMS pack within 48 hours—backed by our 30-day returns guarantee.