Entrance Flooring FAQs

Find answers to specific product category, safety, design, and environmental questions.

  • CS Heavy Duty Carpet and Exterior carpet are 1 1/4" wide. This applies to all Entrance Flooring system products that use those inserts. Get in touch for a color selector and pricing.

  • Yes, if it is of a standard shape (square or rectangle), the frames can be sent as a first partial. The frames for an odd-shaped unit or one with cutouts will be built simultaneously as the mat/grid and fit-tested for quality assurance before shipping.

  • The accuracy of a custom-shaped mat or grid depends on the accuracy of the field-verified dimensions and/or the quality of the paper template provided to the factory. CS offers a free paper template kit to assist in the process and an online video that gives detailed steps to use the template kit. CS also provides a Template Preparation Service for a fee. In that instance, a CS Technician will measure and create a digital template of each flooring installation area. This removes the liability from the installer, as the units are guaranteed to fit.

  • The recess depth will ultimately depend on the frame chosen for each product. The BIM/CAD pages under each product on the CS website are frame-specific and show the overall depth required.

  • We have found the rolling load test to be the most comprehensive real-life test available. Most entrance mat failures are due to heavy loads being wheeled through an entranceway. The rolling load test utilizes a weighted 5" x 2" solid polyurethane wheel that passes over the mat 1000 times. To pass the test, the unit must withstand the proposed weight without any permanent deformation of the rails.
    • Alternative testing methods that measure the amount of deflection or weight per square foot a unit can withstand simply do not offer the daily real-world severity an entranceway faces. Rolling load performance is critical for entryways in businesses such as airports, arenas/stadiums, colleges/universities, large office buildings, or casinos. We recommend units with the highest practical loading capability be specified for such entrances. Small office buildings, K-12 schools, or small retail/hospitality establishments that mainly receive pedestrian foot traffic won’t require a system with a high, 1000lb per wheel, rolling load. Click here to learn more about rolling loads.

  • Only areas that receive higher-than-average snow or rainfall might need a drain and/or a drain pan. We offer drains and drain pans on all Entrance Flooring products; however, most indoor applications do not require either. The recommendation for exterior mat/grid systems is for the recess to drain out to the landscaping when possible.
    • A drain is typically unnecessary because the water and moisture will evaporate naturally with regular air movement through the area. Also, if the drain under the entrance mat/grid does not receive enough water/moisture, the trap can dry out and cause unpleasant gases.
    • To clarify, a drain pan is a piece of sheet metal cut to fit into the bottom of the recess. Clear caulk is used along the seams and perimeter frames to create a watertight recess. The drain pan adds cost and complexity to the installation, and it could be replaced with a concrete sealer, which is much more affordable and will perform just as well.

  • ADA requires that any type of flooring system with holes or grooves be no larger in diameter than to allow the passage of a ½” sphere. All CS entrance flooring systems are made with drain slot openings of less than ¼”, making them ADA-compliant. ADA also states that height transitions between floors may not be more than ¼”, or they would be considered a tripping hazard. When the installation instructions are followed, and the mat/grids are installed flush with the finished floor, they will be ADA-compliant. It is also important to note that the systems must be installed on a smooth, flat surface. This will ensure that they are ADA-compliant with no tripping hazards.

  • This depends on the geographic location and the type of building/project. There are many different criteria for each entryway, and many of the same kinds of products meet those criteria. So, the choice can depend on the rolling load required, the overall layout of the vestibule, or the desired aesthetics. It may be best to contact your local CS representative’s office for recommendations.  

  • Pedimat can be built to a maximum of 12' wide or 100 square feet per unit. Larger units will require seams or split locations. We do not recommend seams or split locations in the main walking area.

  • In the width, split locations are detailed on the shop drawings. In the Traffic Direction, the rails are slid together to create a continuous system.

  • Although Pedimat “can” be installed in this application, we do not recommend using it under revolving doors. The space requires it to be installed in many pieces, and sharp edges result from the small sections. Consider placement before or after the revolving door with a half-circle cutout to fit the space. The Peditred LP G3, Peditred G4, Peditred G7, Floormations, Design Step Carpet, or stainless-steel Gridline® products are better options inside revolving doors.

  • Peditreds can be built to a maximum of 12' wide and 3’ in length or traffic direction for 36 square feet per module. Multiple modules are attached to achieve the overall dimensions required.

  • To attach PediTred modules, place the foot of the aluminum rail of one module into the rubber connector of the adjacent module. Lightly tap across the connection with a rubber mallet to ensure the feet are seated in the connectors. Repeat this step for all remaining modules until the overall unit is connected. Since this system is flexible, it also requires the installation of locator bars. Locator bars must be installed at each corner of the grid unit and along any module split locations. We do not recommend seams or split locations in the main walking area.

  • Pedigrids can be built to a maximum of 12' wide and 3’ length or traffic direction, for 36 square feet per module. Multiple grid modules are joined together to achieve the required dimensions. Please note that if the inside frame dimensions do not work out to be divisible by 1 ½”, a filler bar may be needed.

  • Spacer clips are provided to attach Pedigrid modules together. We do not recommend seams or split locations in the main walking area.

  • Yes, the modules' width can be smaller, and it is best to make the Pedigrid modules into more manageable sections so they are easier to pull up and clean under. For example, if a Pedigrid is in front of (2) sets of double doors, customers are tempted to go with a full 12’ maximum width. That makes that section about 113 lbs. Instead, we recommend decreasing the overall module width from 12’ to (2) 6’ section. That will keep the seams out of the main walking area and reduce the weight to about 57lb per module. These details can be discussed initially with the local CS Representative or with drafting during the submittal phase.

  • No, Floormations is an interior-only product. The inserts use a commercial-grade adhesive, but if they are continuously exposed to the exterior elements, the adhesive could degrade.
    • If a pattern with no inserts is selected, it could be used on the exterior, but you wouldn’t want to use it in an area that receives snow and slush because it could still become slippery with those weather conditions.

  • Formations can be surface-mounted as a ¼” plate glued to the floor. There would be no fall-through cut into the pattern; instead, the grooves would capture dirt/water/debris. Another surface-mounted option is the ½” system utilizing the surface-mounted tapered aluminum frame. In that instance, the recess would be created by the surface-mounted frame.

  • Floormations has a ¼” integrated frame included in the pattern that will go around the perimeter of the overall system. Suppose an additional frame is wanted to separate the system and the following flooring material. In that case, we strongly encourage using the recessed tapered angle frame with only a 1/8” reveal.

  • Cleaning this designer system is very similar to cleaning traditional aluminum products. Overall, it depends on the pattern and the inserts. For patterns with carpet inserts, vacuum the top surface and use a hot water extractor to clean out dirt/water/debris caught in the grooves. For models with recycled rubber inserts, use a microfiber mop, water, and household soap to clean the surface. Patterns without inserts (Odyssey, Tease) use a wet/dry vacuum on the surface and a damp mop to remove acceptable surface debris. Use a hot water extraction machine to clean ground dirt within the grooves. For deep cleaning of the recessed area below, use the supplied lifting tool to remove the module’s top surface and vacuum excessive dirt build-up as needed.

  • Yes, since the CNC machine easily cuts this product, we can create custom shapes for inside revolving doors. It is best to use this product as a ¼” surface-mounted system with recycled rubber inserts. That ensures the door sweep is not stuck on the revolving door sweep.

  • Yes, since a CNC machine cuts this product, we can create custom patterns and have done so for several clients. Making the pattern small and intricate will increase the CNC's run time and, therefore, the price.

  • The maximum panel is 10’ x 3’, but multiple panels can be used to create the overall custom dimensions required to fill the recess. Also, the panels are typically made in smaller sizes so that they can be easily pulled up and cleaned.

  • Type 304 is the standard stainless-steel material used for entrance flooring systems. It performs very well in the typical entrance flooring application on the exterior or interior vestibule/lobby application. Type 316 is a custom request that should only be used when the entrance grids are used around water fountains or features. The two metals look the same to the naked eye, but from a technical standpoint, type 304 stainless steel contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel. Type 316 stainless steel contains 16% chromium, 10% nickel, and 2% molybdenum. The molybdenum makes the type 316 more corrosion resistant, especially in more saline or chloride-exposed environments.

  • While all CS stainless-steel GridLine products meet the necessary static and dynamic coefficient of friction requirements, the grids can still be slippery in cold and wet climates. In those geographic areas, it is highly recommended to add an anti-slip coating, such as SlipNOT or Sand Blast finish, directly to the rails. Gridline 2 products with inserts such as HD Carpet, Recycled Rubber, or SlipNOT will also provide additional slip resistance. View all Gridline options here.

  • Yes, GridLine G6 and GridLine 2 can have the wires adjusted. This custom option is typically requested when the stainless-steel grids are used as an air diffuser or accent piece within the building. Please get in touch with your local CS Representative office to discuss the project details.

  • Yes, GridLine G6, GridLine 2, and GridLine 2 Radius Rail can all be used inside a revolving door. The smooth flat surface and clean lines lend themselves to a successful installation. A template is recommended to ensure an accurate fit. Custom baffles are available to address airflow issues and energy efficiency.

  • The Helix tiles are made of a recyclable UV-resistant PVC/NBR compound. This makes them very durable, with a high rolling load of 1000lb per wheel for the Z1 tiles and 600lb for the Z2 tiles. While both tiles are multidirectional, the carpet in the Z2 tiles can be pulled out if there is cross traffic from carts, going with the carpet strip instead of against it.

  • Each tile is designed with two sides of male and female connectors. Tiles are connected by inserting the male into the female connector with a rubber mallet as many full-size tiles are connected and used within the recess opening. Then, the full-sized tile unit is centered evenly on all four sides of the recess. Anchor clips and hardware are supplied, which must be installed at all four corners of the entire tile unit. Then, the border spaces in the recess must be filled with Z1 tiles. Measure the remaining opening and transfer the measurements to the tile. Cut with a utility knife and square.

  • No, you can only trim the Helix Z1 tiles. In most instances, there will be a border of Z1 tiles around the Helix Z2 tiles. If you cut the Helix Z2 tiles, the carpet inserts will not stay attached to the base tile.

  • Following the instructions on the adhesive label, the glue can be either permanent or releasable.

  • Designstep® carpet is typically surface mounted and will finish similar to the carpet in the rest of the building. It could also be placed in the recess where the surrounding floor tile was created.

  • A DesignStep entrance mat with tapered vinyl edging can be manufactured up to 13’2×50’. Larger widths can be seamed together to create. Note: Remember the mat's weight if it is not intended to be a permanent installation.

  • Each carton contains 12 carpet tiles or 32.3 square feet. Each tile is 19-11/16” x 19-11/16”.

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