5 Problems with Yellow Border Mats

5 reasons you might want to rethink your yellow borders.

Mats with yellow borders are ideal for hazardous workplaces. The border prevents your matting from becoming a trip hazard and warns employees of potential hazards past that point.

Despite their many benefits, yellow border mats have their drawbacks. Like all our products, we want to help you choose the perfect one. To do that, you need to be aware of the pros and cons of each type.

So, here are some of the main problems with yellow border mats:

 

1. They get dirty quickly

This one is obvious, but it’s important to remember anyway. Yellow gets dirty faster than black (well, it shows dirt faster). So, if you are looking for something that requires the least amount of cleaning, you might want to steer clear of light colours like yellow.

Despite their dirt, most mats with yellow borders are made from smooth, solid material. That means they are easier to clean than, say, carpet-surfaced mats. If using a light-pressure hose every once in a while doesn’t bother you, go ahead with your yellow borders!

 

2. They can be quite brittle

Something less obvious is that yellow materials can be more brittle than their black counterparts. Yellow is more likely to deteriorate because of the colouring process it undergoes.

While coloured rubber is less durable, most yellow safety borders are attached to extremely heavy-duty matting. If you aren’t sure how long your mat will last, the length of its warranty can give you an indication.

 

3. If not moulded, the border can fall off

One of the most common yellow border mat problems is that they are not single-moulded. Single-moulded matting is ideal because it is formed from one piece of material, rather than multiple pieces joined together. Without the weaker joins, these are far less likely to break apart.

This is something to bear in mind whenever you are looking for mats. For the most durable matting option, always opt for something single-moulded. They are more durable, longer lasting and less likely to cause a trip accident.

 

4. They tend to be more expensive

For all the reasons we’ve stated, mats with a yellow border are more expensive. Additional materials and manufacturing steps are the main cost, but you should also consider the extra cost of more frequent cleaning.

Many customers find that the additional safety feature of yellow safety borders makes the slightly higher cost worthwhile. To enhance the safety even more, opt for bevelled edges that allow wheeled and foot traffic to pass on and off easily.

 

5. They are less sustainable than all-black mats

Black mats with yellow borders need two sets of material, so they create more waste than single-coloured mats. If you are looking for the most environmentally friendly option, you might want to avoid yellow borders.

For more information on sustainable matting options, check out this post on eco-friendly matting options. We always recommend coir for outside entrance matting, but ECONYL is a fantastic option for indoors.

 

When to go for yellow border mats

Like all mats, those with yellow borders have their problems. They are less durable than all-black mats, and they tend to have higher costs and maintenance requirements.

That said, the benefits of yellow border mats generally seem to outweigh the disadvantages. If you’re still not sure whether they’re right for you, feel free to reach out to us for more personalised recommendations. Our friendly matxperts can be reached during working hours at [email protected] or by calling 1300 628 746.