When were mats made?

Dec. 02, 2024

The History of Mats - Crown Matting Technologies

Mat: \ˈmat\: a piece of coarse, woven, plaited, or felted fabric used especially as a floor covering or support (Merriam-Webster).

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Brief History of Floor Mats

Archaeologists believe that the earliest portable floor coverings were created as far back as 25,000 years ago. The dwellings of ancient clans utilized tree bark to fabricate a type of felt that was then fashioned into floor mats. After all, even primitive people did not appreciate hunters tracking dirt and mastodon remains throughout their homes.

Matting In Development

As early humans advanced, tree bark felt mats gradually became obsolete. With this evolution, humans learned to weave, which allowed them to make clothing, baskets, and matting. The earliest woven mats, made from straw or plant-like grasses known as rushes, were discovered in Mesopotamia around 6,000 years ago.

During biblical times, woven mats were often used by those with limited means as sleep pads to insulate against the cold earth floors of their homes. Such mats were likely crafted from wool yarn, which remained a favored floor covering well into the Middle Ages.

In the 9th century, Tatami mats emerged in Japan, made from straw formed from rice and soft rush. Initially, Tatami mats were exclusive to aristocrats and only became accessible to the general populace in the 17th century.

In early England, a new matting technique was discovered, utilizing leftover materials from traditional weaving looms known as thrums. These thrums were pulled through a woven base of straw or other sturdy materials, leading to the process now known as rug hooking.

As the 20th century approached, the range of materials used for mat production diversified. In America, mats were made from straw, burlap, canvas, and jute. It wasn't until the American Revolution that rubber and petroleum-based materials began to be used for mat manufacturing.

Today's Matting

Imagine a world without the mats at your door. Whether it's raining, snowing, or dust soaring outside, an average building with as few as 150 occupants can accumulate over one pound of dirt each week. A three-stage matting system can reduce this accumulation by 85-95%!

Explore the Real Dirt infographic for insights into how matting solutions keep our environments clean and safe.

For more information on our matting solutions, reach out to your Crown Matting Technologies representative.

Interested in PVC Car Mats Wholesale? Contact us today to arrange an expert consultation!

A History of Floor Mats

The history of floor mats may seem unexciting, but it is a remarkable narrative. It's hard to visualize modern homes and workplaces lacking floor mats. These items are vital in many areas of any building, but how did they develop into the essential safety features we recognize today?

Entrance mats keep dirt and grime off your establishment's floors, while restroom mats prevent slips and limit contamination from spreading. More specialized mats serve various modern functions, from preventing fatigue to enhancing traction and even improving the aesthetic appeal of reception areas.

But what was the world like before the contemporary floor mat? How did our cherished floor essentials come into existence? Let's rewind and explore the history of floor mats!

The Early History of Floor Mats

Findings of early mats showcase the use of woven grass for matting. Excavations of ancient Mesopotamian settlements, dating back 6,000 years, reveal mats constructed in this manner. As weaving techniques evolved across different cultures, various types of mats and rugs emerged, including traditional mats like Japan’s Tatami. These early mats primarily served as sleeping pads rather than the floor mats we know today, yet the influence is evident.

The closest relative to the modern floor mat can be traced back to England, where rugs were created through rug hooking, a process using discarded yarn pieces. This technique grew in popularity and significance, and the methods used for producing woven rugs, mats, and carpets still bear resemblance to those made through rug hooking.

Rubber Mats

While rug hooking was an effective method for creating floor coverings, there was ample room for improvement, particularly in terms of durability. Without a strong backing, these rugs did not last long.

This scenario changed dramatically with the introduction of rubber. Rubber became ubiquitous, revolutionizing not just the automobile industry but also ushering in a new era for floor coverings, giving rise to modern rubber-backed mats.

Rubber enabled the production of durable, waterproof mats that provided better traction and safer footing. From the basic rubber-backed mats emerged a plethora of innovative, functional floor mats we utilize today.