First Mats vs Mats Nationwide: Which UK Matting Retailer Is Right for You?
Comparing two of the UK's established matting retailers. Both offer wide product ranges and quick delivery, but they serve different market segments with distinct business models.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | First Mats | Mats Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Business Type | Online retailer | Trade & retail supplier |
| Years Trading | 15+ years | 20+ years |
| Product Range | Wide (multi-brand) | Extensive (own-brand focus) |
| UK Manufacturing | Stocks UK brands | Stocks UK brands |
| Next-Day Delivery | Yes (most items) | Yes (stock items) |
| Trade Accounts | Available | Specialist trade focus |
| Custom Sizes | Limited options | Available |
| Content & Guides | Excellent blog | Basic product info |
| Free Samples | Selected products | On request |
About First Mats
First Mats has established itself as one of the UK's leading online matting retailers. Founded with a focus on fast delivery and customer convenience, they've built a reputation for reliable service and a user-friendly online shopping experience.
Their strength lies in content marketing and customer education. The First Mats blog contains extensive guides on choosing the right matting for different applications, making them a go-to resource for buyers researching their options before purchasing.
The company stocks products from major brands including COBA Europe and Notrax, alongside their own branded products. This multi-brand approach gives customers good choice, though it can make comparing specifications more complex.
First Mats Strengths
- ✓ Fast next-day delivery on most products
- ✓ Excellent buying guides and educational content
- ✓ Wide product range from multiple brands
- ✓ User-friendly online ordering system
- ✓ Good customer reviews and service ratings
About Mats Nationwide
Mats Nationwide positions itself as the "UK's leading supplier" of industrial and commercial matting. With over two decades in the industry, they've developed strong relationships with trade customers and offer a comprehensive range of flooring solutions.
Their business model focuses heavily on the trade market, with dedicated account management for regular customers and volume-based pricing structures. This makes them particularly suitable for facilities management companies, contractors, and businesses with ongoing matting requirements.
Beyond standard anti-fatigue and anti-slip matting, Mats Nationwide stocks a broader range of industrial flooring products including cable protection, entrance matting systems, and specialist matting for specific industries.
Mats Nationwide Strengths
- ✓ Strong trade account services and volume pricing
- ✓ Extensive product range beyond matting
- ✓ Custom sizing options available
- ✓ Long-established industry relationships
- ✓ Suitable for large-scale projects
When to Choose Each Retailer
Choose First Mats if you need:
- → Quick online ordering with minimal fuss
- → Guidance through their buying guides
- → One-off or occasional matting purchases
- → Comparison between multiple brands
- → Standard sizes from stock
Choose Mats Nationwide if you need:
- → Trade account with volume discounts
- → Regular ongoing matting supplies
- → Custom-sized matting solutions
- → Large-scale project supply
- → Dedicated account management
Consider Maximum Matting if you need:
- → UK-manufactured matting from the West Midlands
- → 100% recycled PVC for sustainability requirements
- → Free samples dispatched within 1 working day
- → RAMS documentation included with every order
- → Free CAD layout support for installation planning
Frequently Asked Questions
Is First Mats the same company as Mats Nationwide?
No, First Mats and Mats Nationwide are separate UK matting retailers. First Mats operates primarily online with a focus on fast delivery and content marketing. Mats Nationwide positions itself as a trade-focused supplier with a broader range of industrial flooring products.
Which retailer has faster delivery for matting?
Both retailers offer next-day delivery on stock items. First Mats emphasises speed as a key selling point, with most standard products available for next-day dispatch. Mats Nationwide also provides quick delivery on stocked items but focuses more on trade customers who may order larger quantities.
Do First Mats and Mats Nationwide sell the same brands?
There is overlap in the brands stocked by both retailers, including COBA Europe products and Notrax ranges. However, each retailer curates different product selections and may have exclusive arrangements with certain suppliers. It's worth comparing specific products across both sites.
Which is better for trade customers needing bulk orders?
Mats Nationwide has a stronger focus on trade customers and bulk orders, with dedicated account management and volume pricing. First Mats also offers trade accounts but is more oriented toward individual purchases and smaller businesses.
Can I get free samples from First Mats or Mats Nationwide?
Both retailers offer samples on selected products, though policies vary. For guaranteed free samples dispatched within 1 working day, consider Maximum Matting's Safe-Flex modular matting — UK-made from 100% recycled PVC with free samples on every product.
Try UK-Made Safe-Flex Matting
Request free samples of our modular matting system. Made in the West Midlands from 100% recycled PVC, dispatched within 1 working day.