The Best Door Mat for Outside (It's Not Rubber)

The humble door mat plays a vital role in maintaining the cleanliness and appeal of your home's exterior. With various options available, it can be challenging to decide the best external door mat.

In this article, we will explore the strengths and weaknesses of each type and ultimately conclude that coir doormats stand out as the top choice for outdoor door mats.

Coir Door Mats:

Pros:

1. Excellent Scraping Properties: Coir mats are renowned for their exceptional ability to scrape dirt, debris, and moisture from shoes, preventing them from being tracked indoors.
2. Environmentally Friendly and Biodegradable: Coir is a natural and sustainable material derived from coconut husks, making it an eco-conscious choice.
3. Floor-Friendly: Coir mats will not mark or damage your floors, ensuring your interior remains in pristine condition.
4. Attractive Designs: These mats are available in a wide range of designs and patterns, allowing you to choose one that complements your home's facade.
5. Longevity: A thick coir mat can last for up to 30 years, providing excellent value for money.
6. Ease of Cleaning: Coir mats are easy to clean – a simple shake or light beating is usually sufficient to remove dirt.
7. UV Resistance: Coir is not adversely affected by UV rays, meaning it won't degrade or lose its colour when exposed to sunlight.
8. Natural Aging: Coir is a natural product that ages gracefully, developing a charming patina over time.

Cons:

1. Not Submersion Friendly: Coir mats should not be submerged in water, as they will soak up moisture and darken, potentially leading to deterioration.
2. Thickness: Their thickness may pose a problem for doors with minimal ground clearance, preventing them from opening smoothly.

Rubber Door Mats:

Pros:

1. Ease of Cleaning: Rubber doormats are a breeze to clean – a quick rinse or shake can remove most dirt and debris.
2. Water Resistance: Rubber mats do not absorb water, ensuring they remain functional even in wet conditions.
3. UV Resistance: These mats are highly resistant to UV rays, making them durable and colourfast.
4. Excellent Scraping Properties: Rubber mats effectively scrape off dirt and mud, keeping your home cleaner.
5. Environmentally Friendly Options: Many rubber mats are made from recycled materials such as car tyres, promoting sustainability.
6. Molded Designs: Rubber can be molded into attractive and intricate designs, offering both functionality and aesthetics.

Cons:

1. Not Absorbent: Rubber mats do not absorb moisture, so it is recommended to pair them with an absorbent mat inside your door to address this issue.
2. Odor Concerns: Rubber mats can sometimes emit an unpleasant odor, particularly when new.
3. Potential for Marking: Over time, rubber mats may leave a black mark on surfaces, although proper maintenance can mitigate this issue.
4. Recycling Challenges: Recycling rubber requires specialized services, making disposal more complex.

Carpet Door Mats:

Pros:

1. Absorbent: Carpet mats excel at absorbing moisture, ensuring that wet shoes are dried before entering your home.
2. Aesthetic Appeal: These mats come in various colours and patterns, enhancing your home's curb appeal.

Cons:

1. Waterlogging: In direct and heavy weather, carpet mats can become waterlogged, causing them to lose functionality and potentially harbor mold and mildew.
2. Limited Durability: Carpet mats generally do not last as long as coir or rubber mats, which means you may need to replace them more frequently.
3. Environmental Concerns: Some carpet mats are not environmentally friendly, as they are typically made from synthetic materials that do not biodegrade.
4. Sun Damage: Exposure to direct sunlight can cause carpet mats to become brittle and lose their original colour.

In conclusion, while all three types of door mats have their merits, coir stands out as the best outdoor mat. Its exceptional scraping properties trap dirt, eco-friendly nature, longevity, and attractive designs make it a top choice for homeowners. These hardwearing outdoor doormats are suitable for different weather conditions and foot traffic.

While rubber and carpet mats have their strengths, coir's natural and sustainable qualities, coupled with its impressive performance, make it the clear winner for those seeking the best door mat for the outside of their homes.

Natural coir mats are the ideal outdoor door mat for your home. It that combines functionality, aesthetics, and environmental responsibility. The flexible sizes complement entrances and long door mats are available for double doors and large front doors.