This site is reader-supported and we earn commissions if you purchase products from retailers after clicking on a link from our site. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchasesWe are now accepting free business listings in maintenance, horticulture, building, and all outdoor fields. Brick and Mortar and websites welcome. Click here for more details. Proudly supporting small businesses.

Filter by Categories
Gardening Articles
Filter by Categories
Botanical Gardens
Brick and Mortar Shops
Feed/Farm and Garden
Flower Shops
Garden & Accessories
Garden Center / Nursery
Hardware Shops
Lumber
Plumbing
Maintenance and Services
Fencing and Wall Installations
Floral Designers
Landscape Care
Locksmith
Painting
Ponds Pools and Fountains
Pool Cleaning
Roofing
Tree Service
Succulents websites

Try these: Gardening ArticlesFirepitWalk-Behind MowerFlower Shop

Home » OGA Blog » OGA Product Categories » Tips for Choosing the Best Outdoor Doormats for Your Needs

Tips for Choosing the Best Outdoor Doormats for Your Needs

As with all home décor, A doormat is an essential piece for any household that wants to keep it’s interior clean. Not only does a doormat help to protect your floors from dirt and grime, but it also provides a place for guests to wipe their feet before entering your home.

Outdoor doormats are especially important, as they protect your entryway from rain, snow, and mud. If you’re in the market for a new outdoor doormat, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure you choose the best one for your needs. In this article, we will go over the types and applications of the different kinds available.

What is a doormat?

A doormat is a piece of floor material (matting) that is placed in a doorway to remove dirt and moisture from shoes of people entering or leaving a building or residence.

While each application is different, they are made from different materials such as natural fibers, such as coir, sisal, and jute, and synthetic materials, such as rubber and plastics. Depending on your needs, you can find almost any doormats that fulfill your style and purpose.

What are the different types and Materials of doormats?

Since there are a few different types of doormats that you can choose from, each serve a different purpose. Some doormats materials are made mainly for visual appearance, while others absorb dirt, water, and grim that can be tracked indoors. While it’s not

Here are some applications of suggested materials types to choose from:

  • Coir doormats: Made from coconut husk fibers, coir doormats are durable and absorbent. They are also resistant to staining and fading.
  • Sisal doormats: Sisal doormats are made from the agave plant and are durable and eco-friendly. They are also resistant to staining and fading.
  • Jute doormats: Jute doormats are made from the jute plant and are durable and absorbent. They can also be dyed to create a unique look.
  • Rubber doormats: Rubber doormats are made from recycled tires and are durable and weather-resistant. They are also slip-resistant.
  • Plastic doormats: Plastic doormats are made from recycled plastic and are durable and weather-resistant. They are also easy to clean.

Although there are many choices one can choose from, each comes with their own unique benefits. It’s always best to consider the environment and weather conditions.

For more information on outdoor rugs, check out our article titled: Are Outdoor Rugs a Good Idea? Here’s The Deal

Size and Shape Considerations

When selecting a doormat, consider the size and shape since they come in a variety of shapes, widths, lengths, and heights since all doorways are unique. Although most standard doorways are 36 inches or 3 feet, many outdoor door entrances have a sill that is raised, and choosing a height of a doormat is often overlooked.

In the following below, are three main details you may want to consider.

  • Width of doorway:  The average doorway is about 30 to 36 inches wide, but many are much wider. If you have a wide doorway, you may want to consider a wider doormat so that it covers more of the area and traps more dirt and debris.
  • Height of doorway sill:  Many doorways have a raised sill, and the height of the sill can vary. If you have a high sill, you may want to consider a doormat that is also high and will cover the entire sill. This can help to avoid tripping hazards.
  • The shape of the doormat:  The standard doormat shape is rectangular, but there are also some unique shapes available, such as oval and round. Consider the shape of the doormat before selecting it to make sure that it will fit in the doorway.

While there are many shapes and sizes to choose from there are hundreds of styles to match. And if you can’t find one that fits, many companies will make will gladly fill your order.

Here are some places you can find well priced and unique doormats and are wayfair.com, ruggable.com, rugsusa.com, pier1.com, kohls.com, bedbathandbeyond.com and of course amazon.com

Also browse and shop our affiliate outdoor doormats here: Doormats Category. We try and find the most unique products on the market that are reasonably priced.

Doormat Functionality and Weather Considerations

When selecting a doormat, functionality and weather conditions should also be considered. If the doormat is going to be used in an entryway, it will need to be able to trap dirt, water, and debris. If it’s going to be used in a high-traffic area, such as a patio, the doormat should be able to withstand weather.

Although these are some examples, climates are unique to the individuals. Below are examples and suggested usages.

  • The absorbency of the doormat: If you live in a wet climate, you may want to consider a doormat that is more absorbent so that it can better trap moisture and dirt.
  • The traction of the doormat: If you have a lot of snow and ice in the winter, you may want to consider a doormat with good traction so that people don’t slip when they enter your home.
  • The durability of the doormat: If you have a high traffic area, you may want to consider a more durable doormat so that it can withstand the wear and tear.
  • The ease of cleaning the doormat: If you want a doormat that is easy to clean, you may want to consider a rubber or plastic doormat since they can be easily wiped down.

Browse and shop our affiliate category of doormat products below.

Which Doormat Should you Choose for your Environment?

Once you have considered the size, shape, and functionality of the doormat, it would be a good idea to think about the environmental conditions. For example, Snow, high traffic, and area where there will be dirt and mud. With this in mind, you can better narrow down your choices to find the perfect doormat for your home.

If you want a doormat that is:

  • Durable: Choose a rubber or plastic doormat.
  • Easy to clean: Rubber or plastic doormat.
  • Good traction: Rubber doormat.
  • High traffic: Rubber or plastic doormat.
  • Snow and ice: Rubber doormat.
  • Wet climate: Jute or sisal doormat.
  • Eco-friendly: Jute, sisal, or rubber doormat.

While these are suggestions, any doormat you choose can serve it purpose. It’s always a good idea to read the recommendations printed on the labels to see it suits your needs in regards to what the application is for.

An instance of this is when businesses place doormats on their entrances: They are made for high traffic and wet conditions and some are constructed from natural rubber and recycled materials. 

With the many choices on the market, you can literally find outdoor doormat you are looking for. Each company provides a many shapes, sizes, and styles while also documenting their intended purpose. When in doubt, always read reviews and actually visit a store that sells what you are looking for. Home Depot for instance is a great place to research before purchasing.

Conclusion

While there are many types styles of doormats to choose from, you will quickly find one that best suits your needs and personality. With a little bit of research, you can find the perfect doormat for your home. Just remember to consider the size, shape, and functionality before making your purchase.

Other Interesting Articles

What is The Purpose of Wind Chimes?

You can hear them everywhere, they relax us without us noticing and with a simple tinkle of bells, they manage to teleport us to the summer nights on the porch…

winter caring for plants

How Do I Care for My Plants in the Winter?

Choosing the Right Plant Based on Where You Live  Before you get into the problem of helping your plants – especially outdoor garden or yard plants – survive a harsh…

Is peperomia a good indoor plant? (Plus Care Guide)

Peperomia is a versatile plant with several species across the world. The plant is quite impressive and, simultaneously, unusually compared to other indoor plants. Unlike most indoor plants, peperomia has…