{"id":36077,"date":"2024-01-29T16:32:47","date_gmt":"2024-01-29T22:32:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.farmandfleet.com\/blog\/?p=36077"},"modified":"2024-01-29T16:32:49","modified_gmt":"2024-01-29T22:32:49","slug":"door-mats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.farmandfleet.com\/blog\/door-mats\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Door Mat Buying Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Find the perfect door mat<\/a> for your home by keeping these factors in mind.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n

At some point, we’ve all experienced the struggle of keeping our entryways clean and inviting. And the right doormat can make all the difference. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A doormat is more than just an accessory. It’s a functional element of your home’s interior or exterior. From reducing the amount of dirt and debris that gets tracked inside to adding a touch of personality to your doorstep, the right doormat serves multiple purposes. It welcomes guests, protects your floors, and contributes to the overall cleanliness and appeal of your entryway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn everything you need to know about door mats and how to choose the best one with this guide from Blain’s Farm & Fleet. <\/p>\n\n\n

Materials<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n

One of the most important things to consider when shopping for door mats is the material. Door mats come in a variety of different materials, and they each have their own advantages.<\/p>\n\n\n

Rubber<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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Rubber is a great option if you’re looking for a durable door mat. It provides cushion and catches mud, dirt, and other debris from your shoes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, rubber does have a tendency to deteriorate in harsh weather. In extremely cold temperatures, it might start cracking. Rubber mats can also be slippery when wet. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"rubber<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Coir<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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Coir mats are a natural option made from strong coconut fibers. The fibers are great for scraping off dirt, grass, and other debris from your shoes or boots. This makes them a wonderful option as a front-door mat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coir mats come in a variety of different colors and designs, so you’re sure to find one that shows off your style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, one downside to coir mats is they can start shedding their fibers over time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"coir<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Polyester\/Synthetic<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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Polyester\/synthetic mats are an affordable option that you can find in a variety of different textures, colors, and designs. These mats are often decorative. Plus, the colors won’t fade as easily on a synthetic mat as they would on one made of natural materials. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Synthetic mats are also typically water-resistant and are good at absorbing moisture from rain or snow. And they’re easy to clean. Because of this, they’re ideal for inside an entryway. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One thing to keep in mind when looking at synthetic mats is that they can flatten over time. So you might end up having to replace them more often than other options. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Backing Material<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

Many door mats have a different material on the back than the front. The backing material is something you’ll also want to consider, as some are better than others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the most common types of backing are rubber, vinyl, and regular carpeting. We recommend getting a door mat with a non-slip backing material, such as rubber. This way, it won’t slide around easily. A weather-resistant material is also ideal if your mat is going to be outside, as it will be better at withstanding rain and snow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also find open-back door mats. These have holes or other openings, which make it easy for water and snow to drain through them. We recommend only using these outside. For indoors, go with a solid-back option, which will protect your floors much better. <\/p>\n\n\n

Shapes and Sizes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n

Door mats are available in a variety of different shapes and sizes. Make sure you’re getting one that will fit well in front of your door.<\/p>\n\n\n

Shape<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

The most popular shape is rectangle, because it fits in front of doors the easiest. But you can also choose from round, semicircle, and square options. <\/p>\n\n\n

Size<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

The standard doormat size is 18″ by 30″. This size is best if you have a standard-sized front door. However, you can find door mats in a variety of different sizes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We recommend getting one that’s about as wide as the door you’ll be using it at. So be sure to measure your doorframe before shopping for these.<\/p>\n\n\n

Thickness<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

The thickness of the door mat is another thing to consider. Thicker doesn’t always mean better. Thinner mats are often firmer and are better at removing debris from your shoes or boots than thick ones. Thick mats can also hold onto too much water, and they may form puddles, which you don’t want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you buy a mat that’s too thick, your door also won’t be able to open over it. So make sure you’re also measuring the clearance space under your door before picking out a mat. <\/p>\n\n\n

Mat Types<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n

Below are some of the most common types of door mats. <\/p>\n\n\n

Utility Mats<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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Utility mats are typically made of rubber, polyester, or vinyl. They’re very sturdy and are great for both indoor and outdoor use. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Boot Scraper Mats<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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Boot scraper mats are made up of many coarse fibers. These bristles work together to clean the bottom of your shoes or boots. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Boot scraper mats are great to keep outside your home, particularly in garages. This way, you’ll be able to clean your shoes off before entering. To keep things extra clean, we recommend placing a boot tray<\/a> next to your boot scraper mat, so you can take your shoes off outside.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"boot<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Non-Slip Mats<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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Non-slip mats typically have a rubber backing, which keeps them from sliding around. This helps prevent slips and falls. These are great for outside your front and back doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your door mat isn’t non-slip, you can use a rug pad<\/a> underneath it to keep it from moving. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"non-slip<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Indoors vs. Outdoors<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n

Before going door mat shopping, you need to determine whether you want your door mat inside or outside your home. Some mats are ideal for outdoor use only, while others make better indoor mats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Indoor and outdoor mats serve different purposes. Indoor door mats are meant to protect your floors and wipe your shoes off, so you don’t track dirt and mud all over your home. Outdoor door mats are also meant to clean your shoes off, and they stop dirt and debris from entering your home altogether.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We suggest using a door mat both indoors and outdoors, one on either side of your door. This will ensure your home stays as clean as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re using the floor mat indoors, go with a softer, non-slip mat. This will both protect your hardwood floors and feel comfortable on your feet. A washable option is always a good choice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re using the mat outdoors, go with a durable, heavy-duty option. This way, it will hold up in all weather conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the mat is going to be at your front door, we also recommend finding one that shows off your personal style. This will be one of the first things guests see before entering your home!<\/p>\n\n\n

Other Features to Consider<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n

There are a variety of other features you can find in door mats. Depending on your needs, some of these may be important to look out for. <\/p>\n\n\n\n