1. Why Do People Purchase Front Doormats?
People choose to purchase front doormats for two reasons: safety and décor. Although these two seem like opposite functions, some residential entrance mats such as natural coir mats offer both. Generally, doormats made of rubber or carpet are used for commercially to help provide a safe and non-slip entryway for areas that experience high levels of foot-traffic. On the other hand, natural coir decorative and welcome mats are more often used as statement pieces or décor for home entrances rather than a functional home doormat. Having front doormats in place can increase the safety of the areas surrounding an entrance and the interior floor or help liven up a home entrance depending on the desired features.
1(a). Entryway Safety
Entryway safety is generally handled by using rubber or carpet front entrance mats due to their ability to scrape dirt and debris and absorb hazardous moisture. These mats are available in two forms, made-to-size mats and custom length rolls, to ensure every inch of your entrance is made non-slip. Made-to-size mats are ideal for standard sized entrances as they are designed to fit perfectly in front of the door; however, for larger entrances or double-doors, larger matting rolls can be cut a length according to your specifications. This allow these mats to be used as both commercial and residential entrance mats. The purpose to front doormats is to reduce the chances of slip and fall accidents by preventing hazards such as moisture, dirt and debris from trailing in onto the interior floors.
1(b). Entryway Décor
Natural coir mats, while having a certain degree of functionality, are more often used as décor or statement pieces due to their designs and script and are used as residential entrance mats. There is a decorative natural coir mat to suit any aesthetic ranging from elaborate and colorful images to elegant script or patterns. In addition, holiday themed mats and “Welcome!” coir mats are available for festive décor or for a warm welcome to guest. Unlike rubber or carpet door matting, natural coir front doormats are only available in the two mat sizes, a standard sized doormat and a slightly bigger mat for larger or double-door entrances. Alongside the style aspect of natural coir mats, the fibers are durable enough to offer some scraping and moisture absorbing abilities for added functionality.
2. How do I Choose a Doormat?
Choosing a front doormat is based solely on the size of the entryway and the level of functionality or design you would like to have at your entrance. Rubber, carpet and natural coir mats are the best front doormats for entryways due to their design, ability to remove dirt and debris and absorb excess moisture. They offer slip-resistance, scraping and moisture absorbing properties that are necessary for keeping a safe entryway. Rubber and carpet front entrance mats are able to be used in both commercial and residential setting due to their customizable length and standard mat sizes available. Natural coir mats are the most popular type of residential front doormats. They are offered in designs ranging from elaborate and bright to minimalistic and elegant to compliment any home’s aesthetic. Additionally, natural coir mats are available in the form of scraper mats which brings a high level of functionality along with design.
2(a). Carpet Mats
Carpet mats are often used indoors as a second line of defense against dangerous debris and moisture on the surface of the interior floor. A carpet mat’s surface is made up of polypropylene carpet filament fibers which, although not outdoor friendly, possess the ability to absorb moisture and get into the hard-to-reach spaces of a shoe soles to trap leftover debris the outdoor rubber entrance mat did not pick up. Some carpet front doormats feature a textured surface to enhance the polypropylene fiber’s scraping capabilities. A lip runs along the perimeter of the carpet surface to help keep moisture on the mat instead of on the floor. Despite these durable features, carpet front entrance mats should not be placed outdoors because an excessive amount of moisture will reduce the effectiveness of the mat.
2(b). Rubber Doormats
Made up of eco-friendly or synthetic rubber variations, rubber front doormats are one of the most common type of doormat due to their ability to retain traction, withstand outdoor conditions and effectively scrape shoes. Rubber naturally possess a high coefficient of friction which allows them to retain its traction even when moisture is present. Furthermore, rubber doormats are extremely durable in outdoor conditions being resistant to harsh UV rays, ozone and abrasive weather. Oftentimes, rubber front doormats come with surface patterns or drainage holes that help trap and drain moisture. Because they are available in made-to-size mats and custom length rolls, rubber mats can be used as commercial or residential entrance mats. Additionally, decorative rubber front doormats are also available in the decorative cast iron style for those wanting to add to the aesthetics of there entrance as well as provide a high level of traction and safety.
2(c). Natural Coir Mats
Natural coir mats, although functional, are mainly used as décor in many residential settings. Beautifully painted designs range from large and flashy images to funny or welcoming script to fit both elaborate and modest home aesthetics as well as your personality. Themed coir residential entrance mats are available as well for those who would like to decorate their homes for the holidays. The coir fiber is a rough and durable material that is harvested from the husks of coconuts. They have to ability to effectively scrape dirt and debris off shoes while absorbing excess moisture. Sometimes, a coir home doormat is made with a mixture of coir and rubber for added traction in the face of wet conditions and for elegant cast iron designs interwoven within the coir fiber surface. Additionally, coir mats in the form of boot/shoe scrapers are available with natural coir fiber wrapped around a metal frame for a sturdy base to scrape your shoes on.
2(d). Commercial Doormats
Since commercial entryways receive a constant flow of foot traffic, it is important to choose a door mat with the safety features and durability necessary to withstand these conditions. Rubber and carpet front doormats can effectively be used as commercial doormats due to their ability to prevent moisture, dirt and debris from traveling indoors in the face of constant foot traffic. Commercial entryways often use both rubber and carpet front entrance mats together to further ensure the safety of guests or customers and to keep a neat and professional look. Additionally, both types of doormats are able to be customized to a certain length according to the specific measurements of an entryway. This offers more protection in the area surrounding an entrance so there is no need room for moisture or debris to cause accidents.
2(e). Outside Doormats
Front entrance mats made from rubber and natural coir can be classified as outside door\mats; however, carpet mats are not outdoor friendly and must stay on the interior side of an entrance. Outside rubber front doormats are usually made with eco-friendly recycled and reclaimed rubber, synthetic SBR or natural coir because they are able to last outdoors for extended periods of time without degrading or losing its abilities. Eco-friendly recycled and reclaimed of rubber are ideal for the outdoors because the durability they carry over from the vehicle tires they derived from; SBR is a rubber material that is used in the composition of rubber vehicle tires. They are resistant to abrasive conditions and weathering and will retain their traction even in wet weather. Coir residential entrance mats are also resistant to the forces of nature such as UV rays and ozone. Coir fiber is naturally moisture-resistant and durable so that it can stay outdoors without damage from the sun or changing weather patterns.
Door matting offers a simple solution to preventing dangerous hazards from reaching the interior floors. Regardless of commercial or residential settings, an entryway is made safer with the use of a front doormat. They are made of durable materials such as rubber, polypropylene carpet fiber and natural coir that will effectively trap dirt and debris and absorb excess moisture. Furthermore, coir front doormats can be used as a decorative statement piece rather than a functioning doormat. In addition to safety, front entrance mats help keep a clean and professional look for your business and a home doormat for a clean entryway at your residence.
