Whether you live in the rainy suburbs of Washington or you find yourself located in the wind swept streets of Chicago the type of material your door mats are made from are going to be very different. You’ll want your home door mats to be able to do their job well in your native environment. For that reason, you’ll need your mat material to be well-suited to your specifications. From decorations similar to door rugs to pure performance, the right material is out there to fill your needs.

Trying to find the right material for your home mat might be a bit of a headache for those with little experience around these products. Make an educated decision with the following information on four of routinely used materials.

• Rubber

Rubber is a fantastic material for door mats as it naturally adheres to most surfaces and doesn’t easily shift around. It has the grip to stay firmly in place and the traction to keep you from slipping and sliding. It just won’t budge! For those living in wet environments this kind of mat will prove to be very useful in function with its holding properties. When looking at a rubber mat it’s important to remember one of its most important qualities, its durability. Sometimes made of recycled rubber, these mats will perform great under pressure. At the end of the day simply sweep away any excess water or debris to have your mat looking like new, it’s that easy to clean up. All of these functions at an affordable price, do yourself a favor and look into one.

• Coir

For a more rustic feel to your house, an entry mat made out of coir can provide just that. These home door mats have a unique look that set them apart from other mats as they are made of coconut husks. These fibers provide a nice look and are a very strong material. They hold together tightly while scrubbing your shoes free of dirt you might otherwise get into your house. These mats are not just great for cleaning and giving your house a one of a kind look, as they are made from natural materials they make for an eco-friendly buy.

• Plastic

A home with a good deal of foot traffic would do well to invest in a plastic mat, more specifically one made with polypropylene fibers. These synthetic fibers offer a good amount of scraping to any shoes that make their way across the mat. This material is also tough and can take getting stepped on all day long. Though, for all their toughness they can also be nice to look at as these mats come in a variety of bright colors. These mats also have stain resistant surfaces that keep them looking nice and colorful all day long.

• Carpet

Handling the cleanup after a long day with a house full of kids can be tiring. A carpet mat can make this routine a thing of the past. Carpet mats are excellent for keeping messes from spreading around your home as they clean up most messes clinging to shoes. A carpet mat is also the only kind of mat that will absorb moisture making it ideal for keeping the inside of your home dry and stain free. Carpet mats offer many different styles and colors to choose from, this makes them great as centerpieces for guests to look on as they walk into your home. As with most mats cleaning is a breeze, go over it with a vacuum cleaner and you’re all set in most situations, sure beats having to mop up an entire entrance.

The types of door mats you’ll purchase are available in many different materials. You’ll find function in all of them for your home. Door mats are some of the best investments for your home whether you want to keep your interior spotless or keep your guests from falling all over the place. Often, door rugs have been used to fill these purposes, but a door mat will do far more for your entryway.