Mat Considerations
Mats are available in a range of shapes, sizes and styles and have different attributes that may be important to you. You’ll find mats that are:
Think about where you want to place the mat. Will it be an indoor or outdoor mat? An outdoor mat serves as a dirt and mud barrier between the outdoors and the indoors. An indoor mat serves the same purpose and can also protect floors. Will there be a lot of foot traffic where you place the mat? The more foot traffic the area receives, the more durable a door mat you’ll want.
Floor Mat Materials
Manufacturers make mats from a variety of materials, including polyester, coir, recycled rubber and more.
Polyester mats are available in a variety of textures and color options that won’t easily fade over time. They’re also easy to clean.
Coir mats are best for outdoor use. Coir lends a natural look to an entryway. The strong, coarse fibers make it the perfect choice for scraping dirt and debris from shoes or boots.
Nylon mats are resilient and versatile. They’re available in a variety of patterns and designs and work well in high-traffic areas.
There’s also a variety of backing materials used with floor mats. The most popular ones are vinyl and rubber. An open-back outdoor mat has open spaces, or holes, that allow snow and water to drain easily. This type of mat collects more debris than other types, so you’ll need to clean it more often. A solid-back door mat protects surfaces like wood floors from damage caused by shoes and debris.
When buying an outdoor door mat, look for one that’s made with weather-resistant and durable materials to better withstand the elements. Rubber mats are durable, however, they might crack in extremely cold temperatures. Smooth rubber mats may also pose a slipping hazard when wet.
For uncarpeted indoor floors, choose a non-slip mat. Consider one that has soft fibers, so it’ll feel comfortable against bare feet.
Floor Mat Shapes and Sizes
Floor mats are available in a range of shapes, including round, half-round, oval, square and the most popular shape, rectangle. When purchasing a door mat, take into consideration the size and thickness. A door mat with a thicker pile isn’t always better. Sometimes a shorter-pile mat is firmer than a thicker-pile mat and removes dirt and debris more effectively. Also, if the mat is too thick, it might interfere with the door opening and closing.
A standard door mat is typically 18 inches by 30 inches or 1-1/2 feet by 2-1/2 feet. This size works well for standard front and back doors. However, door mats come in enough sizes to please every homeowner. A mat that’s 2 feet by 3 feet is a good size for a door with sidelites. The wider the door, the larger the area of the floor you’ll need to cover. A mat with a dimension of 3 feet by 5 feet, 2 feet by 5 feet, 3 feet by 6 feet or 4 feet by 6 feet is a good choice for a set of double doors.
For indoor mats, select a size that doesn’t overpower the room. Narrow spaces look best with runners. In the kitchen, select a mat size that doesn’t interfere with the functionality of the space.
Mat Types
From non-slip outdoor mats that can withstand extreme temperatures, to indoor anti-fatigue mats that make standing more comfortable, floor mats are available in a wide range of colors and types. Below are a few different types that keep you covered, inside and out.
Outdoor Mats
Door Mats
Door mats, also known as welcome mats, are designed to prevent dirt, mud, moisture and other debris from entering your home. The best door mats offer non-slip traction for safety, protect your flooring from dirt and damage, and help capture allergens. They can even bring personality to porches. Door mats are a perfect way to add a tropical vibe, a springtime flourish, a hearty welcome and more to your porch without breaking the bank.
Non-Slip Mats
A non-slip mat has a rubber backing that prevents the mat from sliding. The non-slip surface helps to prevent safety hazards that can lead to trips and falls. Non-slip mats are best for use outside front doors, back doors and on patios. In the absence of non-slip backing, you can purchase a rug pad that holds the mat in place, reducing the risk of falls.
Boot Scraper Mats
Boot scraper mats are an ideal choice to help keep dirt and mud outdoors and protect floors indoors. Boot scraper mats have coarse, bristly fibers that do a good job of cleaning the bottoms of boots and shoes. Coir boot scraper mats, made with a natural, dense fiber from the outer husk of coconuts, are especially effective. Boot scraper mats are good for use outside and in mud rooms or garages.
A boot tray is also a convenient accessory to consider. It provides a storage spot for boots and shoes and keeps the porch or floor free of dirt, mud, water and debris.
Utility Mats
Utility mats are some of the most useful types of mats. Most utility mats are made of polyester, rubber or vinyl. They’re usually no-frills options, but they’re sturdy and durable. Many are suitable for indoor or outdoor use at a front door or back door, as well as in a garage or basement.
Indoor Mats
Indoor mats can protect floors, make standing more comfortable or add a decorative touch to a space.
Chair Mats
A chair mat is a must-have for your home office, whether you have tiled, wood or carpeted floors. Chair mats make it much easier to move a chair across a carpeted floor and help protect your floor from dings, scuffs and indentations. Manufacturers make chair mats from a variety of materials, including rubber, tempered glass, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polycarbonate plastic, which is best on carpeted floors.
Anti-Fatigue Mats
Standing for hours can take a toll on your body, leading to back pain, stress and fatigue. Anti-fatigue mats are designed for comfort when you need to be on your feet for long periods of time in the kitchen, garage, home office or other work area in your home. They provide better shock absorption than other types of mats, reduce compression of the spinal cord, and help to ease foot fatigue. Anti-fatigue mats are especially helpful when standing on hard surfaces like concrete, terrazzo or ceramic tile.
When shopping for an anti-fatigue mat, look for one that’s at least 3/8 of an inch thick. If you’re using a mat in the kitchen, consider a wide mat that covers a large area to provide comfort while you’re moving around.
Many anti-fatigue mats are made of foam material. While foam mats help with comfort and relieving fatigue, they aren’t the best option for long periods of standing and they compress quickly. Foam anti-fatigue mats work best in light-traffic areas of the home. Foam rubber mats have higher foam density and a rubber outer shell, making them a sturdier option. Gel anti-fatigue mats are extremely comfortable and popular for home use.
Runner Mats
Runner mats are long, rectangular mats often used in high-traffic areas like hallways. Runner mats aren’t meant to cover the entire floor. They work well on uncarpeted floors, but you can still use them on carpeted floors if you add a carpet pad to keep the runner from sliding around. Runner mats are ideal in galley kitchens or entryways.
Play Mats
Play mats makes a great addition to a child’s room. They provide cushioning to protect a baby while they’re learning to crawl. Good play mats are well padded to absorb impacts, have vivid colors for stimulation, are water and stain resistant and are nontoxic. Play mats are useful beyond a baby’s first years since they can also be perfect for a playroom as a child grows.
Cleaning Your Mats
Door mats are designed to trap dirt, mud and more, which means they can be full of germs, leaves and insects. Mats are made of different materials, so cleaning methods will vary depending on the material. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to see if your mat is machine washable. Many indoor mats are.
For a mat that isn’t suitable for the washing machine, like a coir mat, first shake it out or beat it with a broom and then vacuum it to remove any additional dust and debris. After vacuuming, rinse the mat with a garden hose. If there are stains on the mat, use a mild dish soap and a soft bristle brush to remove them, then rinse with the garden hose.
A Step in the Right Direction: Finding the Perfect Floor Mat
Choosing the right floor mat is a simple way to help keep dirt outside and protect your floors inside. Mats range from non-slip options to mats with textured designs, helping homeowners match performance with their home’s needs.
Material, size and shape all play roles in how well a mat functions. Key takeaways for choosing a mat include:
- Coir and rubber work best for outside, especially when handling the elements and removing dirt.
- Nylon and polyester are durable, easy to clean, and suitable for indoor use.
- Non-slip backing holds mats in place and help prevent accidents.
- Anti-fatigue mats add comfort where you stand the most.
- Runner mats are ideal for kitchens, hallways and other narrow and high-traffic areas.
Floor mats prove that even small upgrades make a difference in everyday living. Choosing the right floor mat is a small investment that can make your home a little cleaner and safer. Ready to buy? Your next floor mat could be just a click or a drive away. Shop online or stop by your local Lowe’s to shop our in-store selection.
Floor Mat FAQ
Below are common questions to help you choose the best mats for your floors.
What Materials Are Best for Outdoor Mats vs. Indoor Mats?
Outdoor mats focus on durability and function, while indoor mats rely more on aesthetics and comfort.
Coir and polypropylene are good materials to use for outdoor mats. Coir is best for scraping mud off of shoes. Polypropylene is excellent for resisting fading and mold in wet and sunny climates. Rubber works well for all-weather purposes and heavy rain.
For indoors, always choose mats with a rubber or latex backing to prevent slipping. Cotton and microfiber are excellent materials for indoor mats. They're very absorbent, perfect for soaking up moisture, easy to clean and are often machine washable. Polypropylene works well indoors because it’s tough, durable and it resists stains.
How Often Should I Replace a Floor Mat?
Replacing your mat depends on a few factors, including the material, usage and maintenance. A good mat can last three to five years. However, once the mat begins to curl or fray at the edges or slide around, you should replace it immediately so that it doesn’t become a tripping or fall hazard.
Can I Wash My Floor Mat in the Washing Machine?
You should always check the care label on your mat to see if it’s machine washable. Most mats may be, particularly cotton and synthetic. Use care when washing and never put your mat in the dryer as the heat can damage the backing.