Buying guide for best doormats
A doormat is a dependable, sturdy, and useful addition to any home. It’s the first thing you might see as you cross the threshold of someone’s house. Doormats trap dirt, dust, grime, and other contaminants before they enter your home. With such an important job to do, it’s imperative that the doormat you choose can hold its own.
Utility and aesthetics: these are two of the most important aspects of any quality doormat. The utilitarian function of the doormat will help to keep your home clean and your family safe. The aesthetic aspect matters because it offers some sort of “greeting” to those about to enter — a visual greeting. You’ll want to weigh both of these factors carefully when determining which doormat you’ll choose for your humble abode.
Key considerations
Size
The most common size for a doormat is 18 x 30 inches. You can easily find doormats larger than this, up to an including an impressive 24 x 36 inches. Choose a size that fits your space and style, bearing in mind that a larger doormat is more convenient for wiping your feet and can even accommodate more than one person at a time. It also offers a greater visual presence.
Material
There are now a seemingly unlimited number of doormat materials available. One of the most common materials is polyester. Some other popular materials include nylon and even coir, which is made from dried coconut husks. The majority of these standard mats have a rubber backing that is durable and heavy enough to keep the mat in place.
Polyester, nylon, coir, cotton, and straw are all common materials for doormats that work well for cleaning shoes, but these materials tend to show their use by collecting dirt and grime as well as by fraying with extended contact. One advantage, though, is that these materials are environmentally friendly with a biodegradable component.
On the other hand, astroturf, rubber, and aluminum tend to last longer, clean shoes more thoroughly, and show less wear and tear over time. However, these materials also tend to come with a higher price tag.
The right doormat material for you depends on what you need. While some people want a mat for the purposes of cleaning their shoes, others want to use it as a way to welcome people to their homes.
Shape
The standard shape for a doormat is a simple rectangle. However, there are many circular and oval options for those who want something a little different. Some find that an oval doormat offers a more welcoming look than the standard rectangular doormat. Take a look at a few different options before settling on your final choice.
Visual design
For some, looks are the most important aspect of a doormat. Today’s mats offer a plethora of design options, from welcoming text phrases to beautiful multicolored pictures to standard repeating designs. What do you hope to express with your doormat? Perhaps you want to create a feeling of warmth. Perhaps you just want people to remember to wipe their feet. Be sure to look around for the design that best fits your goals.
Indoor vs. outdoor
Think about where you plan to place your doormat. If you need a mat for outside your house, your requirements will be different than if you want a doormat for the threshold inside. Generally, an outdoor mat will be more resistant to the elements, while an indoor mat will appear less bulky and more in line with interior decor.
Did you know?
Doormats actually improve indoor air quality. Without one, polluting particulate matter from your shoes could fly into the air, causing diminished air quality.
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Features
Some of the features available on doormats are practical; others are mostly decorative. The following features are worth your consideration, though you may decide you don’t need all of them.
Anti-skid properties
Because doormats are used outdoors in sometimes wet environments, an anti-skid feature is great to have. This allows your doormat to stay in place, even when people walk on it regularly. An anti-skid feature gives your doormat the stability it needs to stay in place for as long as you want.
Water resistance
Water resistance is a great feature to have in a doormat. A doormat that resists water will be more suitable for wet-weather environs and will offer a safe way for people to clean their footwear. If you want to make sure that your doormat has longevity in rough climates, opt for one with water resistance.
Snow-melting feature
Some doormats are heated and can actually melt snow. An electric cord plugs into a power source, and the doormat heats from within. This type of mat not only melts any snow that may fall on it, but it also makes it easier for users to get snow and ice from the bottoms of their shoes or boots. Say goodbye to wet, icy floors in the dead of winter if you go with this kind of mat.
Scraper feature
While many doormats have a flat surface (especially those made of coconut husk), others incorporate a scraper style. This simply means that the doormat has a textured surface that is intended for scraping shoes or boots against to remove pollutants. If you need to make sure that you and your guests remove all dirt and grime from your footwear before entering, consider a doormat with a scraper feature.
Novelty shapes
Some manufacturers offer doormats in novelty shapes and designs such as fish, flowers, and even manhole covers. If you want your doormat to say something bold about you, consider getting one that’s made to reflect your individuality.
Custom text
It’s fairly easy to order a doormat in almost any style with your own customized text emblazoned on it. Many people choose to put their names along with a greeting. There’s no limit to customized text. If you wish, you could craft a unique message that would have people talking about your doormat for years to come.
Doormat prices
Inexpensive
From $5 to $25, you can find most doormat varieties, although they may not offer the same thickness and durability as pricier options. Most of the doormats in this range are made from coir and polyester, making them not quite as long-lasting as other options.
Mid-range
In the $25 to $50 range, most doormats have a thicker rubber bottom layer than those in the inexpensive category. The surface will likely be made from nylon or molded rubber. These mats are generally more durable and long-lasting than those in the inexpensive category.
Expensive
Between $50 and $100, you will find doormats with many extras, such as customized text and electric heating. In addition to deluxe features, these mats often have the durability and possible bulkiness of the mid-range options.
Tips
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Shake out your doormat at least once a week, and vacuum and clean it monthly. Doormats that don’t get some form of regular cleaning can begin to smell.
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Take into account your local climate when choosing a doormat. If you live in an area with snow and slush, make sure you get a scraper-style doormat to keep your floors free of ice and debris.
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Use double-sided carpet tape to tape your doormat down if it’s susceptible to flying away in the wind.
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Be sure your doormat is flush on the ground. A corner folding up could cause someone to trip.
- If animal feces gets onto your doormat, clean it with a hose and scrub brush as soon as possible.
FAQ
Q. Why do I need a doormat?
A. You need a doormat because dirt and other contaminants that collect on the bottoms of your feet should be wiped off before entering anyone’s home.
Q. Does it really matter what material is used in the doormat I choose?
A. Yes. Coir, rubber, and other materials all have different attributes, and you should pick a doormat that will suit your climate and most common contaminants.
Q. How often do I need to get a new doormat?
A. The answer to that question will be different for everyone. The main factors that will determine the need for a new mat are the amount of foot traffic your home receives, the climate and conditions in your area, and the type of mat you currently have.
Q. Can I just shake my doormat in order to clean it?
A. For weekly cleaning, yes. But if you clean your doormat on a monthly or more extended basis, you’ll need to vacuum and clean it with soap and water.
