Coir Matting: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Entrance Mat
When it comes to entrance matting, coir matting has been a trusted and widely used option for many years. Known for its natural look, excellent scraping properties, and affordability, coir matting can be a great choice for homes and businesses alike. However, it’s not necessarily the ideal option for all environments. In this blog, we’ll explore the pros and cons of coir matting, its best use cases, and factors to consider before making a purchase.
What is Coir Matting?
Coir matting is made from the husks of coconut shells, making it an eco-friendly and sustainable flooring solution. These mats have a rough, fibrous texture that helps to remove dirt and moisture from shoes before they enter a building. Coir mats are often used as entrance mats because of their natural look, high absorbency, and ability to trap dirt effectively.
Why Choose Coir Matting for Your Entrance?
Perfect for Mat Wells
One of the biggest advantages of coir matting is that it is perfect for mat wells or recesses. Since coir mats come in various depths, they can fit seamlessly into an existing mat well, providing a neat and flush finish. Additionally, coir mats can be easily trimmed to size with a sharp Stanley knife, allowing for a precise fit even in non-standard spaces.
If you’re looking for matting that blends seamlessly into your flooring and provides a natural, textured finish, coir matting is an excellent choice.
Excellent Scraping and Wiping Properties
The rough texture of coir matting makes it particularly effective at scraping dirt, mud, and moisture from shoes. This is especially beneficial during wet and muddy seasons, helping to keep indoor floors cleaner for longer. When coir matting is new, its fibres are at their most effective in trapping dirt and preventing it from being tracked further into your home or business premises.
Ideal for Low Foot Traffic Areas
If your entrance does not experience high levels of foot traffic, coir matting could be the perfect option. In small office buildings, residential homes, or boutique shops, where there are fewer people coming in and out, coir matting will last for a long time without showing significant signs of wear.
However, for high-footfall areas, coir mats may wear out more quickly, leading to visible pathways where the fibres have become compressed or worn down. If your space experiences heavy foot traffic, you may want to consider a more durable entrance mat option.
Budget-Friendly Option
Coir matting is a cost-effective choice for entrance matting. With a lower price point than many synthetic alternatives, coir mats are a budget-friendly solution for those looking for effective dirt-trapping mats without breaking the bank. In fact, you can often find basic coir doormats at local supermarkets or hardware stores for just a few pounds.
That being said, it’s important to remember that not all coir mats are created equal. Cheaper versions may not be as durable or effective at trapping dirt. If you’re looking for a high-quality coir mat, it’s worth investing in one from a trusted supplier to ensure longevity and effectiveness.
When Coir Matting May Not Be the Best Option
Not Suitable for Wheeled Traffic
If your entrance is frequently used by wheelchairs, pushchairs, shopping trolleys, or rolling luggage, coir matting may not be the best choice. The rough texture and uneven surface of coir mats make it difficult for wheels to pass over smoothly. Additionally, coir matting does not meet the accessibility requirements set out in the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), meaning it may not be suitable for public spaces where inclusivity is a priority.
Wears Faster in High Traffic Areas
As mentioned earlier, coir matting is best suited to low-footfall environments. In high-traffic locations, such as shopping centres, busy office buildings, or commercial entrances, coir matting can wear down more quickly, resulting in an uneven or unsightly surface. Over time, compressed fibres may lose their ability to effectively scrape and trap dirt, reducing the mat’s overall efficiency.
Holds Moisture and Can Take Longer to Dry
While coir matting is excellent at absorbing moisture, this can also be a downside. Because coir is a natural fibre, it can retain water for longer periods, meaning that a heavily soaked coir mat may take time to dry out completely. In environments where moisture buildup is a concern, such as covered porches or indoor entranceways, a synthetic alternative with quicker drying properties might be a better option.
Prone to Shedding
New coir mats often shed loose fibres, which can create additional cleaning requirements. Over time, the shedding reduces, but it’s something to be aware of, particularly if you want to maintain a clean and tidy entrance area.
Alternative Options to Coir Matting
If you’re unsure whether coir matting is the best choice for your space, consider some alternative entrance matting options:
Modern alternative to coir - Colour Brush Mats
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Rubber Entrance Mats: Ideal for high-traffic areas, rubber mats provide excellent durability, slip resistance, and are easy to clean.
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Carpet-Topped Mats: These mats offer a softer, more welcoming aesthetic while effectively trapping dirt and moisture.
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Vinyl-Backed Mats: These are more resistant to moisture and wear, making them a great choice for commercial spaces.
How to Maintain Coir Matting
If you’ve decided that coir matting is the right option for your entrance, it’s important to maintain it properly to ensure longevity and effectiveness. Here are some tips:
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Regular Vacuuming: Coir mats should be vacuumed frequently to remove trapped dirt and prevent fibre compression.
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Shake Out Loose Debris: Take your mat outside and give it a good shake to remove any loose dirt and debris.
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Allow to Dry Thoroughly: If your coir mat gets wet, allow it to dry fully before placing it back in use to prevent mould or mildew growth.
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Trim Loose Fibres: Over time, you may notice loose fibres—simply trim them with scissors to keep the mat looking tidy.
Conclusion
Coir matting remains a popular choice for entrance mats due to its natural look, affordability, and effective dirt-trapping capabilities. It is particularly suited for mat wells, low-traffic areas, and budget-conscious buyers. However, it may not be the best option for high-traffic areas, wheeled access points, or locations where rapid drying is needed.
If you’re looking for high-quality coir matting, Mats4U has a fantastic range of options to suit different needs. Explore our collection of coir mats here: Coir Matting Collection
Still unsure about which entrance matting is right for you? Contact our expert team for advice at 0121 313 6748 or email us at sales@mats4u.co.uk, and we’ll be happy to help!
