Coir Matting – The Pros and Cons

Coir matting, also known as coconut matting, has been a subject of debate for the matting industry for quite some time, so it’s time to set the record straight. Here we discuss the pros and cons, to help you make an informed decision about whether it is right for you and your premises.

 

The Pros of Coir Matting

Eco Friendly

Coir matting is indeed eco-friendly due to its natural composition, originating from coconut fibers. Since these fibers are both renewable and biodegradable, choosing coir for matting supports sustainability and reduces environmental impact.

Cost

One of the biggest pros of coir matting is that it has a very low price point. You can probably pick up a coir door mat for as little as a couple of quid at your local supermarket or homeware store. For custom sizes and for industrial and commercial premises you can also buy coir matting on the roll, with the price depending on the depth and quality of the coir.

 

Appearance

The natural appearance of coir mats lends a touch of organic charm to entryways, lobbies, and other high-traffic areas in residential, commercial, and hospitality settings. The warm tones and woven texture of coir mats create a welcoming first impression, inviting guests and visitors to step inside with a sense of comfort and familiarity. Whether placed in a country cottage, a beachfront retreat, or an urban apartment, coir mats add a touch of natural beauty that enhances the overall ambiance of the space.

In addition to their visual appeal, coir mats offer practical benefits that make them suitable for various applications. The coarse texture of coir fibers effectively traps dirt, dust, and debris from shoes, helping to keep indoor spaces clean and tidy. This makes coir mats an ideal choice for entryways, mudrooms, and other areas where foot traffic is frequent and cleanliness is essential. Furthermore, coir mats are highly durable and resistant to moisture, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Coir mats can also be customized to suit specific design preferences and functional requirements. They are available in a range of sizes, shapes, and thicknesses, allowing for flexibility in placement and usage. Whether used as a standalone mat or incorporated into larger flooring arrangements, coir mats offer versatility and adaptability to different spaces and design schemes.

Overall, the natural appearance of coir mats, coupled with their durability and functionality, makes them a popular choice for a variety of applications. From residential homes to commercial establishments, coir mats provide a practical and aesthetically pleasing solution for enhancing the look and feel of interior and exterior spaces. Whether adding a touch of rustic charm to a farmhouse kitchen or welcoming guests into a boutique hotel lobby, coir mats offer timeless style and enduring appeal wherever they are used.

 

Scraping and Wiping Properties

Due to the texture of coir matting, it has good scraping and wiping properties, as long as the mat is in good condition. The coconut fibres scrape and wipe dirt and water from the bottom of footwear and hold onto it to prevent your floors from becoming a slip hazard.

Coir matting is available in a variety of different qualities, which will influence how long it will continue to perform effectively. For example, at Mats4U we sell a commercial grade of Dutch Coir, which has a twisted pile to help prevent it from crushing and packing over time.

 

Good for Mat Wells or Recesses

Coir matting can be cut to pretty much any size or shape and laid side by side; making it a good choice for use in mat wells or recesses. Coir is also available in a number of depths. You can select your coir depth depending on the depth of your mat well, to ensure that it fits flush with the flooring surface to prevent trips.

Additionally, we offer a variety of customization options to meet your specific design preferences. You can choose from a range of colors, and even personalize your mat with unique patterns or text to match your decor or branding needs. Feel free to discuss with our team the possibilities for customizing your coir matting to ensure it perfectly suits your space both functionally and aesthetically.

Coir matting is available in a number of depths, providing you with options to match the specific requirements of your home. You can select your coir depth depending on the depth of your mat well, to ensure that it fits flush with the flooring surface to prevent trips. We offer thicknesses of 14mm, 17mm, 20mm, and 23mm to cater to various needs. When choosing the right thickness, consider the level of foot traffic your mat will endure. For residential spaces, a premium grade generally suffices, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal. In contrast, areas with higher traffic or business settings might benefit from opting for our commercial grade, which is designed to withstand more rigorous use. If you find that these options do not perfectly match the depth of your mat well, do not hesitate to contact us. We have several hints and tips that can help you achieve the ideal fit and functionality for your matting solution. Our goal is to ensure that your coir matting is not only practical but also complements your home perfectly

To properly install coir matting, you will need several tools to ensure a precise and safe job. Firstly, a sharp utility knife is essential for cutting the mat to the right dimensions. Additionally, a long, straight edge such as a metal ruler or a level will be necessary for guiding your cuts accurately. You will also require a tape measure to check the dimensions and ensure the mat fits the intended space. For marking where to cut, a pen or a piece of chalk will be useful. Lastly, don't forget to wear gloves to protect your hands throughout the installation process.

 

The Cons of Coir Matting

 

The Disability Discrimination Act

According to The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA), the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 (DDA 2005) and part M of the Building Regulations, it is unlawful for a business to treat a disabled customer, visitor or member of staff less favourably. This means that a business has to follow these regulations when it comes to furnishing, designing and building their premises.

Coir matting has a deep pile which can make wheelchair passage difficult. The pile of coir matting impedes the movement of the wheels and makes it difficult to turn.

Coir matting will also make passage difficult for other wheeled traffic such as trolleys and pushchairs.

Fire Safety

Coir matting is more flammable than other forms of matting and therefore from a fire safety point of view is not the best type of matting to have in place in your entrances. This should be a strong consideration for premises and establishments which are at a higher risk risk of a fire, at a restaurant for example.

 

Wearing & Shedding

One of the first issues you’ll encounter with coir matting is how quickly the fibres will shed. Almost as soon as you take your new coir matting out of the packaging, it will be shedding fibres over your carpets and floors, creating a cleaning task of its own.

Coir matting is often celebrated for its natural scraping and wiping properties right at the outset, making it a seemingly ideal choice for an entrance mat. Initially, its durable nature and ability to effectively remove dirt and moisture from shoes help maintain a cleaner entrance area, which is a significant advantage over some synthetic materials that, while offering a variety of designs and colors, might not perform as well in terms of absorption and thickness.

However, it's important to note that coir matting also wears and crushes very quickly, which will make the mat ineffective at removing dirt and water. Therefore, although initially coir has good scraping and wiping properties, you will find yourself replacing it very regularly to keep it performing as an effective entrance mat. To ensure your matting performs for as long as possible, purchase the highest grade of coir that your budget will allow, or consider going for an entrance mat made of something other than coir.

When compared to rubber mats, coir does offer more aesthetic appeal, fitting well with natural decor themes. Rubber mats, though less visually appealing, are exceptionally durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, a factor worth considering depending on your geographical area and the specific placement of the mat. In terms of longevity, with proper maintenance, high-quality coir matting can prove itself by outlasting cheaper alternatives. Its natural resilience helps extend its lifespan, making it a cost-effective and sustainable choice if maintained correctly.

Thus, while coir matting does have its drawbacks, its benefits can be maximized through careful selection and regular upkeep. This balanced approach ensures that the matting not only enhances the entrance space but also serves its functional purpose over time.

To ensure your matting performs for as long as possible, purchase the highest grade of coir that your budget will allow, or consider going for an entrance mat made of something other than coir.

A Coir Mat Cleaning Brush is specifically designed to effectively remove dried dirt and debris from coir mats. By using this brush, you can ensure that the mat retains its clean, fresh look and continues to appear well-maintained. Regular brushing prevents buildup that can mar the mat's natural appearance, thereby extending its life and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the entrance where it is placed.

Due to the depth of the pile, coir matting is extremely difficult to clean – your trusty vacuum cleaner won’t stand a chance, especially when it comes to trying to clean up any chewing gum embedded into the pile!

The inability to clean coir matting quickly leaves your once natural, clean looking entrance mat looking dirty and pretty unsightly.

Some extra tips on maintaing a healthy coir mat

To maintain the quality and extend the lifespan of your coir matting, it's essential to follow some key care practices. Start by regularly shaking out your mat, especially if it is not fixed in place. This action helps remove accumulated dry dirt and debris from the fibers. For mats that have become muddy, first let the mud dry completely. Once dry, a thorough brushing with a stiff-bristled brush will help dislodge the soil. It's advisable to use a brush specifically designed for tough dirt, like those included in our cleaning product line.

Avoid using a standard vacuum cleaner directly on stubborn spots as it might pull out fibers from the mat. Instead, for deeper cleaning needs, employ the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner. This gentler option helps remove embedded dirt without harming the mat's structure. With these methods, you can keep your coir matting clean and in prime condition, enhancing both its functionality and aesthetic appeal.

It is advised not to use glue or adhesive when installing coir matting because the natural weight of the coconut matting allows it to remain stable and in position, especially when it is correctly secured within a mat well or a similar recess. Furthermore, opting not to use adhesive facilitates straightforward removal of the mat, which is essential for routine maintenance or when it needs to be replaced, enhancing both practicality and longevity.

Extra Instalation Instructions

Installing and customizing coir matting can effectively enhance your home's entryway or any area requiring sturdy floor coverings. Here’s how you can install and customize coir matting:

Pre-Installation Preparation

• Measure the Space: Before purchasing coir matting, measure the intended installation area to determine the amount of matting required. It’s essential to account for the mat's thickness to ensure proper door clearance.
• Choose the Right Tools: Gather all necessary tools which should include a utility knife (for precise cuts), a straight edge (for accurate cutting lines), a tape measure, protective gloves to safeguard your hands while handling the mat, and a marker or chalk-pen.
• Prepare the Installation Surface: Clean the floor area where you want to place the mat. The surface should be dry and free from any debris to facilitate smooth placement and adherence to the floor without additional adhesives.

Customizing the Mat

• Marking the Mat: Lay the coir matting flat, ideally on a solid, flat surface. Use the tape measure and marker to draw precise cutting lines on the backing of the mat.
• Cutting: Position the straight edge along the marked lines and firmly cut the material with the utility knife. Avoid using scissors as they may not effectively cut through the thick mat and can leave jagged edges.
• Check the Fit: After cutting the matting, place it in the desired location to ensure it fits well. Adjust as necessary by marking and cutting if too large.

Securing the Mat

• Fit without Adhesive: Place the mat into the mat well or designated area. The natural weight and structure of the coir matting, especially with a latex or PVC backing, will generally prevent it from shifting, thus negating the need for adhesive.
• Final Adjustments: If any areas of the mat protrude or do not lay flat, carefully lift and trim any excess material using the utility knife until the mat sits neatly within the space.

Post-Installation Clean-up

• Cleaning the Mat: Once the mat is precisely placed, clean up any remnants or offcuts from the installation process. Any loose fibers on the mat can be brushed away with a stiff brush to enhance the mat’s appearance and functionality.

Now, the coir matting is installed and customized according to your spatial requirements and preferences, offering a natural, effective solution for your flooring needs.

What should you do now?

If you’re looking for cut-to-size coir matting that can be perfectly tailored to fit the specific dimensions of your home or workplace, consider exploring our diverse selection. We offer a variety of coir matting options, including those that are easy to trim and fit with a durable PVC backing. Our products are designed with precision to ensure they meet your particular needs, whether it’s for fitting snugly into mat wells or for general use areas. Purchase here: https://mats4u.co.uk/collections/coir-mats

Alternatively, there is a huge range of entrance matting that is easy to clean and will scrape and wipe feet effectively for five years plus. View our range of entrance matting here.

If you would like some more help, please give us a call on 0121 313 6748 or use our live chat facility during normal UK office hours.