Finding the right doormat for outside use is about more than just a welcome message. It’s your home’s first line of defense against mud, moisture, and debris from shoes and paws. A great outdoor mat needs to be tough enough to handle the elements, effective at scraping and trapping dirt, and secure enough to stay in place through all kinds of traffic.
With so many options available, from heavy-duty rubber scrapers to decorative coir and grass mats, choosing the best one can be a challenge. We’ve compiled a list of eight highly-rated doormats suited for various outdoor needs. Whether your priority is maximum dirt removal, all-weather durability, or adding a touch of style to your entryway, there’s an option here to help keep your floors cleaner.
Top Outdoor Doormats for Your Entryway
- AMAGABELI GARDEN & HOME Large Outdoor Door Mats Rubber Shoes Scraper
- GORILLA GRIP 100% Waterproof All-Season WeatherMax Doormat, 47×35
- M+A Matting Waterhog Eco Grand Premier PET Polyester Fiber Mat
- GORILLA GRIP All-Season WeatherMax Doormat 35×23, Gray Diamond
- KAF Home Coir Doormat with Heavy-Duty, Non-Slip PVC Backing
- Ottomanson Artificial Grass Outdoor Doormat
- Unique Loom Trellis Indoor/Outdoor Front Door Mat
- Minky Homecare Ergonomic Comfort Footwipe Doormat
AMAGABELI GARDEN & HOME Large Outdoor Door Mats Rubber Shoes Scraper
This mat is built for heavy-duty scraping. Its thick, dense polypropylene fabric is specifically designed to capture mud and dust effectively, acting like a dedicated shoe scraper. The textured pattern helps absorb moisture and dirt, pulling it away from footwear.
Durability is a key feature, with a construction that is thicker than many standard mats. It dries quickly after rain or snow and is backed with 100% natural rubber for a strong, non-slip grip on your patio or porch. This combination of size, thickness, and a secure backing makes it a solid choice for high-traffic outdoor entrances.
GORILLA GRIP 100% Waterproof All-Season WeatherMax Doormat, 47×35
For broad coverage at a main entry, this large-format Gorilla Grip mat offers serious performance. Its WeatherMax design is built to handle all seasons, resisting stains, fading, and weather damage from sun, snow, and rain. The flexible yet tough construction is made for long-term outdoor use.
The mat uses a system of deep grooves and a raised rubber border to capture and contain dirt, debris, and moisture. This helps prevent tracked-in messes. The low-profile design and woven top surface are both functional and suitable for indoor or outdoor placement right at your front door.
M+A Matting Waterhog Eco Grand Premier PET Polyester Fiber Mat
This mat from a commercial-grade brand focuses on effective dirt and moisture removal. Its raised nub surface is engineered to scrape soles and trap what comes off below shoe level. This design helps ensure that dirt and water stay on the mat instead of being carried inside.
Made from recycled PET polyester, it is an environmentally conscious choice. The Trigrip rubber backing provides a strong gripping action to minimize slipping and sliding, even when placed on top of carpeted surfaces. Its substantial size and thickness are ideal for busy doorways.
GORILLA GRIP All-Season WeatherMax Doormat 35×23, Gray Diamond
This version brings the same trusted WeatherMax all-season performance in a more standard doormat size. It is constructed to resist stains, fading, and all types of weather, making it a durable option for year-round outdoor use. The gray diamond pattern offers a subtle, classic look.
Like its larger counterpart, it features deep grooves and a retention dam to capture dirt and moisture. The heavy-duty yet flexible build and easy-clean surface simplify maintenance. This size is perfect for more compact entryways, patios, or garage doors where reliable dirt capture is needed.
KAF Home Coir Doormat with Heavy-Duty, Non-Slip PVC Backing
For a natural and classic look, this coir doormat uses 100% natural coconut fibers. Coir is known for its excellent scraping ability and durability, effectively removing dirt from shoe soles. The natural material provides a traditional, textured welcome at any entrance.
It is backed with a heavy-duty, non-slip PVC material to keep it securely in place outdoors. The mat is designed to be weather-resistant, performing well in various climates. With a selection of designs available, it allows you to add personality and style while maintaining functionality.
Ottomanson Artificial Grass Outdoor Doormat
This doormat offers a unique and playful aesthetic, mimicking a patch of fresh turf. The artificial grass surface is effective at scraping dirt and mud from shoes and boots. It can add a vibrant, green touch to your doorstep, porch, or patio area.
Typically made from synthetic materials, these mats are designed for easy cleaning—often just a quick hose-down or shake. They are generally UV-resistant to prevent fading in the sun. This style is a fun alternative for those looking to combine practical dirt removal with a distinctive outdoor look.
Unique Loom Trellis Indoor/Outdoor Front Door Mat
Unique Loom mats often focus on bringing decorative patterns and colors to functional spaces. A trellis-design doormat can add visual interest and curb appeal to your home’s entrance. These mats are typically crafted from durable, easy-clean materials suitable for outdoor conditions.
While offering style, they also provide a textured surface for wiping feet. The indoor/outdoor construction means they can handle the elements while also looking appropriate inside a mudroom or foyer. This type of mat is ideal for homeowners who prioritize design alongside basic dirt-trapping utility.
Minky Homecare Ergonomic Comfort Footwipe Doormat
This mat introduces an ergonomic design focused on user comfort and effective cleaning. It often features a contoured or textured surface that conforms to the shape of your foot, promoting a more thorough wiping action. The goal is to clean more of the sole’s surface area with each step.
Built for durability in high-traffic areas, it is suitable for outdoor use at main entrances. The design is not only functional in removing debris but also aims to provide a more comfortable experience underfoot compared to very stiff, abrasive mats.
How to Choose the Best Doormat for Outside Use
When I need to pick a doormat for outside my front door, I think about it as my home’s first line of defense. It’s not just a decoration; it’s a tool. The best doormat for outside use has to handle everything from muddy boots to blazing sun. So, what makes one stand out? I look at a few key things: material, durability, and how well it actually scrapes dirt off my shoes.
First, let’s talk material. For outdoors, you want something tough. Coir (made from coconut husk) is a classic—it’s super abrasive and fantastic at scraping off mud and snow. Rubber-backed mats are great because they stay put and won’t rot. For a softer, more decorative option that still holds up, look for polypropylene. It’s fade-resistant and easy to clean with a hose. Avoid any mats that feel like indoor carpet; they’ll just fall apart in the weather.
Durability is everything. I check the mat’s construction. Is it thick? Does it have a sturdy backing that prevents sliding? A good outdoor mat should lie flat and not curl at the edges. I also consider the climate. If my area gets a lot of rain or snow, I need a mat that dries quickly and won’t develop mildew. Rubber and synthetic materials usually win here.
Finally, function. A pretty mat is nice, but if it doesn’t stop dirt, it’s just a rug. I look for a textured, rough surface that can really get into the grooves of my shoes. The size matters, too. It should be wide enough for someone to take two full steps on it. Placing a scraper-style mat outside the door and a softer, absorbent one just inside is a combo I’ve found works really well to keep my floors clean.
FAQ
How often should I clean my outdoor doormat?
I clean mine about once a week for basic maintenance. It’s simple: just pick it up, shake it out vigorously, and hose it down. For a deeper clean, maybe once a month, I’ll scrub it with a brush using a mild soap and water solution, then rinse it thoroughly and let it dry completely before putting it back. This prevents grime buildup and keeps it working effectively.
Can I use an indoor/outdoor rug as a doormat?
You can, but there’s a difference. Many indoor/outdoor rugs are designed for looks and light traffic on a patio. A dedicated doormat is engineered for heavy scraping and abrasion. The best doormat for outside use will typically have a much more aggressive texture to remove debris. An indoor/outdoor rug might be smoother and won’t clean shoes as well, so it’s better suited for a secondary spot or a covered area.
What’s the best way to keep a doormat from sliding?
A sliding mat is a safety hazard. I always look for mats with a non-slip rubber backing. If a mat I like doesn’t have one, I use a separate rubber mat gripper or pad underneath. For concrete or stone surfaces, sometimes the weight and backing are enough. On wooden decks or smooth surfaces, that extra gripper layer is essential to keep it firmly in place.
Are expensive doormats worth the cost?
Often, yes. A higher price usually reflects better materials and construction. A cheap mat might fade, fall apart, or lose its scraping ability in one season. A more expensive, well-made mat can last for several years, making it a better value over time. I consider it an investment in protecting my floors, which are far more costly to clean or replace.
What size should my front door mat be?
The general rule I follow is that the mat should be at least the width of your door. For a standard 36-inch door, a mat that’s 36 inches wide is a good start. Length-wise, it should be long enough for someone to take at least one full step (about 18-24 inches). A larger mat, like a 3-foot by 5-foot size, is even better as it catches more dirt over more steps.