You’re looking for an outdoor doormat. But which one should you choose? During your search, you’ve likely come across various types of outdoor mats and may now be wondering if it’s a good idea to place an absorber mat outdoors. The answer to that question is “no”. In this blog, we’ll explain why.
Absorber mat outdoors: not advisable
Doormats come in many types and sizes. In the world of doormats, a distinction is often made between absorber mats and dirt trapper mats. While placing an absorber mat outdoors is not recommended, a dirt trapper mat can be safely used outside.
The reason an absorber mat isn’t suitable for outdoor use lies in its material. The fibers of an absorber mat are simply not designed to withstand weather conditions. After a heavy rain, for example, an absorber mat would become completely saturated, leaving your feet wetter rather than drier.
So, if an absorber mat isn’t suitable for outdoor use, which type of doormat can be safely placed outside? Keep reading to find out!
Our most popular absorber mats
Doormats for outdoor use
The material of a doormat specifically designed for outdoor use must withstand rain, snow, sun, heat, and cold. In short, these outdoor mats need to be durable. Additionally, it’s helpful if an outdoor mat can scrape dirt off your shoes to prevent it from being tracked indoors.
For this reason, outdoor mats are often dirt trapper mats, while indoor mats are typically absorber mats. An absorber mat isn’t suitable for outdoor use because its fibers are too fine to effectively scrape dirt from your shoes. If you place an absorber mat outdoors, you’d likely end up bringing dirty and wet soles inside—not exactly ideal after wiping your feet!
Brush mat or spaghetti mat: perfect for outdoor use
If you’re looking for a reliable outdoor doormat, we recommend opting for a brush mat or a spaghetti mat. The bristles of a brush mat and the loops of a spaghetti mat are highly effective at scraping dirt and debris off your shoes. They are resistant to wind, rain, and sun, making them ideal for outdoor conditions.
These outdoor mats are also easy to clean—just rinse them off with a garden hose or a bucket of water, and they’ll be as good as new!
Strong outdoor mats
An outdoor absorber mat doesn’t exist
Technically, there’s no such thing as an absorber mat for outdoor use. Absorber mats are usually made from fine, soft fibers designed to dry your shoe soles. While they can also trap dirt, this causes the mat to become dirty much faster. That’s why we don’t recommend placing an absorber mat outdoors. Instead, use an outdoor mat in combination with an indoor absorber mat to ensure you enter your home with clean and dry shoes. You can have a custom-made absorber mat designed to fit perfectly with your entryway.
Absorber mat outdoors under a canopy
There’s a practical compromise: placing an absorber mat outdoors, but only under a canopy or shelter near your house. This way, the mat is protected from the elements. However, keep in mind that an absorber mat won’t effectively scrape dirt from your shoes. To address this, you could place an outdoor mat in front of the canopy entrance to handle the heavy-duty cleaning before stepping onto the absorber mat.
