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The Spruce / Chloe Jeong
More than just a place for people to wipe their feet, a top-quality doormat is a barrier that helps prevent dirt and moisture from entering your home. "A single doormat can be extremely versatile throughout the entire year," says Hilde Leiaghat, CEO and Founder of Pom Pom at Home. "It's all about how and what you style it with. Dress it up for the seasons, keep it simple and fresh for the summer, and let it dazzle during the holidays."
While keeping style in mind, we placed 14 outdoor doormats in our own homes and evaluated them—in dry and wet weather—on design, quality, durability, effectiveness, and value. We then combined our testing insights with our editors' and writers' research to offer the following list of the best outdoor doormats.
Best Overall
Entryways Coir Rope Knot Doormat
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Food52
Made of real coir
Unique and attractive design
Traps dirt and debris
Available in two sizes
Weave isn’t as tight as some
Slips around a bit
When it comes to outdoor doormats, coir (pronounced COY-er) is the gold standard, for good reason. Made from coconut husks, it's thick and scratchy, so it's a good material for getting gunk, including snow, off shoes. It also absorbs moisture, so you don't track footprints into the house.
Out of all of the doormats we tested, our top choice is the Food52 Coir Rope Doormat. It lived up to the advantages of a coir doormat. But unlike many standard coir options, this one’s attractive design makes it look more than utilitarian. We found its appearance also transcended aesthetics—the weave helps trap more dirt than your standard doormat.
Made of natural fiber, this doormat does shed a little bit, as we noted in our experience, and it's written on the tag itself. However, we think the durability, style, and overall value of this rug make it worthy of the best overall pick. It also comes in two sizes, which makes it an excellent choice for nearly all-size doors.
Price at time of publish: $59-$95
Dimensions: 18 x 30 inches; 24 x 36 inches︱Shape: Rectangle︱Material: Coir
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The Spruce / Brigitt Earley
Best Budget
L.L. Bean Everyspace Recycled Waterhog Doormat
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L.L. Bean
Resists mildew, shedding, and fading
Multiple colors and sizes available
Can be rinsed with hose
May still slip on some surfaces
The Everyspace Recycled Waterhog Doormat is a great dual indoor-outdoor mat option with a rubber backing and recycled polyester finish. While its appearance is minimal in design, you can choose between eight color options and four sizes. The polyester fiber is also naturally mildew-, shed-, and fade-resistant. It also won't crush under thick boots, like coir is susceptible to after extensive use.
The rubber backing is textured, so it's less likely to slip on less-textured surfaces, however, it may still slip on freshly waxed flooring or high-shine tiles. The raised border around the mat also helps contain rainwater—up to 1.5 gallons of water per square yard—so that the mat doesn't soak through. Be sure to allow the doormat to fully dry if exposed to excessive rain or snow. If the mat becomes caked with mud, you can rinse it with a hose and vacuum any dry debris.
Price at time of publish: $35+
Dimensions: Varies︱Shape: Rectangle︱Material: Polyester and rubber
Best Splurge
Ruggable Coco Mata Doormat
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Amazon
Mat cover can be swapped out
Machine washable
UV-resistant colors
Must air dry cover
The Ruggable Coco Mata Doormat is undoubtedly pricey, but we can't get over its innovative design and 100 percent washable materials. This doormat is actually two separate pieces: a doormat cover and a rubber mat. The rubber mat acts as a grippy base for the cover, which fits into a cutout in the rubber. The rubber mat also features patented ClingEffect Pucks, which keep the entire system in place. It also has holes throughout, so water can quickly drain from the cover and through the rubber. "The easiest [doormat to clean] is the Ruggable doormat because it comes in two parts—one, the base, and two, the cover," says Wayne Edelman, CEO of Meurice Garment Care. "The cover can be machine washed and hung to dry."
Not a fan of the Coco Mata design? Not a problem. Ruggable has tons of doormat cover designs to choose from Plus, once you purchase the rubber mat, you can purchase the interchangeable covers separately for a truly customizable doormat experience. As mentioned, the doormat cover is machine washable, but you do have to line dry it if your dryer doesn't have an air fluff setting. The inked designs are also UV-resistant, so they'll truly stand the test of every season's weather.
Price at time of publish: $149
Dimensions: 24 x 36 inches︱Shape: Rectangle︱Material: Rubber
Best for Rain
Calloway Mills Gatsby Rubber Door Mat
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Home Depot
Stays in place
Doesn’t get water-logged
Mildew- and odor-resistant
Doesn’t absorb water or mud
Heavy to move
Durability is one of the first things we noted about this doormat. It earned high scores because the rubber is extremely heavy and well-made. Once you put this mat in place, it’s not going anywhere—you can rub your shoes repeatedly, and it doesn't move a single inch. This is a nice design feature for wetter climates, not only because of slippage but also because it doesn’t get water-logged the same way other types of doormats do.
It’s also mold-, mildew-, and odor-resistant. This material is great for removing excess dirt, salt, and other debris from your shoes, but it won't help you dry them because it isn't porous. It's very effective for the most part and has a nice design. The elegant fleur-de-lys pattern looks right at home just about anywhere.
Price at time of publish: $56
Dimensions: 48 x 30 inches︱Shape: Rectangle︱Material: Rubber
The Spruce / Brigitt Earley
Best for Pets
Soggy Doggy Microfiber Doormat
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Amazon
Machine washable and dryer safe
Soft material for sensitive paws and bellies
Can hold 7x its weight in water
For indoor use only
We don't want to point fingers (or paws), but our furry friends are often the (unintentional) culprits of tracking mud and dirt through our clean homes. The Soggy Doggy Doormat is specifically designed for pups who love to play in the rain and mud. This microfiber chenille towel-doormat combo can hold up to 7x its weight in water and has a great texture for ensuring your pup's paws are squeaky clean before running around your home.
The microfiber is also very soft, making it appropriate for sensitive paws and bellies compared to traditional coir or rope mats. The best part of this doormat is its machine washable and dryer-safe design, which also has a non-slip backing without the latex coating that often deteriorates over time. While this doormat is wonderful overall, we do wish it was more suitable for outdoor use (aside from enclosed porches), however, we don't fault it for this based on its otherwise stellar design.
Price at time of publish: $45-$93
Dimensions: 18 x 24 inches; 26 x 36 inches; 36 x 60 inches︱Shape: Rectangle︱Material: Microfiber
Best for Winter
The Rope Co. Lobster Rope Doormat
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The Rope Co.
Wide range of colors
Extra durable
Mold- and mildew-resistant
Slips
Though the Rope Co. Nautical Rope Doormat was one of the most expensive doormats we tested, we found that it was worth every penny, earning a perfect score in overall value. It doesn’t look too beachy and comes in nearly 30 colorways, so it suits a wide range of home styles.
But even more than its enviable style, this doormat is ultra-durable. The ropes are woven extremely tight, so it isn't susceptible to premature wear, no matter how many people wipe their feet on it each day. Another nice bonus: Because it’s made of nautical rope, the mat doesn't absorb excess water (great for rainy or snowy climates) and is mold- and mildew-resistant.
If there’s any downside, it’s that there’s no rubber on the back. Because of this, the doormat does tend to slide around a bit—a factor The Rope Co. does mention in the product listing. We found it was best to put this mat right up against the door, so you can still get the traction you need to wipe your shoes. You can also purchase a rug pad separately, if you're looking for the most traction, especially during slippery weather.
Price at time of publish: $104-$234
Dimensions: 18 x 30 inches; 21 x 34 inches; 24 x 38 inches; 26 x 50 inches︱Shape: Rectangle︱Material: Nautical rope
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The Spruce / Brigitt Earley
Best for Sand
Crate & Barrel Teak Mat
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Crate & Barrel
Sophisticated design
Weathers well
Expertly crafted
Color bleeds
It doesn’t get much prettier than this sustainably forested teak-slatted doormat. In fact, it earned a nearly perfect score in the design category because it not only looks nice, but it’s also expertly crafted and appears much more expensive than it is. If you’re wondering where it lost out, it’s for a minor flaw—because of the slats, the doormat doesn’t dry shoes quite, as well as some other options.
Still, in wet weather, the wood dries very quickly. And overall, it's excellent at removing debris from shoes. We noticed this doormat would be perfect for beachfront and tropical locations because the dirt and debris fall between the slats rather than become trapped in fibers. To clean the sand (or other dirt and debris) away, you can simply lift up the mat and give the area a quick sweep or vacuum.
Overall, the mat is extremely heavy and durable, so it doesn’t slip and slide as you wipe your feet. Just be careful where you place this mat—we didn’t have any issues with the material staining the floor, but a few buyers experienced this.
Price at time of publish: $90
Dimensions: 20 x 32 inches︱Shape: Rectangle︱Material: Teak
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The Spruce / Brigitt Earley
Best Design
Letterfolk Customizable Tile Mat
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Letterfolk
Customizable
Thin profile
Easy to clean
Slippery
Not absorbent
The Letterfolk Tile Mat is a real standout, not only because of the attractive black-and-white colorway (it comes in more than two dozen other colors, too!) but also because of how customizable it is. The doormat comes with additional “tiles” you can swap in and out to create your personal color pattern or even use to write a word.
This mat lacks a bit in efficacy, though—we found that although it removed debris from shoes, the glossy texture made it difficult to dry the mud and wetness adequately. In fact, the mat even became a little bit slippery in wet conditions. That said, it’s super easy to wipe down, so you can dry it in a flash.
Price at time of publish: $75-$100
Dimensions: 18 x 30 inches; 24 x 36 inches︱Shape: Rectangle︱Material: Flexible vinyl
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The Spruce / Brigitt Earley
Best Heavy-Duty
New England Trading Co. Wicked Good Nautical Rope Doormat
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New England Trading Co.
Fast drying
UV-resistant
Very durable
May slide on slick surfaces
Similar to our best pick for winter, the Wicked Good Nautical Rope Doormat from New England Trading Co. is a heavy-duty outdoor doormat made from lobster rope. While we have not officially tested this doormat, one of our team members has it and praises it for its durability. It withstands wear from rain and muddy conditions, and it's very fast at drying to withstand mildew growth.
This doormat is also UV-resistant, so the vibrant colors won't dull over time. No matter the conditions, this doormat is an all-season option that's easy to hose down and quick to dry. We will note that this mat may slide on a surface like tile or laminate floors. However, we still think this doormat is a great heavy-duty option.
Price at time of publish: $70-$100
Dimensions: 18 x 30 inches; 24 x 36 inches︱Shape: Rectangle︱Material: Polypropylene and polyethylene rope
Compare
Overall Rating | Quality | Durability | Value | Design | Effectiveness | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Best Overall:
Entryways Coir Rope Knot Doormat
|
Amazon | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4.5 | |
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Best Budget:
L.L. Bean Everyspace Recycled Waterhog Doormat
|
L.L.Bean | ||||||
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Best Splurge:
Ruggable Coco Mata Doormat
|
Ruggable.com | ||||||
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Best for Rain:
Calloway Mills Gatsby Rubber Door Mat
|
Amazon | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3.5 | |
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Best for Pets:
Soggy Doggy Microfiber Doormat
|
Amazon | ||||||
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Best for Winter:
The Rope Co. Lobster Rope Doormat
|
Food52 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | |
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Best for Sand:
Crate & Barrel Teak Mat
|
Crate & Barrel | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.5 | 5 | |
![]()
Best Design:
Letterfolk Customizable Tile Mat
|
Amazon | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | |
![]()
Best Heavy-Duty:
New England Trading Co. Wicked Good Nautical Rope Doormat
|
Thenewenglandtradingcompany.com |
If you’re looking for an attractive but highly functional doormat that takes dirt and debris off your shoes and, more importantly, keeps them out of your house, you can’t go wrong with the Food52 Coir Rope Knot Doormat. But if overall value is more important, you may be drawn to the L.L. Bean Everyspace Recycled Waterhog Doormat. Though you save a handful, this doormat doesn’t sacrifice quality or effectiveness.
How We Tested the Doormats
For this article, we placed 14 outdoor door mats in our own homes, using them in a real-life setting to see if they lived up to the manufacturers' claims. We rated each outdoor doormat across a number of categories, including quality, design, effectiveness, durability, and overall value. We tried out each of the doormats in both sunny and wet weather to see just how well they performed under all conditions and took notes on the entire process from start to finish. We then combined their testing results with our writers' and editors' own research to bring you this list. We've also updated this list with additional researched picks that we haven't had the chance to test quite yet.
What to Look for in an Outdoor Doormat
Size
Doormats come in a wide range of sizes, so make sure you choose the right one for your doorway. There’s no hard and fast rule about exactly how big it should be, but it should look balanced at the door. It’s a good idea to measure your doorway and then shave off a few inches. Also, some doormats are much thicker than others, so double-check the height of your door frame before purchasing a mat.
Shape
Similarly, doormats come in different shapes. Some are rectangles, and others are half-moon-shaped. "A doormat is often overlooked as simply a "functional" piece but it can be such a warm and welcoming beacon for your home," says Hilde Leiaghat, CEO and Founder of Pom Pom at Home. Don't be afraid to let your personality shine through with a fun doormat shape or pattern.
The shape you select is largely a matter of personal preference, but keep in mind that rectangular mats typically cover more surface area. Therefore, they are good choices if your doorway is particularly busy. If you're looking for a doormat that could also be purchased as a runner or an oversized square, The Rope Co. Lobster Rope Doormat, our best for winter pick, is available in several different sizes and shapes so you can customize your outdoor landing exactly how you want.
Material
Typically, outdoor doormats are made of durable materials that can withstand dirt and water and don’t fall apart with heavy wear. Coir and rubber are some of the most popular since they’re exceptionally durable and good for all kinds of weather. Other common materials include jute, faux coir, and synthetic fibers. Our best budget pick, the L.L. Bean Everyspace Recycled Waterhog Doormat, is made from recycled polyester and has a crush-resistant design that prevents shedding often seen in coir mats.
You should also consider how often you'd prefer to replace your doormat, as some materials like coir, and other brush-like mats, tend to fall apart and are more difficult to keep clean for longer periods of time. "The worst [mats to clean] are the brush or sisal mats," says Wayne Edelman, CEO of Meurice Garment Care. "They can't be cleaned, usually end up falling apart, and should just be replaced when they show evidence of wear."
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How do you clean an outdoor doormat?
An outdoor doormat can harbor everything from allergens to dirt to rotting leaves and even insects, so regular cleaning is a must. While care varies slightly depending on the material, in general, it’s quite easy to clean most doormats. "Because of their nature many can just be beaten out or hosed off," says Edelman. "If necessary, a small amount of diluted detergent can be used to scrub them off and then rinse."
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What materials are best for snow/cold locations?
In general, coir and rubber doormats best withstand moisture and cold, snowy conditions. Look for nonslip options—those with a rubberized backing—since those help keep the mat in place, especially in the presence of moisture.
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How often do you need to replace an outdoor doormat?
Outdoor doormats don’t last long—anywhere from six months to two years, depending on the foot traffic and the weather conditions. Regular cleaning can help extend the product’s lifespan, but it’s best to toss your mat once it begins to look dirty and worn, despite laundering.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Brigitt Earley, a freelance writer who has spent nearly 15 years writing about household products such as outdoor doormats. Earley has a big family of six, which means there’s always traffic in and out of her home—and the four kids tend to bring a lot of dirt with them. A quality doormat is a must-have at each entry point to help keep her floors just a little bit cleaner. For this piece, she tested 14 doormats from various retailers at high and low price points.
Emma Phelps, an associate editor for The Spruce, assisted in updating this roundup with new products. Researched picks were evaluated based on their durability, design, price point, and innovation. For this update, Phelps also contacted Wayne Edelman, CEO of Meurice Garment Care, who provided commentary on the easiest types of doormats to clean and the types of doormats that may require more frequent replacing. Hilde Leiaghat, CEO and Founder of Pom Pom at Home, also provided expert commentary for this roundup. Phelps has The New England Trading Co. Wicked Good Nautical Rope Doormat and loves that her dogs' paws are even wiped clean when coming inside.
What Is The Spruce Approved?
Here at The Spruce we want to ensure we fully stand behind every product we recommend, and that when we say something is the best, we mean it. You might have noticed The Spruce Approved badge next to the products on this list. Every product with this badge has been rigorously tested in person and carefully selected by our expert team of lab testers and editors. In most cases, we buy all these products ourselves, though occasionally we get samples provided to us directly by companies. No matter how we procure products, they all go through the same tests and must meet the same strict criteria to make the best-of cut. We also pride ourselves on transparency and will always let you know if we received a product for free.