The humble coconut fibre mat, a doormat made from coconut husk, has been welcoming visitors into residences and shops for centuries. In recent years these natural mats have enjoyed a renaissance as people look for eco-conscious alternatives to plastic mats. From bespoke doorway mats in designer hotels to cost‑effective coir mats by the metre in high‑traffic schools, coir matting offers an attractive blend of practicality and eco‑friendliness. This article explores what coco coir mats are, why they are so effective, how to choose the best one for your space and how they compare with synthetic rubber mats.
Defining Coir Matting
Coir is a natural fibre extracted from the outer husk of mature coconuts. These strong fibres are composed of lignin plus cellulose, giving them great robustness. When woven into a mat, they create a coarse surface with short, stiff bristles that scrape debris from footwear. Traditionally used in mat wells at the entrance to Victorian houses, coir matting has evolved into various modern products, including coco coir door mats, made‑to‑measure coir mats and extra‑large coir mats for double entrances.
Natural Origins and Sustainability
Unlike synthetic doormats, coir mats are created from renewable materials. Harvesting coconut husks does not require felling trees, so coconut palms continue producing fruit. Twisting the husk into yarn and weaving it into matting utilises what might otherwise be waste. Coir products are also naturally decomposable; when they eventually wear out, the fibres return to the earth rather than lingering in landfill. Because the extraction and manufacturing processes rely on basic machinery, coir mats have a small ecological footprint.
Manufacturing Coir Mats
To create coir matting, the husks are soaked for several months to make the fibres pliable. Workers then beat and spin the fibres into ropes or yarns. These yarns are either woven together to produce traditional mats (which are often finished with a braided edge) or bonded to a PVC backing to create modern PVC‑backed coir door mats. The PVC backing adds stability and makes it easier to cut the matting to fit mat wells or bespoke areas.
What Are Coir Mats Used For?
Because of their coarse texture, coir mats excel at scraping dirt and moisture from shoes. They are a popular choice for:
Residential doorways. Households use indoor coir doormats to keep mud and grit out of hallways and to add rustic charm.
Shop doorways. Cafes and stylish shops appreciate the organic appearance and excellent dirt control. Coir mats work well in mat wells and reception areas.
Schools, shops and public buildings. PVC‑backed coir matting can handle heavy foot traffic and is budget friendly.
Partially covered entrances. Although coir is moisture‑absorbing, prolonged exposure to rain can cause the mat to warp or fade. Use coir beneath a canopy or choose a coir and rubber combination for outdoor use.
Why Choose Coir Mats
Cleaning Power
Coir’s fibrous surface effectively captures soil, grime and dampness. Its rough texture scrapes debris from footwear better than many synthetic alternatives. This reduces the amount of cleaning needed indoors and helps prevent slip hazards caused by wet floors.
Durability and Performance
High‑quality coir mats can cope with busy entrances and still stay in good form. Properly maintained coir mats can last up to 24 months in high‑traffic commercial settings, while domestic versions typically last around six years. Mats with dense piles and thicker fibres offer greater wear resistance.
Eco Benefits
Coir mats are completely biodegradable and sourced from renewable coconut fibres. Choosing natural matting demonstrates a commitment to eco‑friendly habits and helps businesses reduce their environmental footprint. At the end of its life, a coir mat can be composted.
Decorative Value
The earthy tone of coir adds character to entrances and complements both rustic and contemporary décor. Coir matting can be tinted in multiple colours such as brown, grey, black or russet, and designs and text can be applied to create customised designs. This versatility makes coir mats a favourite in hospitality venues and boutiques.
Cost‑Effectiveness
Compared with industrial matting systems, coir mats are more affordable. Their long service life and low maintenance requirements make them a cost‑effective choice for households and businesses.
Made‑to‑Measure Options
One of coir’s major advantages is that it can be trimmed to fit. Coir doormats can be tailored to unusual sizes, making them ideal for mat wells or awkward spaces. Suppliers offer coir sold per metre or coir mats made to measure; you simply specify the measurements and thickness you need. Vinyl backed coir matting are available in bespoke sizes and suited to high‑traffic areas such as shops, schools and universities.
Limitations and Considerations
While coir mats offer many benefits, there are a few limitations to keep in mind:
Initial shedding. Fresh coir mats drop fibres; vacuuming or shaking during the first week will reduce this.
Deep pile. The thick bristles can make it hard for wheeled items to cross, and may breach accessibility regulations. Businesses should provide a smooth alternative mat or ensure the coir is fitted flush to the floor.
Moisture absorption. Coir absorbs water readily, which can lead to swelling or staining in exposed outdoor areas. For uncovered doorways, consider coconut fibre mats with rubber edges that pair coir fibres with a rubber backing for better weather resistance.
Flame retardancy. Natural coir is less flame retardant than article source some synthetic alternatives. In high‑risk areas, a fire‑resistant entrance mat may be required.
Coir Versus Rubber
A common question is whether to choose coir or rubber. Both materials have advantages. Instead of a table, here’s a side‑by‑side comparison in list form:
Material – Coir mats use renewable coconut fibres; rubber mats consist of natural or synthetic rubber, sometimes reused.
Appearance – Coir provides a cosy, organic aesthetic that enhances boutique and hospitality entrances; rubber mats have a simple, modern appearance and are often plain black or coloured.
Dirt and moisture control – Coir is great at scrubbing dirt off shoes and holding debris; rubber models use ridges to direct water and improve grip.
Slip resistance – Coir requires a backing to stop it slipping; rubber has inherent anti‑slip qualities for wet conditions.
Weather resistance – Coir does not like constant wet weather; rubber mats withstand the elements and suit outdoor use.
Durability – Coir wears well but may flatten under heavy use; rubber is hard wearing and suited to constant footfall.
Sustainability – Coir is eco friendly and compostable; rubber isn’t compostable though some versions use recycled material.
Typical settings – Coir mats suit retail stores, small offices, hotels and homes where aesthetics are important; rubber is common in factories, gyms and exterior stairways.
For businesses that want the best of both worlds, hybrid coir–rubber combination mats offer coir’s scraping power combined with a non‑slip, weatherproof backing. These mats are good for semi‑outdoor areas and heavy traffic. When shopping for high‑grade coir doormats, look for tightly packed fibres, sturdy edging and trusted British brands.
Choosing the Right Coir Mat
When selecting a coir mat, consider the following factors:
Depth. Thicker mats are more robust and provide better dirt trapping. Typical thicknesses range from 14 mm to 30 mm. Check the depth of your mat well to ensure a flush fit.
Fibre density. Denser mats absorb more moisture and wear more slowly. Top quality mats feature tightly twisted piles that recover well.
Backing material. PVC backings add stability and improve slip resistance. Hand‑loomed mats without backing are traditional but should be fixed in place.
Appearance. Natural coir is golden brown, but dyed options (grey, black, red, russet or coir matting brown) let you match décor. Edges can be braided, latex or rubber.
Size and customisation. Measure your entrance and choose coir sold per metre for long runners or mat wells. Many suppliers offer coir mats made to measure; provide length, width and thickness for a tailored fit. Large entrances may need oversized coir doormats or multiple segments joined together.
Custom design. Businesses can add logos, text or graphics by printing on the mat or using an inlay technique.
Care and Maintenance
Regular cleaning prolongs the life of a coir mat. Vacuum, sprinkle a dry cleaner, wait 30 minutes and vacuum again. Avoid strong detergents that might discolour the fibres. If the mat becomes saturated with water, allow it to dry completely before use. Mats used at home can last about six years; commercial mats should be inspected regularly for wear and replaced when the pile becomes thin or frayed.
Wrapping Up
Coir mats are an elegant combination of sustainability, functionality and aesthetics. Made from coconut husks, these mats offer excellent dirt and moisture control while signalling an eco‑friendly ethos. Their versatility allows them to be cut to size, dyed, edged and customised to suit any entrance, from cosy homes to busy retail stores. Although they require regular maintenance and are best used indoors or under cover, the benefits of durability, natural beauty and low environmental impact make them a great option.
Whether you need a basic entrance mat, coir matting available locally, or bespoke custom cut coir mats, choosing a reputable UK supplier ensures quality and longevity. For businesses and homeowners looking for a sustainable way to improve their entrances, coir mats remain the top coir mats on the market.
Ready to make the switch? Explore the extensive selection of coir mats
available online today and find the perfect eco‑friendly greeting for your space.