Carpeting vs. Matting: What’s the Difference?
Saying that the terms ‘mat’ and ‘carpet’ are the same is like equating apple and oranges. Despite the COVID-19 crisis, the carpet’s market size was estimated at $32 Billion in 2020, and it is expected to reach $38.8 Billion by 2026. Let’s dispel the difference between carpeting and matting.
Carpets vs. Mats
It’s easy to find carpets, front door mats and indoor door mats online. But, what’s the difference between mat and carpet? To compare the two, let’s examine the function and the appearance of each.
What Is a Carpet?
A carpet’s top appeal lies in its practicality and appeal. People will buy a carpet in accordance with their interior design, colour palette and home style. When it comes to carpets, they are also larger than mats and can cover the entire floor area.
What Are Carpets Made Of?
Before you choose a carpet, decide whether you want natural or synthetic material. The most popular options include wool, nylon and polypropylene. Although they all bring additional warmth to your home, we recommend choosing whatever works the best for your floors and interior design.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Reduces echo
- Softer and versatile
- Hides dirt
- Easy to install
Cons
- Needs maintenance
- Needs to be replaced
What Is a Mat?
On the other hand, the mat’s primary purpose is functionality. It is more important that a mat protects a surface from dirt, grit, mud, or water rather than how good it looks.
Mats are usually placed before an entrance. However, there arefront door mats that are placed at the entrance but on the inside of the house. These are also known as indoor door mats.
Mats can be used for various purposes. You can choose a welcome mat to put outside your front door or a bathroom mat to avoid slippery floors.
Messages, words or signs indicating greetings are also frequently found on a door mat.
What Are Mats Made Of?
Depending on your intended use, you can choose various matting materials, including carpet fibre, rubber, nylon, PVC or vinyl. However, because rubber is made of durable and tough material, it is the most popular option.
Pros
- Features a non-slip, rubber backing
- Thick and durable
- Available in different dimensions
- Ships rolled
Cons
- Difficult to clean
Appearance vs. Functionality
Overall, it is essential to keep the appearance vs. function connection in mind while choosing a mat. Quite often, clients rely on the physical look of the door mat and choose the completely wrong product.
Therefore, clients focus more on ‘how beautiful the butterfly on the mat is’ instead of concentrating on the function that the mat should have: protecting the surfaces and the carpet itself from dirt, mud or water, especially during colder seasons.
Find the Best Pick For You
When choosing an indoor door mat online, always bear in mind to check the materials used for the mat. PVC, rubber, nylon and polypropylene have different life spans and require different cleaning methods.
Looking for mats or carpets for your business, office or house? Doormat got you covered. We bloomed from a small family business into a company that provides high-quality mats and carpets. Get in touch.
