Which outdoor mat material is right for me?

Coir outdoor mats are best for undercover entries and eco-friendly style. Rubber outdoor mats are best for full sun and rain exposure, heavy scraping and easy cleaning. Carpet or polypropylene outdoor mats are best for absorbing moisture in sheltered areas. Recycled material outdoor mats are ideal for eco-conscious buyers who want UV-resistant, waterproof performance made from sustainable materials.

Which outdoor mat is best for Australian conditions?

For harsh sun regions like Queensland and Western Australia, choose a UV-resistant rubber or recycled plastic outdoor mat. For coastal and sandy areas, a thick coir mat traps sand effectively. For rainy and humid climates, a rubber mat with drainage holes resists mould and dries quickly. For muddy rural properties, a heavy-duty rubber scraper mat removes caked-on soil from boots.

Outdoor Door Mats

Q: Can you put door mats outside?

Yes, you can put door mats outside. However, you need to consider what surface the mat will sit on (timber decking, concrete, stone or tiles), whether it will be exposed to sun or rain, and what you want the mat to do — absorb water, trap sand and dirt, or scrape mud. Rubber mats are best for full sun and rain, coir mats are ideal under cover, and carpet mats work well for absorbing moisture in sheltered areas.

Q: What type of doormat is best for outside?

Coir mats are the best overall choice of doormat for outside in most situations. They trap dirt and debris effectively and suit covered porches and entries. For mats exposed to full sun and rain, rubber outdoor mats are the best option as they are UV-resistant, waterproof and will not degrade. Carpet or polypropylene mats are best for absorbing moisture under cover.

Q: Can you put a coir mat outside?

Yes, coir mats can be used outside. Coir is a natural coconut fibre product that will take on moisture and swell slightly when exposed to rain. Coir mats mature beautifully over time and the fibres may darken to give a rustic look. For best results, place your coir outdoor doormat under cover where it is protected from prolonged direct rain and sunlight.

Q: What size outdoor door mat do I need?

For a standard single front door, a 60 x 90cm outdoor mat is the most popular size. For wide or double doors, choose 70 x 120cm or larger. For sliding doors or bi-fold doors, an 80 x 180cm runner mat provides full coverage. Back doors and laundry entries typically suit a 60 x 90cm mat. As a general rule, your outdoor doormat should be at least as wide as your door.

Q: How do I clean my outdoor mat?

Rubber outdoor mats can simply be hosed clean — use a stiff brush for stubborn dirt. Coir mats should be shaken or beaten on the back to release trapped dirt; avoid wetting them with a hose. Carpet outdoor mats can be vacuumed regularly and hosed down occasionally, but must be allowed to dry completely before being placed back at the door to prevent mildew.

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High-Quality and Eco-Friendly Outdoor Mats for Your Home

An outdoor door mat is your first line of defence, trapping debris such as dirt, sand, grass clippings and leaves before they are brought inside on feet or paws. Depending on the material, an outdoor mat can also absorb water and moisture to protect your floor coverings and help prevent slip-and-fall accidents in your home.

Whether you need a heavy-duty rubber scraper mat for a sun-drenched front porch or a natural coir doormat for a covered entryway, our range of outdoor door mats has you covered. Browse below and buy your outdoor doormat online with confidence from Australia's dedicated mat specialists.

Can you put door mats outside?

The simple answer is yes, however there are a number of factors to consider when placing a mat outside at your front door or in an external living area or outdoor space. Ask yourself these questions before choosing your outdoor mat:

What surface will the mat be placed on — timber decking, concrete, stone or tiles?

Will the mat be exposed to the sun's rays?

Will the mat be exposed to rain?

What do you want the mat to do? Absorb water, trap sand and dirt, trap leaves, grass and twigs, or scrape excessive mud?

Once you know the answers, it becomes much easier to find the best outdoor doormat for your home. Read on for our expert recommendations.

What type of doormat is best for outside?

Coir mats are the best choice of doormats for outdoors in most situations. However, this choice may be affected if you have a unique doorway, heavy sun exposure or frequent rain, so ask yourself the questions below.

First, is your mat being exposed to the sun?

If your mat is placed under cover and not exposed directly to continual sun, you can consider a carpet-surface outside mat. Carpet mats that are exposed to UV rays without being UV-resistant will quickly fade and begin to disintegrate. The carpet surface needs an additional treatment to repel the harsh UV rays from our beautiful Australian sun.

If your outdoor mat is exposed to the sun, consider a rubber door mat or a recycled plastic outdoor mat as your external door mat. A quality product like a rubber doormat will withstand the sun's rays and maintain its appearance for years.

Second, is your mat exposed to the rain?

If your mat is exposed directly to rain and sunlight, we highly recommend a rubber scraper outdoor mat. This material handles UV and moisture without degrading, and it will also remove dirt, mud and other debris that collects on your shoes. The heavy textured surface scrapes soiling off at the door before it reaches your floors. Rubber outdoor mats are also naturally resistant to mould and mildew, making them the ideal low-maintenance choice for exposed areas.

Third, does it need to scrape or dry or both?

A rubber mat makes a perfect scraper mat. The heavy textured pattern will remove mud and other soiling and is a great first line of defence. Rubber mats are easy to clean and are not prone to mould and mildew. You can simply hose them off when soiled and immediately place them back into service.

A carpet mat will dry the feet. The carpet fibres absorb water and contain it within the mat, which then dries through natural evaporation.

A reinforced carpet mat will both scrape the feet and dry them. This option is ideal for light soil and moisture, and works well as a versatile outdoor doormat under cover.

Can you put a coir mat outside?

Something to consider when using coir doormats as external doormats is that coir is a natural coconut fibre product. This means that it will take on moisture and swell slightly. Coir mats mature beautifully over time — this process may be sped up in the elements. Coir fibres may darken, which gives the mat its beautiful rustic look as it ages. For this reason, coir outdoor door mats perform best under cover where they are protected from direct, sustained rainfall.

If you want maximum coverage or want to dress up your outdoor living area, consider covering the entire space with an outdoor carpet or outdoor rugs. If you are looking for a sustainable choice, consider a mat made from recycled materials like recycled car tyres, shopping bags or milk bottles.

Which Outdoor Mat Material Is Right for You?

Choosing the right material is the single most important decision when buying an outdoor door mat. Here is a detailed breakdown of your options so you can find the best outdoor mat for your home.

Coir Outdoor Door Mats

Coir door mats are made from natural coconut husk fibres, making them one of the most popular and eco-friendly choices for an outdoor doormat in Australia. The coarse, bristle-like surface is excellent at scraping dirt, sand and debris from shoes and boots. Coir outdoor mats are best suited to covered porches and entries where they are shielded from prolonged rain and direct sunlight. They are naturally biodegradable, give your entryway a warm rustic look, and are available in plain, printed and personalised initial designs.

Best for: Undercover front doors, Hamptons and coastal-style homes, eco-conscious buyers.

Rubber Outdoor Mats

Rubber door mats are the toughest outdoor mats you can buy. They withstand full sun exposure, heavy rain and extreme temperatures without warping, cracking or fading. The moulded surface patterns act as heavy-duty scrapers, removing mud, dirt and grit before it enters your home. Rubber outdoor door mats are also the easiest to maintain — simply hose them off and they are ready to go. Many of our rubber mats are made from recycled rubber, making them a sustainable and hard-wearing choice.

Best for: Full sun and rain exposure, muddy or rural properties, back doors, laundries and high-traffic entries.

Carpet and Polypropylene Outdoor Mats

Carpet-surface outdoor mats feature a durable polypropylene pile with a rubber backing. They absorb water and moisture from shoes while providing a soft, comfortable surface underfoot. These mats work best in covered outdoor areas where they are protected from direct UV. For homes in rainy climates, a carpet outdoor door mat makes an excellent companion to a rubber scraper mat — place the rubber mat first to remove heavy soiling, then the carpet mat to dry and give a final clean.

Best for: Absorbing moisture under cover, softer feel underfoot, pairing with a scraper mat for maximum protection.

Recycled and Eco-Friendly Outdoor Mats

For environmentally conscious Australians, we offer outdoor door mats made from recycled materials including recycled car tyres, recycled shopping bags and recycled milk bottles. These mats are UV-resistant, waterproof and incredibly durable while giving a second life to materials that would otherwise go to landfill. A recycled outdoor mat is a smart, sustainable choice that does not compromise on performance.

Best for: Eco-conscious homes, full sun and rain exposure, buyers who want sustainability without sacrificing durability.

What Size Outdoor Door Mat Do I Need?

Selecting the right size outdoor door mat ensures maximum coverage and a balanced, stylish look at your entryway. As a general rule, your mat should be at least as wide as your door. Here are our recommendations by door type:

Standard single front door: A 60 x 90cm outdoor mat is the most popular choice and fits neatly beneath a standard door frame.
Wide or double doors: Choose a 70 x 120cm mat or larger to provide full coverage across the wider opening.
Sliding door entries: A long runner mat at 80 x 180cm covers the full width of the sliding track and catches debris across the entire opening.
Bi-fold or folding doors: An 80 x 180cm outdoor doormat or larger works best to span the full opening when doors are folded back.
Back doors and laundry entries: A 60 x 90cm mat is usually sufficient for these smaller, high-traffic entry points.

Not sure which size is right? Get in touch with our team and we will help you find the perfect fit for your door.

Choosing an Outdoor Mat for Australian Conditions

Australia's diverse climate means there is no single outdoor door mat that works everywhere. Here is how to choose the best outdoor mat based on where you live.

Harsh Sun and UV (Queensland, Western Australia, Northern Territory)

In regions with intense year-round sunshine, UV resistance is essential. A rubber outdoor mat or recycled plastic mat will not fade, crack or disintegrate in the harsh Australian sun. Avoid placing carpet or untreated coir mats in direct sunlight in these areas — they will degrade quickly.

Coastal and Sandy Areas (Gold Coast, Sydney Beaches, Perth Coast)

Sand is one of the most difficult substances to keep out of your home. A coir outdoor doormat with thick, tightly packed fibres is the best choice for trapping sand from bare feet and thongs. Place a coir mat under cover at your front door and consider a second rubber mat at the back door or pool entry for wet, sandy feet.

Rainy and Humid Climates (Melbourne, Tasmania, Tropical North)

In areas with frequent rain and high humidity, mould and mildew resistance matters. A rubber outdoor door mat with drainage holes allows water to flow through rather than pooling on the surface. These mats dry quickly and can be hosed clean without any special treatment. For covered entries in rainy climates, a carpet outdoor mat will absorb moisture from wet shoes and boots.

Muddy Rural and Regional Properties

For farms, acreage and rural homes, a heavy-duty rubber scraper mat is the go-to choice. The deep textured pattern removes caked-on mud, soil and organic matter from boots and work shoes. Rubber mats can handle heavy daily use and are easy to hose clean at the end of the day. For properties that track both mud and moisture inside, consider using a rubber scraper mat outside the door followed by an absorbent indoor door mat just inside for a final dry.

How Do I Clean My Outdoor Mat?

Keeping your outdoor doormat clean helps it perform better and last longer. Here is how to care for each type of outdoor mat.

Cleaning a Rubber Outdoor Mat

Rubber mats are the easiest outdoor mats to maintain. Simply hose them down with water to remove accumulated dirt and debris. For stubborn grime, use a stiff brush with mild soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and place the mat back into use straight away. Rubber mats dry quickly and do not harbour mould or mildew, making them virtually maintenance-free.

Cleaning a Coir Outdoor Doormat

Shake or beat your coir mat on the back with a paddle or broom to release trapped dirt. This should be done weekly for best results. Avoid wetting a coir mat with a hose, as excess water can cause the natural fibres to swell and may encourage mould. If your coir mat gets wet from rain, stand it on its side in a well-ventilated area to allow it to air-dry completely.

Cleaning a Carpet Outdoor Mat

Vacuum your carpet outdoor mat regularly to remove surface dust and dirt. For a deeper clean, hose the mat down on a sunny day and allow it to dry completely before placing it back at the door. Never put a damp carpet mat back into use, as trapped moisture can lead to mildew and unpleasant odours. A thorough clean every month or two will keep your carpet outdoor doormat looking fresh.

Why Buy Your Outdoor Doormat from Doormat?

At Doormat, outdoor door mats are all we do. As Australia's dedicated doormat specialists, we bring over 20 years of experience to help you find the perfect mat for your home. Every mat in our range is individually inspected before dispatch, and we use only first-grade materials including natural coir, recycled rubber and high-quality polypropylene.

We deliver outdoor mats to every state and territory across Australia — including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Adelaide and Perth. If you need help choosing the best outdoor doormat for your entryway, our expert team is always happy to help. Contact us today or browse our full range of outdoor door mats, indoor door mats, large door mats and welcome mats to find the right fit for your home.

For the best results, we recommend pairing your outdoor door mat with an indoor doormat to keep your home free from excessive debris. The outdoor mat scrapes and traps the worst of the dirt, and the indoor mat gives shoes and paws a final dry and clean.