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The Spruce
I live in the Northeast, where we experience everything from 12 inches of snow to heavy rains and triple-digit days. With all the inclement weather, I understand that a doormat is more than just a stylish piece to welcome guests. A top-quality doormat is the best way to prevent moisture and dirt from tracking into our home, not to mention those adorable but pesky wet paw prints from my pup.
To find the best options for the job, we tested 17 outdoor doormats at home in states like Pennsylvania, Iowa, and my New Jersey home. We evaluated them—in dry and wet weather—on design, quality, durability, effectiveness, and value. When choosing an outdoor doormat, our testing proved that it is important to find one that can withstand all kinds of weather.
If you live somewhere with a lot of rain, consider purchasing a rubber mat. Even when wet, I've found that the material's excellent grip and drainage make it a long-lasting and weather-resistant choice. Coir mats are my top choice for fall and winter because they effectively keep leaves, snow, and other debris from entering my home since their coarse strands scrape them off shoes.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Entryways Coir Rope Knot Doormat
Made of real coir
Unique and attractive design
Traps dirt and debris
Doesn't have a rubber backing
Out of all of the doormats we tested, our top choice is the Entryways Coir Rope Doormat. When it comes to outdoor doormats, coir (pronounced COY-er) is the gold standard for good reason. Made from coconut husks, this doormat is thick and scratchy. During testing, we found that the material worked great for getting gunk, including dirt and leaves, off shoes. It also absorbs moisture, so you don't track footprints into the house.
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 and moisture than your standard doormat, making it great for rainy or snowy regions.
We were also very pleased to see that the doormat remained firm and had not loosened up even significantly when we tested it at home. There were no visible signs of wear and tear, and the weave was completely undamaged. 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. The doormat also doesn't have a rubber backing.
However, the doormat was quite stable, and we didn't experience any instances of the doormat slipping. Overall, we think this rug's durability, style, and value make it worthy of the best overall pick. It also comes in two sizes, which makes it an excellent choice for nearly all door sizes.
Dimensions: 18 x 30 inches; 24 x 36 inches︱Shape: Rectangle︱Material: Coir
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Best Budget
Gorilla Grip Traffic Guard Doormat
Multiple colors and sizes available
Easy to clean
Low profile
May still slip on some surfaces
Just because a doormat is inexpensive does not mean it is ineffective at preventing dirt from entering your home. We tested the Gorilla Grip Traffic Guard Door Mat in our home and found it a great dual indoor-outdoor mat option. After nearly two years of use, our doormat still looks intact, which is quite impressive given that it costs less than $25.
We placed the doormat in the atrium of our apartment building, and it has been a game changer. Thanks to its ribbed surface, it effectively removes water and debris from shoes, which means less mess for us to clean up inside.
Its low-profile design allows it to fit perfectly in both our entryway and inside our apartment. That said, it might not work well if you have a door draft stopper. While it does slip a bit on less-textured surfaces like tile and laminate, as long as there is weight resting on it from your feet, it stays in place.
The doormat is available in nine different colors; however, we recommend opting for the darker shades. Our charcoal grey doormat collects a lot of dust, but the dirt is hardly noticeable, keeping our entryway looking clean at all times. To remove the accumulated dust, we recommend shaking the mat several times and then running our vacuum over the surface.
Dimensions: Varies︱Shape: Rectangle︱Material: Rubber
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Best Washable
Ruggable Coco Mata Doormat
Mat cover can be swapped out
Machine washable
UV-resistant colors
Must air dry cover
The Ruggable Coco Mata Doormat is undoubtedly pricey, but during testing, we were obsessed with its innovative design, 100 percent washable materials, and durability. 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. Even after being subjected to numerous spills and a cat who really enjoyed pulling the rug up, the doormat showed no signs of damage.
The rubber mat 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. We also found the slanted edges to be a particularly helpful feature, as they made walking over easy without stumbling, catching shoes, or needing to step over. Additionally, it ensured that the mat remained firmly in position and that any accidentally spilled liquids would collect in the rubber mat rather than dripping onto the floor.
Out of all the doormats on our list, the Ruggable is the easiest to clean because the cover can be machine-washed and hung to dry. Although we dropped a huge cup of coffee on the mat while testing, we simply had to wash the rubber portion by hosing it down, but the mat itself was machine-washable. Almost no work was required to clean it, and it remained spotless throughout.
Not a fan of the Coco Mata design? Not a problem. Ruggable has tons of doormat cover designs from which to choose. Plus, once you purchase the rubber mat, you can purchase the interchangeable covers separately for a truly customizable doormat experience. The inked designs are also UV-resistant, so they'll truly stand the test of every season's weather.
Dimensions: 24 x 36 inches︱Shape: Rectangle︱Material: Rubber
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Best for Rain
Calloway Mills Gatsby Rubber Door Mat
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. We found that the rubber was 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.
This mat was the largest one we tested, measuring in at an impressive 48 inches in length. While we appreciated that it covered a lot of surface area by our door, keep in mind that the mat might be too cramped for a particularly tiny area.
With that said, the mat is 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.
Dimensions: 48 x 30 inches︱Shape: Rectangle︱Material: Rubber
PHOTO: The Spruce PHOTO: The Spruce
Best Design
Letterfolk Tile Mat
Customizable
Thin profile
Easy to clean
Slippery
Not absorbent
The Letterfolk Tile Mat is a real standout, not only because of its attractive black-and-white colorway (it comes in more than two dozen other colors, too!) but also because of its customization. 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. Fortunately, it's really simple to clean, so you can dry it quickly and get it back to use right away.
When shopping for a high-quality, aesthetically pleasing doormat, the Letterfolk Tile Mat is a great pick for individuals who enjoy adding a personal touch to their home decor. Compared to the other doormats on our list, it stands out due to its distinctive design and personalizability.
Dimensions: 18 x 30 inches; 24 x 36 inches︱Shape: Rectangle︱Material: Flexible vinyl
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Best Durable
The Rope Co. Lobster Rope Doormat
Wide range of colors
Extra durable
Mold- and mildew-resistant
Slips
Like our best for rain pick, the Rope Co. Nautical Rope Doormat was also extremely durable during testing. The ropes on this mat are woven extremely tight, so we found that it isn't susceptible to premature wear, no matter how many people wipe their feet on it each day.
As an added bonus, the mat's construction from nautical rope makes it mold- and mildew-resistant and prevents it from soaking up too much water, making it ideal for wet regions. Regarding the design, we were drawn to its beachy aesthetic and its availability in nearly 30 colorways, allowing it to complement various home designs.
If there’s any downside, it’s that there’s no rubber on the back. Because of this, the doormat tends to slide around a bit, which The Rope Co. mentions 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.
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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Best Indoor/Outdoor
L.L.Bean Heavyweight Recycled Waterhog Doormat
Three sizes
Rubber backing
Hold up to 1½ gallons of water
Leaf motif makes it more difficult to clean
Featuring an elegant leaf design, this doormat is more beautiful than it appears despite its simplicity. But don't let its appearance fool you; it's still very efficient as both an indoor and outdoor mat. With its non-slip backing, this lovely mat stayed put no matter how hard we rubbed our shoes on it. Because it's pretty thin, you can place it indoors in your entryway without the concern of it preventing the door from opening.
We put the doormat at our back door for testing purposes and found that all of the moisture and dirt from our yard would get trapped inside the mat's fibers and off our floors. Aside from picking up leaves and grime off our shoes, the mat can also hold almost two gallons of water per square yard, making it great for places with heavy rain or snowfall.
To clean the doormat, we used a vacuum to pick up the dirt and debris that had settled into it from the yard. That said, because of the raised leaf motif, we had to run the vacuum through it multiple times to get into all the nooks and crannies.
Dimensions: Varies︱Shape: Rectangle︱Material: Polyester and rubber
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Best for Winter
Calloway Mills Hello Natural/Black Script Door Mat
Fast drying
Vinyl backed
Very durable
Shedding may occur
Coir's remarkable resilience to severe weather makes it ideal for usage in the winter and other cold and wet seasons. We tested this doormat in our home and were quite pleased with its performance. We found that it's great for drying out shoes before you bring them inside your house, thanks to its rough texture for sloughing off dirt, snow, and debris.
The bright and cheery design was one of the things that we loved best about this doormat. We think it would be a beautiful complement to any foyer. Keep in mind that, like our experience with our best overall, shedding is a normal part of using coir mats, yet it is worth mentioning nonetheless. If you are shopping for a long-lasting, practical, and aesthetically pleasing doormat that'll keep the snow and ice melts off your home floors, this coir doormat is a great pick.
Dimensions: 24 x 36 inches︱Shape: Rectangle︱Material: Coir
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Best for Sand
Crate & Barrel Teak Mat
Sophisticated design
Weathers well
Expertly crafted
Color bleeds
It doesn’t get much prettier than this sustainably forested teak-slatted doormat. It not only looks nice but is 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 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 the teak material could leave stains over time.
Dimensions: 20 x 32 inches︱Shape: Rectangle︱Material: Teak
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Best for Pets
Home Dynamix Comfy Pooch Clean Paw Door Mat
Machine washable
Soft material for sensitive paws and bellies
Non-slip backing
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 Home Dynamix is specifically designed for pups who love to play in the rain and mud. I tested this doormat in my home and can attest to how well the texture cleaned my pup's wet and muddy paw after a rainy walk.
The microfiber is also very soft, making it appropriate for sensitive paws and bellies compared to traditional coir or rope mats. One of my favorite features of this doormat is that machine washable. Even after multiple washes, the doormat looks brand new and retains its original appearance. It also has a non-slip backing without the latex coating that often deteriorates over time.
While this doormat is wonderful overall, I 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.
Dimensions: 30 x 21 inches︱Shape: Rectangle︱Material: Polyester
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Final Verdict
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 Coir Rope Knot Doormat. But if overall value is more important, you may be drawn to the Gorilla Grip Traffic Guard Doormat. Though you save a handful, this doormat doesn’t sacrifice quality or effectiveness.
How We Tested the Doormats
For this article, we placed 17 outdoor door mats in our homes and tested them in a real-life setting to see if they lived up to the manufacturers' claims. We evaluated each outdoor doormat across several categories, including quality, design, effectiveness, durability, and overall value.
We tried each of the doormats in sunny and wet weather to see 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' 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.
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What to Look for in an Outdoor Doormat
Overall Size
Doormats come in a wide range of sizes, so you want to choose the right one for your doorway. There’s no hard and fast rule about how big it should be, but it should look balanced at the door. I personally like it when my doormats are a bit bigger than the door, but if you don't, it’s a good idea to measure your doorway and then shave off a few inches.
If you need a durable doormat that covers more surface area, consider the Calloway Mills Gatsby Rubber Doormat, our best doormat for rain. At 48 inches in length, it was the largest product we tested.
When making your selection, also be mindful of the thickness of the doormats available. For instance, the Coir Rope Knot Doormat is on the thicker side, so it can cause issues when opening the door. Therefore, double-check the height of your door frame before purchasing a mat.
Material and Type
Typically, outdoor doormats are made of durable materials that can withstand dirt and water and don’t fall apart with heavy wear. Coir (like our best doormat for winter, the Calloway Mills Doormat) and rubber (like our best rubber doormat, the Ruggable Coco Mata Doormat) are great for the cold and wet seasons since they’re exceptionally durable and good for all kinds of weather.
Other common materials include jute, faux coir, and synthetic fibers, like polyester or vinyl (seen on our best design pick, the Letterfolk Tile Doormat). The L.L. Bean Recycled Waterhog Doormat, is made from recycled polyester and has a crush-resistant design that prevents shedding often seen in coir mats.
If you live near a beach, consider a wooden doormat like our best option for sand, the Crate & Barrel Teak Indoor/Outdoor Doormat. We found it great for removing dirt and other debris from your shoes before entering a home.
The material of your doormat will also affect how easy it is to clean. "Because of their nature many can just be beaten out or hosed off," says Wayne Edelman, CEO of Meurice Garment Care. "If necessary, a small amount of diluted detergent can be used to scrub them off and then rinse." However, some materials, like coir and other brush-like mats, tend to fall apart and are more difficult to keep clean for longer periods.
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Durable But Stylish Designs
Similarly, doormats come in different shapes and styles. "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.
Our list aims to satisfy a wide range of styles and tastes. For example, The Rope Sand & Charcoal Doormat, our best durable doormat, fits a rustic aesthetic but has dozens of color options to choose from to personalize it to your tastes.
The L.L. Bean Heavyweight Recycled Waterhog Doormat, our best indoor/outdoor doormat, has a subtle leaf design to add interest to your entryway but comes in neutral colors to fit any design scheme.
For the most pattern and color variety, opt for our best rubber doormat, the Ruggable Coco Mata Doormat. Once you buy the rug pad, you can choose from over 150 covers to mix and match. Consider switching your rug cover for the seasons or holidays as an easy way to make a statement on your front porch.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Daniela Galvez, a senior editor for The Spruce, specializing in home improvement, gardening, and lifestyle. Galvez is a big fan of changing up her outdoor doormat for festive designs that reflect the spirit of each holiday season. However, during months of heavy rain and snow, she relies on more functional doormats, such as ones made from coir and the L.L. Bean Heavyweight Recycled Waterhog Doormat.
She researched different outdoor doormats and used our test results to compile this list. She also considered the best use for each doormat based on the tester's feedback and her own experience.
Our Experts:
- Wayne Edelman, CEO of Meurice Garment Care
- Hilde Leiaghat, CEO and Founder of Pom Pom at Home