A doormat is one of the best ways to improve your front porch. Mats add a stylish, warm welcome element to your house while helping to keep it cleaner.
There are many factors to consider depending on the type of product you’re looking at. Get inside.
The Ideal Size
First, choose the right size. Begin by measuring the width and trim of your door.
For proper surface coverage and appealing visual proportions, outdoor and indoor mats should be at least 80% of your door width. A standard front door measures 3 feet in width. The mat should be at minimum 29 inches wide. Mats placed in front of double doors should be at most 57 1/2 inches across. You may also want to align the mat with any sidelights or larger trim for a more appealing visual appeal.
If the door swings across the mat, ensure it doesn’t catch on or snag. If it does, the door can scratch, snag and damage the mat. Most doors have 1/2 to 3/4 inches clearance from a floor. But, if your door has weather stripping or swings out, measure it when it is open.
Materials And Care
Most of the mats can withstand the elements, resist mildew, deterioration, and fade, and can be used inside or out. Spot cleaning is possible with a sponge. You can then wipe or hose clean with mild soap/detergent. Hand-tufted mats need to be vacuumed often (without using a beater brush) and cleaned with mild soap/detergent.
Coir is a yarn made from the fibrous outer layer of coconut shells. This naturally absorbent material is woven into a dense pile that allows for dirt and water to be sucked out of shoes. They should be brushed and shaken out regularly to remove loose fibers, and dirt and keep them from becoming clogged up, Like waterhog mats.
Rubber mats are an outdoor option that traps dirt and debris, while also providing a nonslip surface. They are also resistant to fading, and easy to clean with a hose. Although rubber is resistant to water and will work in almost any weather, it shouldn’t be stored in cold temperatures for too long as it can crack.
Fabric mats can be made from a variety of materials such as sisal, jute, and cotton. These are most often lighter, indoor mats. They should be used on smooth surfaces such as wood or tile. There will be different care instructions. However, they can usually be machine washed and then hung to dry.
Warming The Welcome
Let’s now talk about best practices and other considerations.
An indoor and an outdoor mat can be used together to provide the best of both indoor and outdoor options. The outdoor mat will be the first line of defense. The indoor mat, particularly utilitarian doormats will clean up afterward. The outdoor mat will be the welcoming element, and the indoor mat can tie in with your indoor decor.
To create a framing effect mats can be “layered” (stacked). You can also change one or both of the mats regularly to give your room a fresh look. It is best to have two mats with the same dimensions, but different proportions, and use a thicker, heavier, or thinner mat on the top. Avoid shifting and buckling by using a mat with a non-skid backing or pad on both mats.
Printing designs will age over time. Any material that is exposed to heavy traffic will begin to show signs of wear. Colors and texture will also start changing. Each mat will last longer if you keep it clean and rotate or change the mats as the season changes.
The author, Dr. David K Simson is a trained radiation oncologist specializing in advanced radiation techniques such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT), volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) / Rapid Arc, stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). He is also experienced in interstitial, intracavitary, and intraluminal brachytherapy.
