Coir mats are an excellent choice when it comes to floor protection. These mats are made from the fibrous outer husk of coconuts, offering a range of benefits that make them a popular option for both residential and commercial settings. As a consumer, it’s essential to understand the quality and effectiveness of coir mats, so we have created this guide with answers to frequently asked questions and information that you might want to consider.

At Commercial Matting, we take pride in manufacturing our own line of high-quality coir mats within the UK. As a company, we are committed to providing durable and reliable matting solutions that meet the needs and preferences of all our customers. With our expertise in coir mat production, we ensure that every one of our products delivers exceptional performance and longevity.

Are Coir Mats Effective?

When it comes to assessing the quality of coir mats, they certainly live up to their reputation. Coir mats are known for their durability and ability to withstand heavy foot traffic. The natural coir fibres are resilient to wear and tear and provide excellent scraping capabilities that effectively remove dirt and debris from shoes.

Some other notable features that make them stand out include:

  1. Coir is a natural and sustainable material, which makes coir products an eco-friendly choice for environmentally conscious businesses and individuals.
  2. Coconut fibres have inherent moisture-wicking properties, allowing the mats to absorb excess moisture and prevent it from being tracked indoors.
  3. The coarse texture of coir helps trap dirt, dust, and mud within the fibres of the mat, preventing it from being spread throughout your building.
  4. All of the coir mats available on our website are manufactured with PVC backing, providing stability and preventing slippage on various floor surfaces.

Is Coir a Good Material for a Doormat?

Coir mats are particularly well-suited for use as doormats due to their naturally occurring characteristics. The husk of a coconut is incredibly durable, with the fibres containing an organic polymer (lignin) that enhances their structural integrity. As a result of this, coir can withstand the rigours of heavy foot traffic, whether you have a busy commercial entrance or lively office space, this style of mat can withstand constant wear and tear.

Especially when placed near doorways and entrances, coir mats can remove unwanted dirt and moisture before it is tracked indoors. This makes them a very beneficial product for the colder and wetter seasons of the year, keeping your interiors clean and dry no matter the weather.

Top Benefits of Coir Mats

Coir mats provide numerous benefits that make them a popular choice for various businesses and settings. We have already mentioned a couple of benefits above, but they do not stop there!

  1. As coir is a naturally derived material, coir mats are a cost-effective flooring option, whilst still offering longevity. This reduces the need for replacements, saving you time and money in the long run.
  2. The natural properties of coir make it resistant to moisture and dirt accumulation. By using coir mats, you can significantly reduce the frequency of floor cleaning required, promoting a cleaner and healthier indoor environment.
  3. Whilst serving a functional purpose, coir mats can help to elevate the visual appeal of your entrance, as it has a natural, rustic look. Coir mats are also available in several other colours, making them a fantastic choice for businesses that want to leave a lasting impression by enhancing their décor.

How Long Do Coir Mats Last?

As we have mentioned, coir mats are known for their durability and can last between 5 to 7 years depending on their use and how they are maintained. With proper care, you can extend the lifespan of your mat. Here are a few useful tips:

  1. Your mat should be cleaned regularly, so it is best to form a routine. Especially if your premises experiences heavy foot traffic, your mat could benefit from regular upkeeping. One simple way to remove dirt and debris is by vacuuming the surface of the mat or shaking it outside. This will eliminate dirt particles that have accumulated, helping to avoid premature wear.
  2. Although coir has a level of water resistance, it should not be exposed to an excessive amount of water as it can prolong dampness which might shorten its lifespan. We recommend keeping your mat in covered areas and only using a damp cloth to spot-clean certain areas.
  3. Rotating your mat periodically can help to distribute foot traffic evenly across its surface, reducing the chances of wear and tear in one particular area of the mat.
  4. Consider where your mat is going to be used, for example, entrances which experience heavy foot traffic might require a thicker coir mat which will withstand more use.

How Often Do You Need to Replace a Coir Mat?

If you have followed the tips above, your coir mat will last you for many years, however, eventually it might need replacing. There are several indicators that might suggest it’s time to replace your mat, which we have mentioned below.

If the fibres are significantly worn down, the surface of the mat might start to look thin, which means it will not be as effective at removing dirt and moisture. Excessive fraying or breakage of the fibres also indicates reduced functionality.

Another sign to look out for is fading or discolouration of the fibres. Especially when exposed to sunlight and harsh weather conditions, the mat’s appearance might be compromised. Although this does not affect its functionality, if you want to keep your interiors looking in top condition, you might want to replace the mat.

Do Coir Mats Go Inside or Outside?

One of the great advantages of coir mats is their versatility, as they can be used inside and in some outdoor environments. They are an excellent choice for indoor spaces such as entrances, hallways, and foyers, wherever your premises experiences the most traffic. They effectively trap dirt and moisture from shoes, preventing debris from being tracked further inside. Not only do they enhance the cleanliness of your indoor areas, but they help to prevent slip and trip accidents, and also help to protect your floors from scratches and scuffs.

As mentioned previously, coir can become damaged if exposed to too much moisture, so we recommend installing them in drier locations. For example, coir mats can be equally effective when placed under covered front entrances, patios, and porches for outdoor use. By strategically placing coir mats inside and outside, you can create a comprehensive system for keeping indoor areas cleaner. The first mat will provide an initial line of defence against dirt and debris, whilst the second will eliminate the excess.

Popular Settings for Coir Mats

Residential

Although our coir mats are made for more commercial environments, they are also a popular choice for homes, helping to provide a warm welcome. They are a simple solution to keep your home clean whilst enhancing your décor.

Hospitality

Hotels, resorts, restaurants, and other establishments can greatly benefit from coir mats. All of these settings tend to be very busy, so it is important to have some form of ground protection to keep your premises clean and safe. Coir mats can enhance the overall guest experience as soon as they step foot into your building, providing a comfortable and stable surface to walk on when they enter.

Schools and Universities

Educational facilities experience a high volume of staff and students every day, and coir mats prove to be an excellent choice to keep the entranceway and interiors clean and dry.

Retail

By placing a coir mat at your shop front, you can enhance your customer's shopping experience, as a mat that matches your brand and interiors can leave a lasting impression. Coir mats not only keep your floors clean, but they can set you apart from your competitors.

Here at Commercial Matting, we are proud to be a leading UK manufacturer of coir matting products. We stock a huge range of coir mats that are available in many sizes, colours, and thicknesses to suit your needs. Additionally, if you can’t find the right-sized mat for your entrance, we also offer a made-to-measure service where you can purchase a mat with custom measurements. Please feel free to browse or shop from our extensive range of flooring solutions on our website today or contact us on 01772 330051 for any enquiries.