June 22, 2026

Different Types of Rubber Mats and Their Applications

Outdoor brush mat and indoor entrance mat at a South African home entranceRubber mats are used in many places around the home. You see them at front doors, patios, garages, stairways, workshops and indoor entrances. However, not every rubber mat has the same purpose.

Some mats help stop dirt before it enters your home. Others improve grip, protect floors or make standing more comfortable. Therefore, choosing the right rubber mat starts with one simple question: where will you use it?

In this guide, we explain the most common types of rubber mats and where they work best.

Rubber Mats for Entrances

Entrance mats help keep dirt, dust and moisture away from your indoor floors. They are often the first mat people step on when they enter a home.

A good entrance mat can make daily cleaning easier. It catches dirt from shoes before it spreads through the house. This is especially useful in busy homes with children, guests or pets.

For a wider selection, browse our Entrance Mats.

Outdoor Rubber Mats

Outdoor entrance mats deal with tougher conditions. They sit outside and handle rain, dust, mud and regular foot traffic.

Many homeowners place an outdoor mat at the front door, back door or patio entrance. This gives people a clear place to wipe their shoes before entering the home.

Rubber outdoor mats work well because they offer strong grip and good durability. They also suit areas that regularly become wet or dirty.

Explore our Outdoor Entrance Mats for patios, entrances and outdoor walkways.

Indoor Entrance Mats

Indoor entrance mats work as a second barrier against dirt and moisture.

After someone wipes their shoes outside, an indoor mat helps remove the last bit of dust or water. This combination keeps your entrance area cleaner for longer.

Indoor mats also add a neater look to the entrance of your home. As a result, they offer both practical value and a more finished appearance.

View our Indoor Entrance Mats for everyday use inside the home.

Coir Mats

Coir mats combine practical performance with a natural appearance.

These mats are made from coconut fibres. Because of their coarse texture, they help scrape dirt from shoes before it enters your home.

However, coir mats work best in covered areas. We do not recommend using them in uncovered outdoor spaces where they stay wet for long periods. If coir mats remain wet for too long, they can become sensitive to mould growth.

Fortunately, coir mats are easy to clean. Use a mild soap solution, rinse the mat with clean water and allow it to dry naturally in the open air. Always make sure the mat dries completely before placing it back in use.

If you want a welcoming mat for a covered entrance, porch or sheltered doorway, a coir mat remains a strong choice.

Discover our Coir Mats for residential entrances.

Stair Mats

Stairs can become slippery, especially during wet weather.

Stair mats add extra grip to each step. They also help protect the surface underneath from daily wear.

For homes with children, older family members or pets, stair mats can make a noticeable difference. They create a more secure walking surface and help reduce the risk of slipping.

Browse our Stair Mats for safer steps around the home.

Ramp Mats

Ramp mats feature bevelled edges that create a smooth transition between the mat and the surrounding floor. This design helps reduce the risk of trips and makes it easier to move trolleys, carts and other wheeled equipment across the surface.

Many businesses use ramp mats in kitchens, behind bars, service counters and food preparation areas. The sloped edges improve safety while also creating a neater and more professional appearance.

Ramp mats are also a practical solution in workshops and hobby rooms where people regularly stand for longer periods.

View our range of Ramp Mats for safer and more comfortable working environments.

Workplace Mats

Workplace mats focus on comfort and floor protection.

They are useful in garages, hobby rooms, workshops, laundry areas and home workspaces. Instead of standing directly on a hard floor, you stand on a more comfortable surface.

This can help reduce discomfort during longer tasks. For example, workplace mats are useful when working at a bench, packing table or standing desk.

Explore our Workplace Mats for work areas and standing spaces.

How to Choose the Right Rubber Mat

Before choosing a rubber mat, think about the area where you want to use it.

  • Use an outdoor entrance mat for exposed entrances and patios.
  • Use an indoor entrance mat as a second dirt barrier inside the home.
  • Use a coir mat in a covered entrance or sheltered doorway.
  • Use a ring mat in wet, muddy or high-traffic areas.
  • Use stair mats to improve grip on steps.
  • Use workplace mats where you stand for longer periods.

Also consider moisture, foot traffic, cleaning needs and comfort. These factors help you choose a mat that suits the space instead of only choosing by appearance.

FAQ

Q1: What type of rubber mat is best for outdoor use?
Outdoor entrance mats and ring mats are strong options for outdoor use. They handle moisture, dirt and regular foot traffic well.

Q2: Can coir mats be used outside?
Coir mats are best used in covered outdoor areas. We do not recommend placing them in uncovered areas where they stay wet for long periods.

Q3: How do I clean a coir mat?
Clean it with a mild soap solution, rinse it with water and let it dry naturally in the open air. Make sure it dries completely before using it again.

Q4: Which mat is best for wet areas?
Ring mats are a good choice for wet areas because water can drain through the open holes.

Q5: Are rubber mats suitable for home use?
Yes. Rubber mats are suitable for entrances, patios, garages, stairways, workshops and other areas around the home.

Need help choosing the right mat? Contact our customer service for practical advice.