Comparing Common Outdoor Mat Materials: Should You Choose Rubber Or Vinyl?

Not a lot of thought goes into choosing a doormat. In fact, many pick one based on looks alone. Then it fades after just one summer or, worse, becomes slippery the minute it rains or snows. As much as we all like cutesy doormats that add flair to our homes, at the same time, you want your hardworking foot wiper to last, actually keep dirt out, and be safe. This brings us to rubber and vinyl, touted to be among the best materials for an outdoor mat. The difference? Rubber excels in performance, though vinyl takes the lead in pricing.

For context, rubber mats are — you guessed it — made of rubber. Some are naturally constructed from the milky liquid found in rubber trees, while others are man-made from synthetic chemicals. Mats that include a mix of both natural and faux rubber tend to be the toughest. On the other hand, vinyl door rugs are purely artificial and created using polyvinyl chloride (aka PVC). This could be a major red flag if environmentally-friendly is at the top of your list of things to consider when choosing the right doormat. Now that you know the basics, let's delve deeper into the differences between these two outdoor mat materials.

Again, you can't beat rubber doormats when it comes to functionality. They provide a superior grip, meaning not only will they stay firmly in place at all times but also your chances of slipping are reduced. Moreover, you might have noticed that most rubber mats come in a honeycomb-like or bristle design. They're built this way to effectively trap dirt, mud, and debris, so floors stay cleaner, even in high-traffic areas. Come extreme heat or snowy winter days, this material won't fade, rot, curl, or turn into a breeding ground for mold and mildew. All of this explains why exterior rubber mats tend to be on the pricier side. Exhibit A: the $40 FIOZOR Rubber Door Mat. You can also opt for a doormat with mixed materials, like the ubdyo Rubber Door Mat for $25 that features a grass top and rubber backing.

Shopping on a budget? A vinyl-backed welcome mat may be your best bet. Plus, there are a lot more patterns, colors, and styles to choose from. One such example is the KILOCOCO Outdoor Mat, selling for just $12. Do note that vinyl doormats don't do well under high temperatures or rainy weather. They may also show creases and cracks when frequently rolled and unrolled. However, the good news is that they have a higher resistance against stains (because of their synthetic construction) and are easier to clean. Further, if you're worried about vinyl's longevity, you can always extend the life of your doormat with a simple yet genius hack: waterproof spray.