What is Coir Matting?
In a world where we all want to be greener, coir matting is the ideal solution for environmentally friendly entrance matting and flooring. Coir is a natural, sustainable material that is biodegradable. While it is a biodegradable product, its strength and durability mean that it is a long-lasting material that serves many uses and is used for floors and entranceways.
What are coir mats?
While you may not have heard of the term coir matting, you will likely have seen them across homes and businesses as you cross the threshold. Coir mats are commonly used for entranceways and porches. With short, tough bristles, coir matting helps to dry shoes and remove dirt before entering the premises.
Typically, coir matting is brown in colour. However, it can be dyed in various colours to suit all interior design styles. Regardless of the colour, the attributes remain the same; tough, durable bristles that provide effective cleaning.
While many people might know coir matting as simply a ‘doormat’, it can also be known as a coco mat, coconut mat or entrance matting.
What is coir matting made of?
Coir mats are made up of 100% natural fibres. These environmentally-friendly, natural fibres are derived from the husk of the coconut. The husk is the water-resistant layer between the outer coating of the coconut and the hard shell inside.
The coir fibres are known for their strength and resilience; they protect the coconut from various conditions. Their waterproof property helps keep the coconut flesh fresh even if it has floated for many days across the sea.
The reason for the strength of the coir fibres is thanks to the tough, thick walls of the fibre made from insoluble cellulose. Coir fibres also have a high level of lignin, a substance found in plants that makes the plant woody, brittle and rigid and reduces the chance of the plant rotting.
The natural properties of the coir, or coconut husk, make it ideal for matting as it is water-resistant, strong and durable. Furthermore, the eco-friendly nature of the coir makes it the perfect choice for the environmentally conscious customer.
Can Coir Matting be used Outside?
Only certain types of Coir Matting can be used outside. If the matting has a PVC backing, this will prevent any rainwater from draining away, leading to the rotting of the fibres. If you need a Coir Mat that will get wet, make sure you pick one that is unbacked to allow for rainwater drainage.
What else is coir used for?
Several types of coir are available, and each has its own properties, making it perfect for different uses. Red coir (although it looks brown) is the most popular option for coir matting as it is a heavy-duty fibre. As well as entrance matting, red coir can be found in floor tiles, mattresses and brushes.
Brown coir, on the other hand, is softer than red coir and is used in upholstery for padding. White coir is also an option, which is derived from unripe coconuts. White coir is much softer than red coir and is often used for fishing nets and ropes.
As well as making an excellent mat for entranceways, coir matting is even used to protect environments. Its protective nature can help to protect against degradation and erosion. Coir matting can help to stabilise soils and protect the land while vegetation takes root.
At First Mats, however, we focus on coir matting for homes and businesses. The mats are created using a needle felting technique to bind the fibres together, and then the fibres are moulded into shape and placed on PVC backing. We then offer mats or matting rolls that can be cut to suit various needs.
What are the benefits of coir matting?
There are many reasons why coir matting is such a popular choice for entrances, porches and doorways;
- Durability
The robust, resistant nature of coir matting means it is ideal for high-traffic areas. Coir matting can last many years and still provide an excellent cleaning quality.
- Natural
Coir is an entirely natural product which makes it an eco-friendly solution. This also means it is biodegradable. However, the nature of coir means that it will not happen for a very long time. The natural appearance is also ideal for those who want a traditional and authentic look.
- Cost-effective
Coir matting is competitively priced and relatively cheap to install. You can cut the matting to the size you need using a Stanley knife, meaning you don’t have to rely on specialist tools, machinery or providers to get the perfect-sized mats.
- Versatile
Coir matting can come in a range of colours as well as a natural finish. Direct sunlight may weather the mat if you choose a natural finish, but this usually adds to the finish, giving it a timeless feel. It is easy to cut, so coir matting is ideal for entranceways and door recesses of any size.
- Prevents slips
Coir matting is strong enough to scrape dirt and mud off shoes and remove water. This can help avoid a slip hazard and limit the mess caused by dirty and wet shoes. Coir mats can then be cleaned when dry with a vacuum cleaner or simply shake the dirt off outside.
Coir matting may be the ideal, cost-effective choice for your entrance, porch or hallway if you want to keep your premises clean and dry. You can browse our range of coir matting options at First Mats.
Author:
Richard O'Connor is a Director at First Mats. He has deep knowledge in areas like Manufacturing, Warehousing, Marine, and Health & Safety. Richard's insights have been featured in well-known publications such as Bloomberg Business, The Sun, and Reader's Digest. His blend of industry expertise and passion for sharing makes him a sought-after voice in his fields.