FAQs about Coir Matting

Coir, which is also known as coconut fibre, is a versatile and eco-friendly material that is derived from the husk of coconuts. This natural product is popular for its wide range of applications, including being used in rope and matting, as well as for gardening and horticultural purposes. Coir is known for its sustainability and biodegradability, making it a preferred choice for environmentally conscious consumers.

We would not recommend using any doormat made from natural coir outside. Coir has natural properties that make it susceptible to the effects of outdoor conditions. Given its tendency to biodegrade when exposed to rainfall or standing water, using coir doormats outdoors is not be the most effective choice in the long term. Our recommendation is to limit the use of coir doormats to indoor settings or semi-exposed areas, such as covered porches, in order to ensure the longevity and functionality of the product. 

This depends on the type of coir matting that you purchase. For standard sized coir doormats or traditional hand-stitched coir matting, do not attempt to cut it yourself. The edges are stitched or bonded, and if cut, they would require re-stitching or bonding to maintain their integrity. Cutting these mats may lead to the coir fibres unravelling and detaching from the mat.

If you want to cut the coir matting yourself, opt for our PVC backed coir matting. This can be cut using a sharp Stanley knife. The coir fibres are bonded to the PVC backing rather than to the other coir fibres, ensuring that they will remain intact when cut. 

Yes, we can produce custom shape coir mats for you. We can make these from our PVC backed coir matting or our traditional hand stitched coir matting. To produce these we need a diagram or template of the shape and sizes you require.

To start the process please send us a diagram or sketch of the shape which includes the sizes of every single side and the type of matting you’d like. This does not have to be perfect or to scale. Once we have received this we will be able to offer a quote or let you know if we require any further information.

Occasionally, if there are complex shapes or intricate angles, the need may arise for a physical template to accurately capture the shape. Should such a situation arise, rest assured that we will guide you through the process of crafting a template using paper or cardboard. This step ensures that the measurements and dimensions are accurately replicated.

As coir is a natural product, the fibres will shed over time and with use. During the first few weeks of use, you may notice slightly more shedding of the fibres – this is totally normal. The shedding process is a natural characteristic of this material. Over time, as the coir settles and becomes more established in its intended use, the shedding should reduce. Regular maintenance and gentle care can also help to manage the shedding and maintain the overall integrity of the coir product.

Our standard sized coir doormats are purchased by us ready-made and pre-stitched by a machine. However, our traditional backed hand stitched coir doormats are all hand-shaped and hand-stitched in our warehouse by our skilled craftsman. Each mat is meticulously crafted with care and precision, ensuring a durable and elegant addition to any entryway. 

Yes, indeed, coir is an entirely natural and eco-friendly product. Its biodegradability means that once you have finished using your coir mat, you can simply place it on the compost heap and it will naturally decompose alongside the rest of your organic waste. This sustainable feature makes coir mats an environmentally responsible choice.

The lifespan of coir matting can vary significantly depending on several factors. Firstly, the amount of foot traffic the mat is subjected to plays a crucial role. With increased footfall, the coir will naturally experience more wear and tear, decreasing its longevity. Opting for a thicker and higher quality coir mat can effectively prolong its lifespan, even in high-traffic areas. Additionally, proper maintenance is key to maximising the durability of your coir mat. Keeping the mat clean and ensuring it stays dry will contribute to an extended lifespan, preserving its functionality and aesthetic appeal for years to come.

The best way to care for a natural coir doormat is to keep the doormat dry and indoors at all times, protecting it from excessive moisture and prolonged exposure to the elements. By following this simple practice, you can significantly prolong the life and quality of the mat. Additionally, it is important to regularly shake or brush the surface of the mat to maintain its best appearance. This simple yet effective action can help prevent and minimise the build-up of dirt, dust, and loose coir fibres, ensuring that your doormat remains not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional. As natural coir mats will naturally shed fibres over time with use, it’s recommended to brush or vacuum the mat to clean up any loose fibres and to neaten its overall appearance.

No. Our coir mats are made from 100% natural products. Therefore, there may be differences between colours of different mats and different batches of mats. Different style coir mats are woven in different ways and some mats have a much tighter weave than others. In turn, this can make the coir fibres appear darker where they are tightly woven together. The closest colour match we can achieve is when we cut mats from a large continuous roll of coir matting with our PVC backed coir or traditional backed hand-stitched coir matting. However, it is still possible to see slight variations on a continuous roll due to the natural aspect of the product.

Another issue we have is that all screens be it a laptop, PC monitor, tablet, or smartphone will render images and colours slightly differently. Therefore, it is impossible to ensure the images you see online are going to exactly match the product colour. Therefore, we have to state that images of the products on our website are for illustrative purposes only. 

If colour matching or continuity is vital, please contact us before ordering, and we will make every effort to assist. 

Yes, coir matting is indeed flammable and has the potential to catch alight, especially when in close proximity to sparks or other sources of ignition. As a result, it’s important to exercise caution and carefully consider the placement of coir matting to minimise any potential fire risk. This means avoiding placing the matting in areas near open flames, fireplaces, or where there’s a risk of sparks landing on the mat.

We would recommend choosing our cut-to-size PVC backed matting for use in a mat well. This is available in our heavy duty, premium, or budget range, providing you with a variety of options to suit your specific needs. Additionally, our PVC backed matting comes in different colours and a range of thicknesses, allowing you to select the perfect mat for your well. Due to the PVC backing, the mat does not spread over time, therefore will fit your well for as long as you need.

One of the key benefits of our PVC backed matting is its versatility. It can be easily cut to a specific size or shape with a sharp Stanley knife, giving you the freedom to customise it to fit your mat well perfectly. In instances where your mat well is an odd shape or not completely straight, you can always oversize your measurements slightly and then trim the mat to ensure a precise and tailored fit.

Moreover, if your mat well happens to be slightly deeper than the thicknesses we have on offer, we recommend using some ply board underneath the mat. This simple solution helps to raise the level slightly, ensuring a snug and secure fit for your matting.

The largest mat size available is dependent on the type of matting you are looking to buy.
Our largest standard sized ready-made doormats are 1200 x 750mm.
Our largest cut-to-size PVC backed matting available is 12 metres x 2 metres.
Our largest traditional hand-stitched coir mat available is 10 metres x 2 metres. These can be stitched together with a join if required.