Let’s Kick Some Grass: The Case for a Better Outdoor Doormat

Summer’s here, and that means one thing: the outdoors are officially open for business. The grill’s fired up. The yard’s a jungle. The dog smells like pond water. And the kids? Let’s just say they’ve turned your home into a revolving door of chaos. But before all that dirt, grass, and glorious summer mess makes it into your living room—there’s one hero that stands in the way:

The Outdoor Doormat.

But not just any mat. A WaterHog.

For over 40 years, WaterHog has been the go-to mat for people who want something that actually works. With millions sold and decades of testing underfoot, we’ve earned our stripes—one muddy footprint (or pawprint) at a time.

Why Outdoor Doormats Matter More in the Summer

Summer may be fun, but it’s also filthy. This is peak season for mud, mess, and mystery footprints. Your front and back doors become ground zero for everything Mother Nature (and your kids) can throw at them.

The Dirt is Real

Your yard is alive—and not in a cute, Pinterest-worthy way. Between lawn mowing, sprinkler romps, gardening projects, and afternoon downpours, you’ve got a recipe for disaster on your doorstep. Outdoor doormats catch the grime before it spreads, saving your floors and your sanity.

Outdoor Mats = Indoor Clean

Think of your doormat as your home’s first line of defense. No one ever says, “Wow, what a clean home!” if they’re stepping over a coir mat that’s fraying at the edges and growing moss. WaterHog mats trap dirt and moisture like a pro—so what happens outside, stays outside.

What Makes a Good Outdoor Doormat? (Spoiler: It’s Not Coir)

Let’s cut to it. Not all outdoor doormats are created equal. Here’s what separates the heavy hitters from the has-beens:

Weatherproof Materials

Coco and coir mats are cute…until it rains. Then they soak up water, get soggy, shed like a golden retriever, and start to smell like a swamp. WaterHog mats? They laugh at the weather. Our surface is made with at least 90% recycled polyester (PET), and the rubber backing contains up to 20% recycled rubber. These mats dry fast, don’t rot, and keep their grip.

Dirt-Trapping Power

Coir mats look tough. But when it comes to real mess—the post-yardwork boot scrape, the muddy paw pounce, or the pool party splashdown—they crumble (literally). WaterHog’s bi-level surface design scrapes debris off shoes and traps it below the surface, where it stays out of sight and out of your house.

Stays in Place

A mat that slides around on your porch like a wet fish is a hazard, not a helper. WaterHog mats stay put, even on slick surfaces, thanks to their industrial-strength rubber backing. They’re also one of the few doormats certified as "High Traction" by the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI).

Where You Actually Need Outdoor Doormats This Summer

Your front door isn’t the only place taking a beating this time of year. Let’s talk about all of those hot zones.

Front Door: Your First Line of Defense

This is the entrance everyone sees—and the one that gets the most foot traffic. Whether it’s neighbors dropping by, kids running in and out, or delivery folks hauling boxes, this entry needs a mat that doesn’t flinch.

Back Door & Decks: The Real Battlefield

Let’s be honest: the back door is where the real dirt happens. Cookouts, pool parties, midnight dog walks—it’s nonstop mess. This is where cheap mats fail and WaterHog thrives. Choose a mat big enough to cover the zone, and bold enough to handle it.

Garage & Side Entrances: The Secret Saboteurs

These entrances might not get the glory, but they sure get the grime. Yardwork warriors, you know what we mean. Keep a WaterHog here and protect your mudroom (and marriage).

Pool Areas: Splash Happens

Pool decks are slick, wet, and basically a slip-and-slide waiting to happen. Add in sunscreen, grass clippings, and bare feet on repeat, and you’ve got a serious mess. WaterHog mats help stop the splash zone from creeping into your home. They're certified as "High Traction" by the NFSI, which means they help reduce slip risk while still looking sharp next to your pool furniture. You're still going to have to scream "I TOLD YOU TO STOP RUNNING AROUND THE POOL" at least 50 times a day, though.

Outdoor Kitchens & Grilling Zones: Where Flavor Meets Fallout

Every great grill master has a signature dish—and a trail of grease drips and dropped kebabs to prove it. Outdoor kitchens and grilling stations see their fair share of spills, charred bits, and excited guests tracking it all around. Put a WaterHog down and give yourself a cleanup crew that doesn’t ask for overtime. These entrances might not get the glory, but they sure get the grime. Weekend chefs, you know what we mean.

How a WaterHog Handles Summer Better Than Any Other Mat

Let’s stack it up and look at some of the features and benefits you need to consider.

Engineered to Endure

WaterHog mats are made in the USA, in one of our own facilities located right here in Georgia. We extrude our own fibers. We make our own rubber. It’s how we make sure every mat meets our standards—not someone else’s.

Ridged to Capture & Contain

The bi-level surface design actually scrapes debris off shoes and traps it below the surface. No more brushing off the mat and watching the dirt fly into the wind (and back into your house).

Easy to Clean

Vacuum it. Sweep it. Hose it down. Nobody will ever know what you put it through.

Looks Sharp, Stays Sharp

You don’t have to sacrifice style for performance. WaterHog mats are fade- and stain-resistant, and our patterns and colorways are refined, not rustic. These mats look as good on a Southern front porch as they do on a cabin deck in the Rockies.

The Bottom Line: You Deserve a Mat That Shows Up for Work

Summer is messy. Life is messy. But that doesn’t mean your home has to be.

Whether it’s muddy boots, wet paws, or grass-stained bare feet—WaterHog’s here to handle it. So go ahead, kick some grass. We’ve got the rest.

Want to learn more? Click the link and read How a WaterHog Outperforms & Outlasts Other Outdoor Mats.

FAQ: Outdoor Doormats & Summer Mess, Answered

1. What is the best doormat for outdoor use?

WaterHog. Built to withstand the elements, trap dirt, and keep your home cleaner—no fray, no rot, no nonsense. Unlike decorative mats that degrade with time or moisture, WaterHog mats are engineered with a bi-level surface design and sturdy rubber backing that help them perform, rain or shine. Whether you’re dealing with muddy boots or wet paws, WaterHog handles the mess.

2. Are coir mats good for outdoor use?

Not really. Coir mats are made from coconut husk fibers, which look rustic but break down quickly when exposed to moisture and heavy use. They tend to shed, become waterlogged, and can harbor mildew or odors. They’re better suited for covered porches or decorative use—not for actually keeping dirt out of your house.

3. Can doormats be left out in the rain?

Only if they’re built for it. WaterHog mats are weather-resistant and won’t absorb water, rot, or become a slip hazard. Made with recycled PET fabric and a durable rubber backing, they’re designed to dry quickly and stay put—even after a summer thunderstorm. Many mats may claim to be “outdoor,” but few actually perform like one.

4. How do I clean an outdoor doormat?

With WaterHog, cleanup is a breeze. Shake it out, sweep it off, vacuum it, or give it a quick spray with a garden hose. The fibers are designed to release dirt easily while staying put, and the backing ensures the mat doesn't buckle or curl over time. Plus, it dries fast, so it’s back to work before you are.

5. What size outdoor mat should I get?

For the best results, your doormat should cover most or all of the doorway’s width. Bigger mats mean better debris capture. We recommend a mat that spans at least 36 inches wide for single doors, and even wider for double doors. The more surface area people step on, the more dirt stays outside where it belongs.—no fray, no rot, no nonsense. Check out our size guide page for more insights on what size doormat you need.