Introduction: Millions of Mats. Four Decades of Doing It Right.

Let’s start with the facts. WaterHog isn’t new to this game. We’ve spent over 40 years designing doormats that actually do what they say — trap dirt, stay put, and hold up to real-life messes. We’ve sold millions of mats, tested our materials in just about every condition imaginable, and built every single one with a purpose. In fact, WaterHog is one of the few doormats in the world that’s certified as High Traction by the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI).

We make our own rubber. We extrude our own fibers. We manufacture everything right here in Georgia. No shortcuts. No cute catchphrases covering up performance issues. Just honest, rugged, engineered doormats that take a beating and come back for more.

Now, let’s talk about the elephant — or should we say the coconut husk — in the room.

What Is a Coco Mat — And Why Are People Still Buying Them?

There's a reason why private equity brands and big box stores love to sell you coco mats, so let's break it down.

The Basics for Coco Mats

Coco mats (also called coir mats) are made from the husks of coconuts. The idea sounds great on paper: they’re “natural,” “eco-friendly,” and often come printed with some clever phrase in curly font. But once they hit your doorstep, they start doing what they do best — shedding.

Coco mats are almost always:

• • Backed with vinyl or PVC (which cracks and curls in heat and cold)

  • Imported from overseas (mainly India & Sri Lanka), often white-labeled with little quality control

  • Designed to sell — not to last

Why They’re Everywhere

It’s simple: they’re cheap to make and easy to brand. Investors love them. They churn out bulk orders, slap on a quote, and rake in profits from customers who don’t know any better. But it’s time we start calling it what it is — doormat fast fashion.

Coco Mats vs Reality

Owning a coco mat is a short-term relationship with long-term mess.

They Shed Like a Long-Haired Cat in Summer

This is the biggest pain point. The fibers from a coco mat break down almost immediately — especially in dry or humid climates. What starts as a “cute mat” turns into a fiber-flinging disaster. You’ll find bits of it on your porch, in your hallway, and tangled in your dog’s fur.

They Rot from the Inside Out

Coir is absorbent. Like, really absorbent. The moment that mat gets wet — rain, snow, hose spray, whatever — it starts soaking and holding on to moisture. Add a non-breathable vinyl backing, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for mold, mildew, and rot. Fast.

Curl, Slip, Repeat

Because they’re often glued to cheap vinyl or PVC backings, coco mats don’t stay flat. They curl at the edges, slide around on smooth surfaces, and can create tripping hazards — especially as they wear down. (And spoiler: they wear down quickly.)

The Hidden Costs of Coco Mats (That Go Way Beyond Shedding)

A $20 coco mat may seem like a deal. But the cost goes way beyond your front porch.

Shipped Halfway Around the World

Most coco mats are made in countries like India or Sri Lanka and shipped thousands of miles across the globe on fuel-burning cargo ships. That “eco-friendly” product has a massive carbon footprint.

→ WaterHog ships from Georgia, not the other side of the planet.

White-Labeled, Mass Market Junk

Coco mats are often white-labeled — meaning one manufacturer sells the same mat to a dozen different “brands” that just slap a funny quote or pattern on it. Most of these companies are private-label shell brands, often backed by private equity money with a playbook of: buy cheap, sell fast, let it shed, repeat.

→ WaterHog is engineered by the same team that builds it.

Labor Concerns You’ll Never See on a Tag

Harvesting coir is labor-intensive, often done in regions with minimal worker protections. Factory conditions are hard to verify. Wages are low. And your mat was probably made by someone working long hours in unsafe conditions.

→ WaterHog mats are made in regulated, safe, American manufacturing facilities by people earning livable wages.

Not So “Natural” After All

Let’s be honest. Once a coco mat is:

• • Treated with dyes

  • Backed with plastic

  • Shipped across the ocean

  • Wrapped in packaging
    … it stops being “natural.” Sustainability isn’t just about raw material — it’s about lifespan and impact.

→ WaterHog uses 90%+ recycled PET on the surface, up to 20% recycled rubber on the backing, and is designed to last for years.

Why WaterHog is Built Different

So many different reasons. Let us count the ways...

It Won’t Shed. Ever.

Our mats are engineered to trap dirt, not create it. You won’t find WaterHog pieces on your floor — because it doesn’t fall apart.

It Stays Put

Our rubber backing grips hard surfaces and won’t slide, curl, or crack like PVC. Plus, it’s made with up to 20% recycled rubber, because sustainability and performance can go hand-in-hand.

It Resists the Worst

Rain? Sun? Snow? Mud? WaterHog mats are fade-resistant, stain-resistant, and hold up to just about anything your household throws at them. And with NFSI high-traction certification, they help reduce the risk of slips at the door.

It's Made Here — Not Mass-Imported

We manufacture WaterHog mats start to finish in the US. From our fibers to our rubber to the final mat, we control every step. That means better oversight, faster shipping, fewer emissions, and real quality.

Conclusion: Don't Fall for the Shed-Show

We’ve seen the shredded coco mats. We’ve swept up the mess. And we’ve made something better.

If you're tired of buying mats that fall apart, shed everywhere, and don’t last past one season — it’s time for a change.

You don’t have to buy from WaterHog. But you do deserve a mat that lives up to the job. One that was built to be beaten, battered, and still come back swinging.

One that’s Designed to be Disrespected — and proud of it.

Interested in learning more about WaterHog? Click the link and read How a WaterHog Outperforms & Outlasts Other Outdoor Mats.

FAQ: What People Are Asking About Coco Mats & Doormats

1. Do coco mats shed?

Yes. Coco mats are made from coarse coconut husk fibers that naturally break down and shed, especially with weather exposure and foot traffic.

2. Are coir mats eco-friendly?

Not really. While the surface is made from natural fiber, the manufacturing process often includes vinyl or PVC backing, chemical treatments, and international freight shipping — all of which undercut the sustainability claim.

3. Why does my coco mat smell?

What, you don't like the smell of old wet gym towels? Coir fibers absorb moisture and hold onto it. This can lead to mildew and mold, especially if the mat doesn’t dry out completely between uses.

4. What’s a better alternative to a coco mat?

Look for a rubber-backed, recycled fiber mat like WaterHog. These mats don’t shed, resist weather damage, and are engineered for real-world use.

5. How long do coir mats last?

Most coir mats start degrading in 6–12 months, especially if exposed to the elements. In contrast, WaterHog mats are known to hold up for years with regular use.

6. Where are WaterHog mats made?

Every WaterHog mat is made in the USA. We manufacture our own rubber and extrude our own fibers in Georgia, ensuring total control over quality and performance.