The Only Doormat Actually Designed to be Disrespected
The WaterHog Files

WaterHog Doormats

a series on the world's most battered & beloved mat

When it comes to doormats, most can barely handle a drizzle or a little dirt. But WaterHog? These are the champions of the matting world, designed to be stomped on, dragged across, soaked, and utterly disrespected. WaterHog doormats thrive in the chaos of daily life—the muddier, wetter, and messier, the better. Built for durability, style, and performance, they’re here to save your floors and look good doing it. Let’s dig into what makes these doormats the best on the planet.

WaterHog Doormats: Built to Take a Beating

WaterHog mats didn’t just appear out of nowhere—they were engineered from a vision to create the most resilient, high-performance floor mat on the market. Since their inception, they’ve consistently led the industry by combining innovation with practicality.

Born out of necessity to survive the relentless, unforgiving heavy foot traffic of commercial spaces like offices, restaurants, and hotels, WaterHog mats would eventually find their way into homes. Why? Because people realized they could handle the messiest situations while maintaining a polished look. The versatility of these mats bridged the gap between heavy-duty functionality and home-friendly aesthetics.

WaterHog Doormats are built to be beaten and battered, whether it's indoors or outdoors.

Why “Designed to be Disrespected” is Our Motto

It’s not every day that a product embraces the idea of being disrespected. But for WaterHog, it’s a badge of honor. This motto captures our confidence in a WaterHog’s ability to withstand years of use and abuse without showing signs of wear.

WaterHog outdoor doormats are designed to handle the chaos of daily life; everything from harsh weather to the nasty and dirty elements you track in on a daily basis. WaterHog mats don’t just survive; they thrive. They’re the unsung (dare we say disrespected!?) heroes of your household—always there, always reliable, and always ready for more.

Protection to the Core

At its heart, a WaterHog doormat is more than just a mat—it’s a protective layer for your home. These  floor mats are engineered to provide exceptional floor protection, safeguarding against scratches, stains, and wear caused by daily life. From muddy boots to high-heels and flip-flops, a WaterHog floor mat ensures your floors stay in pristine condition for years to come.

But the protection isn’t just about keeping your floors clean and pretty, WaterHog mats are also designed with your family’s safety in mind, providing incredible grip and traction in tough situations. Every WaterHog mat is certified by the National Floor Safety Institute. It’s protection you can feel confident about, for both your floors and the people who walk on them.

What Makes a WaterHog Worthy to Handle Your Worst

WaterHog doormats are in a league of their own. Engineered for ultimate durability and exceptional style, they’re packed with features that keep your home clean and safe while holding up to years of wear and tear.

Large WaterHog Ellipse Outdoor doormat placed at the base of a set of glass double doors while a mother holds open for her kids during a rainstorm.

The Rubber Backing: Engineered Protection

The hero of every WaterHog doormat lies in its rubber backing that serves as the foundation for their unmatched resilience. The rubber we make in-house is engineered to grip the floor firmly, ensuring the mat stays put—no curling at the edges, no crazy sliding across your floors. Whether it’s heavy foot traffic or an energetic pet skidding to a stop, the rubber backing stands its ground.

Unlike other doormats and floor mats that use cheaper vinyl and PVC, the rubber featured in a WaterHog resists cracking, splitting, or degrading over time, even when exposed to extreme conditions like direct sunlight or freezing temperatures.

The PET Surface: Recycled & Resilient

What makes WaterHog outdoor mats environmentally friendly also makes them incredibly tough: recycled PET fibers. This isn’t just any recycled plastic—it’s crafted to be stain-resistant, water-resistant, and virtually indestructible. PET fibers are designed to withstand wear and tear while still looking fresh and vibrant, making them perfect for busy households or commercial spaces.

Water Resistance: Spread the Love

One of the standout features of a WaterHog door mat is its ability to manage moisture like a pro. Thanks to its hydrophobic PET fibers, these mats don’t just absorb water—they disperse it efficiently. The dissipative properties of these fibers ensure that moisture spreads evenly across the surface, promoting rapid drying. Say goodbye to soggy, heavy mats that take forever to dry. Combine this with a nearly impenetrable rubber backing and you have a fortress on the floor aimed at preventing moisture from finding it’s way to your floors, keeping them safe, dry, and damage-free.

Scrape – Wipe – Contain: Patterns that Perform

Close-up of Cordova's fade-resistant surface creating a light grey, long-lasting doormat.

WaterHog welcome mats aren’t just designed to look good; their patterns are purpose-built for performance. The raised ridges and intricate grooves are more than decorative—they’re hardworking dirt and moisture traps. These patterns actively scrape debris off shoes and hold onto it, keeping your floors cleaner for longer. Whether it’s mud, grass, or sand, WaterHog mats keep the mess where it belongs: on the mat.

Fade-Resistance: Colors that Last

Many outdoor doormats start to look tired and faded after a few months of use. Not a WaterHog. These mats are built with fade-resistant fibers that keep their colors vibrant, even after years of exposure to sunlight or regular washing. Whether you choose a bold bordeaux or a neutral medium grey, your WaterHog mat will continue to complement your space without losing its charm.

An American Workforce

And lastly, and most importantly, every WaterHog doormat is proudly made in the USA by a dedicated workforce earning a livable wage plus benefits, and a funded retirement program. This commitment to ethical manufacturing not only ensures high-quality craftsmanship but also supports local communities and families. By choosing WaterHog, you’re investing in a product built with care and integrity by skilled American workers who take pride in what they do. It’s quality you can trust, backed by values you can feel good about.

Think other doormats are tough enough to be a WaterHog? Think again.

Not all doormats are created equal. WaterHog doesn’t just outperform—it redefines what a doormat can be. Through rigorous testing, certifications, and a satisfaction guarantee, our mats stand head and shoulders above the competition.

No other doormat is tested as much as a WaterHog.

Testing: Put to the Ultimate Challenge

WaterHog all-weather doormats aren’t just tough on paper. They’re tested under extreme conditions, from simulated heavy foot traffic to exposure to harsh weather. Thousands of simulated steps, gallons of water, and endless dirt later, a WaterHog mat still looks and performs like new.

Certification: Built to a Higher Standard

WaterHogs are certified "High Traction" by the National Floor Safety Institute.

WaterHog doormats don’t just talk the talk—they walk the walk with certifications to back them up. These mats meet or exceed certifications for slip resistance, environmental sustainability, and safety. For example:

  • Certified High-Traction by the National Floor Safety Institute
  • Passes flammability standard CPSC FF 1-70


Satisfaction Guaranteed: Go Ahead, Try Us

At WaterHog, confidence in the product isn’t just a vibe—it’s a promise. Every mat comes with a satisfaction guarantee, so you can put it through your own personal hell, and if it doesn’t meet your expectations (though we’re sure it will), we’ll make it right.

WaterHog Doormats: What’s Your Type?

Not sure what type WaterHog you’ll need to do your worst? Don’t worry, WaterHog doormats and welcome mats come in a range of styles and sizes, ensuring you’ll find the perfect fit for your home.

Standard Doormats: Everyday Essentials

A Fall Day runner mat in camel at the front door of a decorated home entrance with pumpkins and haybales, with a father and son walking out.

Perfect for single-door entryways, these mats offer superior dirt-trapping and moisture-containment in a compact, stylish package.

Large Doormats: Maximum Coverage

For double doors, patios, or large entryways, WaterHog large doormats provide expansive protection while maintaining their signature durability and style.

Runner Mats: Long and Lean

Hallways, entryways, and other narrow spaces benefit from WaterHog runner mats. Their extended length ensures no dirt gets past them while providing awesome protection to the floors underneath.

Half-Round Doormats: A Touch of Elegance

WaterHog doormats also come in half-round shapes those who want functionality with a flair for design. These mats provide all the performance you expect from a WaterHog but in a unique, curved shape that enhances the aesthetic of any doorway.

You Could Use a WaterHog There

WaterHog doormats aren’t one-size-fits-all. They’re designed to fit perfectly into every corner of your home that needs protection from dirt, water, and wear. Let’s break it down:

A charcoal WaterHog Squares large mat on the wood deck that stretches over a lake, placed for added traction.

Front Doors

The front door is your home’s first line of defense. A WaterHog welcome mat outside stops dirt and moisture before it gets inside, while a second mat inside catches anything that sneaks by. Stylish and functional, they make a great first impression while keeping your floors spotless.

Porches, Stoops, & Back Decks

Outdoor spaces see a lot of foot traffic, and they’re often exposed to the elements. WaterHog outdoor doormats on porches and decks stand up to rain, sun, and everything in between, keeping these areas clean and inviting.

Entryways & Hallways

High-traffic areas like entryways and hallways are magnets for dirt and debris. WaterHog runner mats provide continuous protection, ensuring that messes are trapped before they spread.

Mudrooms & Garages

Mudrooms and garages are the battlefields of home life. These spaces see muddy boots, wet shoes, and all the mess that comes with outdoor activities. WaterHog indoor/outdoor doormats excel at capturing dirt, water, and grime, making cleanup easier than ever.

Back Doors

Don’t neglect the back door! A WaterHog mat here ensures dirt, grass, and mud stay where they belong—outside. For homes with kids or pets, these mats are lifesavers. For maximum effectiveness, place a WaterHog indoor/outdoor doormat just inside the door to team up with your outside doormat.

Kitchens & Baths

Wait, what? A WaterHog doormat used in a kitchen or bathroom? Yeah, you heard us right. Just because it’s called a doormat doesn’t mean those same properties that cause them to excel at fighting dirt, grime, and moisture from the outside doesn’t mean it can’t do the same inside. WaterHogs are awesome at providing protection from oil, splatter, and spills in the kitchen while also providing excellent grip and traction in the bathroom. Trust us on this one.

Native Beasts: A WaterHog Doormat Can Handle Your Weather

A WaterHog outdoor doormat will shine no matter where you live or what conditions you’re dealing with. Here’s how they address unique challenges by region:

WaterHog High Rise all-weather outdoor doormat shown on a front porch during winter with a pair of duck boots covered in snow placed on top.

Southwest: Dust and Sand

In arid climates, dust and sand are daily challenges. WaterHog’s raised patterns trap fine particles, preventing them from spreading inside. Their durability ensures they perform and maintain their vibrance even under the scorching sun.

Northwest: Cold and Rain

The Pacific Northwest is known for its constant drizzle and mossy terrain. WaterHog outdoor doormats excel at containing moisture with their water dam borders, keeping entryways dry and safe, even in the wettest weather. Unlike other doormats that falter after being subjected to we conditions over time, a WaterHog will not mold, rot, or mildew.

Midwest: Snow, Slush, and Salt

Winters in the Midwest are no joke. Salt, snow, and slush are inevitable, but WaterHog mats trap it all. Our bi-level patterns and durable fibers ensure that the mess stays on the mat and off your floors. You can count on a WaterHog’s tough rubber backing will stay put and flat in the coldest of temperatures.

Southeast: Red Clay and Mud

Homes in the Southeast contend with red clay that’s tough to clean. The rugged fibers on a WaterHog outdoor mat scrape away stubborn dirt, trapping it before it can wreak havoc on your floors. You’ll be relieved to know that because a WaterHog is easy to clean and stain-resistant, that stubborn red clay is going to have to find its way to another home.

Every Home Deserves a WaterHog

No matter where you live or how you live, WaterHog doormats are designed to meet your needs. Let’s look at how they help tackle the unique elements faced by different types of homes:

Beach Homes: Sand and Water

If you’re living by the beach, sand seems to find its way everywhere. WaterHog mats trap sand with their raised ridges, keeping it from being tracked inside. A WaterHog excels at moisture control, making them perfect for slippery tiles near doorways and entrances.

This WaterHog Lattice Outdoor Doormat is ideal for beach and lake homes due to it's ability to catch and trap sand.

Mountain Homes: Snow and Ice

Mountain living comes with its own set of challenges—snowy boots, icy slush, and freezing conditions. WaterHog mats are designed to handle it all. Their slip-resistant backing and superior moisture containment ensure that snow and ice stay off your floors.

Suburban Life: Grass and Mud

Suburban homes often face messes like grass clippings, muddy shoes, and seasonal debris. WaterHog doormats scrape away dirt and trap it, keeping your entryways and hallways clean while maintaining a polished look.

Urban Apartments: Grime and Rain

City living means dealing with street grime, rain, and wet sidewalks. WaterHog doormats are sleek enough for apartment aesthetics yet tough enough to handle urban messes. Their non-slip backing makes them a safe and stylish choice for compact spaces.

The world’s most disrespected doormat is actually… Insanely respected.

WaterHog doormats aren’t here for glamour—they’re here for the grind. These mats take on muddy boots, dripping umbrellas, and clawing pets without breaking a sweat. Designed to be disrespected, they thrive under the abuse that would leave ordinary mats in ruins. Yet, despite their rugged demeanor, WaterHog mats command unparalleled respect for their durability and values.

Crafted with hydrophobic PET fibers, recycled rubber backing, and fade-resistant colors, WaterHog mats are built to endure rain, snow, sand, and relentless foot traffic. Tested to handle life’s toughest messes, they prove time and again they’re unstoppable. But it’s not just performance that sets them apart.

Made in the USA by workers earning a livable wage, WaterHog mats incorporate recycled materials, giving new purpose to car tires and plastic bottles. Backed by industry certifications and a satisfaction guarantee, they’re a testament to quality, sustainability, and trust.

So go ahead, disrespect it. After all, it is the most battered, yet beloved mat in the world.

 

Interested in learning more? Check out our extensive blog The Best Floor Mats are Designed to be Disrespected.

 

Bobby DeBardeleben