Winter Entrance Mats: Snow, Slush and Salt
To keep snow, slush and salt out, use two mats. Put a heavy rubber or steel scraper mat outside to knock off snow and grit, then an absorbent mat inside, like WaterHog or olefin, to catch meltwater. Natural coir doormats look great but aren't the best choice for an exposed, snowy entry. Wet coir holds water and can freeze, so keep coir mats on covered porches.
This works for homes and businesses. Commercial entrances should add a third, longer wiper mat inside.
Shop these mats
Outside: scraper mats
| Mat | Why it works in winter | From |
|---|---|---|
| Rubber Tire Link Mat | Open rubber links let snow and water fall through; 5/8" links; home or commercial; custom sizes up to 7' x 25' | $39.99 |
| Flexible Steel Link Mat | Galvanized steel, 3/8" deep with 1" openings, for tough scraping where mud and dirt are a problem; rolls up for cleaning | $199.99 |
| Vinyl Link Mats | Vinyl link scraper; beveled or square edges | $719.94 |
| Corrugated Rubber Matting | Runner; the listing notes it handles more easily in cold conditions than vinyl | $975.00 |
Inside: absorbent mats
| Mat | Why it works in winter | From |
|---|---|---|
| WaterHog Classic | The original bi-level scraper, built for a busy door; dirt and moisture control indoors or out; 23 sizes from 2' x 3' to 6' x 20' | $54.00 |
| WaterHog Diamond | Same WaterHog construction at a lower starting price | $59.99 |
| Olefin Commercial Floor Mat | Traps 1 gallon of water per square yard | $529.99 |
| Needle Rib Mat | For lighter traffic; NFSI High-Traction | $99.99 |
Starting prices as listed on Nov 9, 2026.
Coir doormats and winter: honest advice
- Coir is a natural fiber that scrapes dry dirt very well.
- Soaked coir holds water, can freeze stiff, and wears faster with salt and standing water.
- Keep a coir or personalized mat on a covered porch, or bring it in for the worst weeks and use a rubber scraper outside.
- Our low-profile Superscraper Coir Mat has a rubber bottom, but it's still coir and is best kept covered.
Winter tips for businesses
- Lay out more mat length in winter, since people track more water.
- Swap saturated inside mats for dry ones during storms.
- Choose beveled edges so mats don't become a trip hazard.
- See our commercial mat sizing guide for the 3-zone setup.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best doormat for snow?
Outside, a rubber scraper mat with openings, such as a rubber tire link mat, so snow and water fall through. Inside, an absorbent mat like WaterHog to catch meltwater.
Are coir doormats good in snow?
Not on an exposed entry. Coir scrapes dirt well, but wet coir holds water and can freeze, and salt wears it faster. Keep coir mats covered, or swap in a rubber scraper for winter.
What mat absorbs melted snow inside the door?
WaterHog mats have a bi-level surface that holds water, and our olefin floor mat traps 1 gallon of water per square yard.
Will road salt ruin my mat?
Salt and repeated freezing are hard on natural fibers. Rubber and PVC mats tolerate them better. Shake or hose off mats regularly in winter.
How long should a winter entrance mat be?
Longer than in summer. Plan for a scraper outside plus enough mat inside for several steps. Businesses should see the 3-zone guidance in our sizing guide.
Do you ship winter mats quickly?
Most commercial and stock mats ship within 3 to 5 business days, primarily from our facilities in Virginia and Texas, and shipping is free within the contiguous US. If you need an order faster, email info@legendarymats.com to ask about expediting.