Coir Entrance Matting UK — Complete Buyer's Guide for Commercial Properties

Last updated: April 2026

Coir entrance matting has been used in British commercial buildings for over a century, and for good reason: the natural coarse fibre of coconut husk is extraordinarily effective at scraping grit and debris from shoe soles. Unlike synthetic alternatives, coir actually improves with a little moisture — the fibres swell slightly when damp, becoming even more effective at trapping particles.

But coir matting is not a one-product-fits-all solution. Grade, construction, backing type, and installation method all significantly affect performance. This guide gives commercial property managers, facilities professionals, and business owners the information needed to specify coir entrance matting correctly.

What is Coir?

Coir is the natural fibre extracted from the outer husk of coconuts (Cocos nucifera). The fibres are harvested, dried, spun into yarn, and then woven or tufted into matting. Coir is naturally:

• Hard and coarse — ideal for mechanical scraping action
• Resilient — springs back after compression
• Somewhat moisture-resistant compared to many natural fibres
• Biodegradable and sustainably sourced (principally from India and Sri Lanka)
• Naturally anti-static

The hardness that makes coir so effective as an entrance mat material also makes it unsuitable for barefoot areas — it is primarily a footwear-contact matting product.

Coir Grades and Weaves

Not all coir matting is equal. The specification of coir entrance matting significantly affects both performance and longevity.

Weight (Pile Weight)

Coir matting weight is measured in kilograms per square metre:

• Lightweight (1.5–2.5 kg/m²): Domestic quality. Suitable for low-traffic residential entrances. Not appropriate for commercial use.
• Medium (2.5–3.5 kg/m²): Light commercial. Suitable for small offices, small retail, residential buildings with low visitor numbers.
• Heavy (3.5–5.0 kg/m²): Commercial grade. Suitable for most commercial entrances — offices, retail, hospitality. This is the correct specification for the majority of UK commercial buildings.
• Extra Heavy (5.0+ kg/m²): High-traffic commercial and industrial. Shopping centres, transport terminals, public buildings. Maximum durability and scraping effectiveness.

Weave Type

• Plain weave: Flat, tightly woven surface. Good durability but lower scraping performance than ribbed weaves.
• Ribbed/twisted weave: Raised ribbed pattern created by twisted coir yarns. Excellent scraping action — the preferred weave for commercial entrance applications.
• Tufted: Coir tufts punched into a backing material. Softer feel, slightly lower scraping performance but better appearance retention.

Backing Types

The backing of coir matting significantly affects its performance in a commercial entrance context.

Rubber Backing

The most common and generally preferred backing for commercial coir mats. Rubber backing provides:

• Anti-slip performance (typically PTV 45+ on the backing surface)
• Positive grip on a variety of floor surfaces
• Dimensional stability — the mat stays flat and doesn't curl at edges
• Moisture barrier between the coir and the floor below
• Easy to lift for cleaning

Rubber-backed coir is the default commercial choice for threshold mats, entrance lobby mats, and recessed mat wells.

Bitumen Backing

Older style backing material — bitumen-coated hessian. Less commonly used now but found in some heavy-commercial and industrial coir matting. Less flexible than rubber, not suitable for temperatures below approximately 0°C (can crack).

PVC Backing

PVC-backed coir is more flexible than bitumen and good resistance to moisture. Commonly used for cut-to-size coir sold by the roll. Slightly less anti-slip performance than rubber backing, but adequate for most dry indoor applications.

No Backing (Natural Backing)

Some coir matting is sold with only a natural latex coating on the reverse — minimal backing. This is generally for recessed mat wells where the mat frame provides the containment and positioning. Not suitable as a loose-lay mat on hard floors without additional anti-slip treatment.

Sizing for Commercial Properties

As noted in our commercial door mats guide, size is critical. For coir entrance matting specifically:

• The mat should be at least as wide as the entrance door (full door width is ideal)
• Depth (in the direction of travel) of at least 1.5m for a typical commercial entrance — 2m is better
• For recessed mat wells, coir mats should be cut 5–10mm less than the well dimensions on each side to allow for moisture-related expansion

Recessed vs Surface-Mounted Coir

Recessed (Pit-Mounted) Coir Matting

The premium option: a purpose-built recess in the floor accepts the mat, which sits flush with the surrounding floor. This eliminates trip hazard completely, looks extremely professional, and is the choice for most major commercial developments. The recess frame is typically aluminium and accepts standard insert depths (20mm, 25mm, 32mm, 40mm).

Coir depth for recessed applications: 17–40mm, with 25–32mm being the most commonly specified for commercial properties.

Cost: Frame £40–£120 per linear metre; coir insert £20–£45 per m².

Surface-Mounted Coir Matting

Rubber-backed coir mats laid directly on the floor surface. The cost-effective option for most commercial properties. The mat edges must be flush and secured — any lifting creates a trip hazard. Use heavy-duty rubber-backed mats and check edges daily.

Cost: £15–£35 per m² for a good quality commercial rubber-backed coir mat.

Maintenance

Coir matting is relatively low-maintenance but must be regularly cleaned to remain effective:

• Daily: Shake or beat the mat (outside) to remove trapped grit and dust. A vacuum on its highest setting also works well.
• Weekly: Hose down the mat (away from the building entrance) and stand on edge to dry before replacing.
• Monthly: Inspect the mat for signs of wear — thinning of the coir pile, breakdown of backing, lifting edges. Replace when pile depth has reduced significantly or when mat no longer lays flat.

Do NOT machine wash coir — the vigorous action will loosen the coir fibres from the backing.

Typical Commercial Lifespans

• Light commercial (office): 2–4 years with good maintenance
• Medium commercial (retail, hospitality): 1–2 years
• Heavy commercial (shopping centre, transport): 6–18 months (replace on visual inspection rather than time)

View our range of commercial coir entrance matting at rubberco.co.uk, available in standard sizes and cut to order for recessed mat wells. Standard commercial rubber-backed coir mats and heavy-duty options are in stock for immediate despatch.

Shop Related Rubber Flooring & Matting

• Anti-Slip Mats
• Anti-Fatigue Mats
• Full Rubber Matting Range

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of entrance matting?

Entrance matting removes dirt, moisture and debris from footwear before people enter a building. Studies show effective entrance systems capture 80–95% of floor contaminants within the first 3–5 metres of entry.

How long should an entrance mat be?

For effective dirt removal, entrance matting should cover at least 3 metres in the direction of travel (approximately 5–6 footsteps). High-traffic commercial entrances benefit from 4–5 metre systems.

What type of entrance mat is best for commercial premises?

For commercial premises, heavy-duty barrier mats, aluminium entrance systems, or coir matting are most effective. Choose based on footfall volume, weather exposure, and aesthetics of the space.

How do I clean commercial entrance mats?

Shake or vacuum rubber mats regularly. Most rubber entrance mats can be hosed down outdoors. For carpet-topped mats, use a commercial vacuum and periodic steam cleaning for deep contamination.

Are entrance mats required in commercial buildings?

While not legally mandated, entrance matting is best practice under HSE slip prevention guidance. It significantly reduces wet floor accidents and protects expensive interior flooring from premature wear.