From Coconut to Curb Appeal: Coir Welcome Mats 

Coir welcome mats are mats that are made from coconuts. Coir is a type of fiber that comes from coconut husks. It has a long history of being used in India and Asia for matting, rope, twine, brushes, brooms, mattresses, floor tiles, sacking, and more. Coir fiber is relatively waterproof; however, it does break down from salted water. Coir is thick, strong, and has high abrasion resistance.

Mature coir fibers are stronger than cotton but less flexible.

A mature coconut tree can produce 50 – 100 coconuts per year; in India and Asia, workers train monkeys to climb the trees and throw down the coconuts. The coconuts are washed with fresh water and then husked by hand or industrial husking machines that can process up to 2,000 coconuts per hour!

There are two types of coir fibers:

• Brown Coir Fibre – the coconut husks are soaked in water to loosen up the fibers, and then the long bristle fibers are separated from the shorter mattress fibers. The coir fiber retains a natural curl and is flexible enough to twist without breaking. The coir fibers are bleached or dyed so that they can have variances in color.
• White Coir Fibre – this process takes a long time, the immature coconut husks are soaked in water for up to a year, and during this time, micro-organisms break down the fibers (this is known as retting). The long fibers are then separated from the husk and ready for yarn.

Brown fiber is commonly used for matting, rope, twine, brushes, brooms, mattresses, floor tiles, and sacking. The primary use of white coir is for manufacturing rope and fishing nets. White coir is much more resistant to wear and tear from salt water than brown coir.

Benefits of Coconut Coir Mats at Home:

• Eco-friendly: Made from renewable coconut husks, coir mats are an excellent choice for those who want to minimize their environmental impact.
• Biodegradable: They break down naturally, unlike synthetic mats, which can pollute landfills.
• Pest and mold resistant: Coir’s natural properties resist rot, mildew, and insects, making it perfect for outdoor use.
• Excellent scraper: The coarse coir fibers effectively trap dirt, mud, and debris before they’re tracked into your home, keeping your floors cleaner.
• Highly absorbent: Coir wicks away moisture like a sponge, preventing puddles and slippery surfaces, especially in rainy weather.
• Durable and long-lasting: These mats can withstand heavy foot traffic and harsh weather conditions for years.
• Natural beauty: Coir mats come in various shades and textures, adding a touch of rustic charm to your entry way or patio.
• Customizable: You can find coir mats in various sizes and designs or personalize them with stencils or paint.
• Multi-purpose: Use them indoors or outdoors, at your front door, kitchen coir mat, back door, porch, garage, or even inside near potted plants.
• Sound insulation: Coir mats can dampen noise from entering or leaving your home.
• Safety: Their anti-slip properties improve traction and prevent falls, especially on wet surfaces.
• Cost-effective: Coir mats are generally affordable and offer excellent value for their longevity and performance.

Visit Drifts.com.au for a great collection of Coir Mats; there are multiple types of Coir mats and welcome mats to choose from, including funny Coir mats, recessed Coir mats, designer Coir mats, and more.