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Comparison of Outdoor Mats (Spaghetti Mats vs 100% Rubber Mats)
When it comes to selecting the right outdoor mat, homeowners, business owners, and facility managers often find themselves torn between spaghetti mats and 100% rubber mats. Both styles serve the essential purpose of containing dirt, water, and debris at entry points, but they differ significantly in performance, customization options, branding potential, and cost. This post compares these two popular outdoor mat types to help you decide which best suits your needs.
1. What Are Spaghetti Mats and Rubber Mats?
Spaghetti Mats
Spaghetti mats are made from PVC strands — long flexible “noodles” that resemble spaghetti (hence the name). These strands are looped and fixed onto a sturdy backing, creating a texture that excels at scraping dirt and absorbing moisture from shoes. Spaghetti mats are known for their open construction, which allows debris to fall through the surface and keeps the walking area cleaner.
100% Rubber Mats
Rubber mats are crafted entirely from natural or synthetic rubber. They are solid, heavy-duty mats with textured surfaces designed to trap dust and water. Their dense construction makes them durable and ideal for high-traffic areas. They do not have the “looped PVC” design of spaghetti mats but instead rely on grooves, patterns, or tapered surfaces to capture dirt.
2. Ease of Customisation (Size & Fit)
One of the most important considerations when choosing outdoor mats is customisation — especially size and shape.
Spaghetti Mats — High Customisation
Spaghetti mats are highly customisable in terms of size, shape, and layout:
- Cut-to-fit options: Spaghetti mats are easily trimmed on-site with basic tools to fit irregular entrances and stairwell edges.
- Modular configurations: Individual strips can be combined or reduced to create custom widths and runs, making them ideal for long corridors or uniquely shaped doorways.
- Thickness choices: They come in different strand diameters and thicknesses to suit varying levels of foot traffic.
Because of this flexibility, spaghetti mats are a go-to for businesses or homes where standard sizes don’t fit the entrance perfectly.
100% Rubber Mats — Moderate Customisation
Rubber mats offer custom dimensions, but they require factory cutting and are usually more limited:
- Pre-cut sizing: Rubber mats are typically ordered in predetermined sizes; custom sizes are possible but can be more expensive and involve longer lead times.
- Shapes: Custom shapes (e.g., curved entrances or unusual layouts) are possible, but usually at a premium due to the manufacturing process.
- Less on-site adjustability: Unlike spaghetti mats, rubber mats cannot be trimmed easily on-site without specialized tools.
Overall, spaghetti mats are easier and more cost-effective to customise for unusual spaces.
3. Branding Options (Logo & Design Integration)
Outdoor mats offer an incredible opportunity for branding — especially for businesses wanting to make a strong first impression.
Branding on Spaghetti Mats
Spaghetti mats can be branded, but there are limitations:
- Debossed branding: Some spaghetti mats feature a debossed area where a logo can be imprinted, but this is usually subtle.
- Tile inserts: Some manufacturers allow branded graphic tiles to be embedded into spaghetti mats. These tiles can be printed with company logos or messaging.
- Edge branding: Custom coloured borders can highlight brand colours, but complex designs (especially detailed graphics) tend to be more expensive.
Spaghetti mats are often chosen where functionality and moderate branding are needed — for example, warehouses, industrial entrances, and casual retail.
Branding on 100% Rubber Mats
Rubber mats excel in branding options:
- High-definition printing: Rubber surfaces can be screen printed or digitally printed with full-colour graphics and logos, making them ideal for brands that want a bold statement at their entrance.
- Moulded logos: Logos can be moulded into the mat itself during manufacturing, providing a professional, long-lasting branded surface.
- Custom fonts and slogans: Rubber’s smooth surface allows for crisp text and elaborate designs.
If visual branding is a priority — such as for corporate offices, hotels, restaurants, and showrooms — 100% rubber mats often deliver a higher quality branded presence.
4. Cost Comparison
Cost is always a key factor, especially for projects requiring multiple mats.
Spaghetti Mats — Generally Lower Cost
Spaghetti mats tend to be more affordable:
- Value for functionality: Because they are made from PVC and often mass-produced, spaghetti mats typically cost less per square metre than rubber mats.
- Easy sizing: On-site trimming means fewer custom cutting fees.
- Economy models: Options are available ranging from basic entry-level mats to more heavy-duty versions, giving buyers flexibility based on budget.
For budget-conscious projects or areas that don’t require intense branding, spaghetti mats usually provide effective performance at a lower upfront cost.
Rubber Mats — Higher Initial Investment
Rubber mats typically have a higher price point:
- Material cost: 100% rubber material is generally more expensive than PVC strands.
- Custom branding adds cost: Full-colour prints or moulded logos increase the price further.
- Greater durability: The longer life expectancy and heavy-duty nature of rubber mats can justify the higher cost over time.
While the upfront cost is higher, businesses that use rubber mats in high-traffic areas often find that they last longer, reducing replacement frequency and long-term expense.
5. Which One Should You Choose?
Spaghetti Mats Are Best If:
- You need a flexible size that can be trimmed or adjusted on-site.
- Budget is a priority.
- You want open-style mats that let debris fall through.
- Branding is desirable but not critical.
100% Rubber Mats Are Best If:
- Durable long-term performance is needed in heavy-traffic areas.
- High-impact branding (logo, text, graphics) is important.
- You want a more refined or professional appearance.
- You are willing to invest more upfront for a premium finish.
Conclusion
Both spaghetti mats and 100% rubber mats have their place in outdoor environments. Spaghetti mats offer excellent customisation and cost-effective performance, while rubber mats deliver enhanced branding opportunities and durability. Assess your budget, space configuration, branding priorities, and traffic levels before making your choice. With the right mat underfoot, you can improve safety, enhance appearance, and reduce cleaning effort — all while making a great first impression.
