8 Best Entrance Rugs for Hardwood Floors in 2023

Hardwood, vinyl, or laminated floors face a lot of damage, especially when exposed to dirt and moisture. Worried about your hardwood floors? Well, an entrance rug for hardwood floors will save you from this hassle.

Door rugs or mats will protect the floors from dirt, debris, and regular foot traffic. Additionally, they will keep the space cleaner, warm and bring out a relaxed vibe.

Today, we will see the top entrance rugs and which one to choose according to features. If you don’t want to go through the whole thing, the Bungalow Flooring Waterhog is the best. More info below.

What is the Best Entry Rug for Hardwood Floor

Most of the hardwood flooring that has been installed so far was meant to last for a long time — decades at least. This is not to say that it won’t get scratched in the process though, especially by high heels and moving furniture across it. The Best Entry Rug for Hardwood Floor will prevent this from happening. Entrance Rugs for Hardwood Floors will protect your hardwoods from getting unsightly scratches. Best of all, you can easily find one that fits almost any decor.

Our Top Picks

1. Best Doormat: Bungalow Flooring Waterhog Door Mat
   Highly water drainage, mold resistive, easy to clean, and is usable both indoors and outdoors. 
2. Top Color variation: Gorilla Grip Durable Natural Rubber Door Mat
   Natural rubber bordered, rigid, water-absorbent, and highly durable. 
3. Best for High Traffic: nuLOOM Moroccan Blythe Area Rug, 3′ x 5′
   Strong, resistive to dirt, pet nails, damage, and almost effortless to maintain. 
4. Best for Medium Traffic: Notrax 109 Brush Step Entrance Mat, 3′ x 10′
   For high foot traffic, slip protection, water-absorbent, snow/salt/dirt protection, and damage-proof. 
5. Best Water-proof Door Mat: Color&Geometry Indoor Door Mat
   Easy cleaning, high friction, damage-resistant, tough slip protection. 
6. Best traditional: iDesign Formbu Bamboo Floor Mat Non-Skid
   Non-skid underside, water-proof, maintains sturdiness and doesn’t let external damage from happening.
7. Best Outdoor Entry Rugs: Sierra Concepts Front Door Mats 2-Pack
   Eco-friendly, scrape dirt and debris, high-quality Polyester with recycled rubber.
8. Best Classic Entry Rug: NANTA Cotton Buffalo Plaid Rug 27.5 x 43
   Retains a constant color, soft, durable, cotton fibers, thick, and will last for years.

Why Use an Entrance Rug or a Doormat?

Entrance rugs are more than just a beauty improvement. It has tons of benefits, which protect your floors from decay. The reasons for using a rug are,

Damage protection

Door rugs keep your home entrance clean, damage-free, and warm. Generally, the entrance part is inflected with high foot traffic, unlike other portions. 

Reduces repair cost

Repairing a damaged hardwood or vinyl floor will cost you money. So, it is better to put a low-priced rug first hand. 

Improves beauty

Besides damage protection, a rug also increases indoor and outdoor home beauty. You will feel jolly and re-energized every time you see the rug fitting perfectly in your footsteps.

8 Best Entrance Rugs for Hardwood Floors

1. Best Doormat: Bungalow Flooring Waterhog Door Mat

The Bungalow flooring Waterhog is an industry-leading doormat for all indoor and outdoor uses. A rubber layer with dam borders resists all foot and water damage. It is high in quality, and you will hardly find any discomfort while using it. 

Key Features

• High water draining capacity.
• Molds and mildew resistant.
• Debris tends to stay on the rug and not the floor. 
• Cleaning it takes only a few minutes.
• Function design for both indoors and outdoors. 

What Other Customers Are Saying

With a warping 4.8 ratings on Amazon, the Waterhog doormat churns out the best service life. It has an attractive leaf pattern, solid non-skid rubber backing, dirt protection, and many more. Though it is expensive, the mat is worth every penny. 

Sometimes, the stair treads slip out of place, but fixing it in place will do the trick. You can choose from blue, black, and camel. If you have an oak floor, the camel color will blend in perfectly. In the end, the mat will last for a lifetime if you give it a little care. 

Our Experience

Zero floor damage

Are you worried about your vinyl or laminated floors? Well, don’t be. Waterhog mats come with commercial-grade materials, which protect the floors from all dirt and debris. No matter how much foot damage or stress it faces, your hardwood floors will always stay secure. 

Geometric pattern

Unlike other low-budget mats, the Waterhog has a rigid geometric floral pattern. They don’t just print anything out of the blue. Turns out, the pattern resists water and debris from penetrating the mat. 

94% recycled

Another cool thing about Waterhog is its 94% recycled material. The durable PET fiber face material will resist molds, mildew and won’t rot. So, you can use it in any indoor and outdoor conditions. 

Anti-stress 

Doormats face a lot of foot stress, which can damage and squeeze them. However, Waterhog pops right back up whenever you step on it. Geometric patterns give the mat a skeleton for water drainage and stress relief. 

2. Top Color variation: Gorilla Grip Durable Natural Rubber Door Mat

When it comes to construction and premium looks, the Gorilla Grip door is a beauty. Having a full natural rubber border and baking, the mat hardly faces any edge damage. Its polypropylene fabric resists damage from pets and shoes without any deformation. 

Key features

• Beautiful patterns with a natural rubber border.
• Polypropylene fabric protection.
• Absorbs moisture and dirt.
• Heavy-duty, durable design.
• Easy to clean with a hand-held vacuum. 

What Other Customers Are Saying 

Customers on Amazon had a soft spot for the gorilla grip mat for its beauty and elegance. Having a heavy-weight rubber, the mat hardly slips or curls. If you have a big ward and lots of rain, this mat will help you all the way. 

Though the rubber smell can be a little annoying, it usually goes away after a few days. Keep it outside for a day or two, and you will be just fine. 

Our Experience

Premium built

The Gorilla grip mat has a polypropylene fabric layer, which resists all scratches and damage. Additionally, a rubber border protects its edge damage and dislocation.

Dirt and Moisture protection

If you face frequent rainfalls, then this mat is just for you. Turns out, it has rubber beveled borders for proper drainage and dirt protection. Just raise the fabric to increase its dirt conductivity. 

Quick cleaning

If you have pets or lots of foot traffic, you have to clean the mat regularly. In the case of Gorilla grip, the cleaning time will take less than a minute. Just vacuum your mat or give it a sweep, and you are good to go. 

3. Best for High Traffic: nuLOOM Moroccan Blythe Area Rug, 3′ x 5′

nuLOOM Moroccan Blythe rug has a polypropylene construction, making it best for high foot traffic. A 3.7-inch pile high allows the rug to fit in the entryways or underneath the furniture. If you want the perfect combo of style and versatility, this rug won’t disappoint you. 

Key features

• Fully made with polypropylene for maximum protection. 
• Evergreen style with total damage resistance. 
• Effortless cleaning and maintenance.
• Useable in any indoor or outdoor place. 
• Resistive to dirt, pet nails, and sharp pinching. 

What Other Customers Are Saying 

Sometimes, all you need to protect your flooring is a good-quality rug. This is where nuLOOM comes in handy. Amazon reviews mostly liked the rug for both indoor and outdoor uses. If you buy a brand-new Polypropylene rug, the first thing you will notice is the smell. 

Wash it a few times, and the smell will magically disappear. People with pets like dogs and cats especially liked the rug for its durability under nail scratches. 

Our Experience

Sleek and functional

The rug has a sleek design and height of 0.37 inches, allowing you to place it anywhere you want. You can use it outdoors as a mat or indoors underneath the furniture.

Pet protection

When your cat wants to scratch the rug, it’s hard to resist the cuteness. But a normal rug can’t resist regular damage. However, having a polypropylene construction, the rug has a strong resistance against pet scratches. Let your pet play on the rug as much as they want. 

Looks and dirt protection

The rug fibers interlock with each other, resisting any dirt flow to the ground. Then again, the traditional Turkish design makes the rug look beautiful. You will get a combo pack of both beauty and functionality. Now, you don’t have to compromise good looks for features. 

4. Best for Medium Traffic: Notrax 109 Brush Step Entrance Mat, 3′ x 10′

Other than being a soft and comfortable indoor mat, Notrax 109 is also great for the outdoors. For starters, it is easy to clean and has a vinyl backing for minimizing slips. You can find the rug in all sorts of colors, suiting your entrance. 

Key Features

• Great for homes and offices with pets.
• Vinyl backing for slip protection. 
• Absorbs water, snow, salt, and any dirt. 
• Easy to vacuum, clean, and take away the debris. 
• Your beloved pet can hardly leave a scratch on it. 

What Other Customers Are Saying

The entry rug for the hardwood floor received a 4.7-star score due to its low pricing and awesome range of colors. If you want a low profile texture, it is hard to beat the Notrax 109. No matter what the season is, these mats will survive all of them. 

When it comes to cleaning, users hardly break a sweat. Just attach a vacuum cleaner, and you are done in a minute or two. 

Our Experience

Easy cleaning

A simple dusting with a broom will take away most of the dust and debris if you want. You can use a vacuum cleaner and finish the work in seconds. 

Soft and comfortable

A minimum design gives the rug a gentle feel. Your pet cat or dog can’t stop laying down on the comfortable rug. 

Slide protection

Fixing a rug in place may be the hardest thing for a user. Turns out, the 109 has a vinyl back for all types of slide protection. It will prevent even the slightest movement, especially on hardwood floors.

5. Best Water-proof Door Mat: Color & Geometry Indoor Door Mat

The Color & Geometry, with its unique ribbed fabric design, scrapes off any shoe dirt and protects your floor. Having a double layer protection, the rug can absorb moisture from shoes and dirt with ease. To remove excess dirt, just give it a shake, and you are done. 

Key features

• Keep floors clean and dry from water, filth, dirt, and so on. 
• A rubber backing gives high rug friction and slip protection. 
• Easy to clean and utilize.
• Protects your floors from all sorts of damage.
• Tough and durable polypropylene, polyester fiber combo. 

What Other Customers Are Saying

The rugs’ various designs literally blend in the background and give it a vibrant appearance. With a 4.6 Amazon rating, you can guess how fine its quality is. Turns out, it absorbs all kinds of dirt, sand, salt, debris, or water within a few seconds. 

The rug is just thick enough for both indoor and outdoor use. It will last for years to come. 

Our Experience

Durable and easy to clean

The mat features a double layer of polypropylene and polyester fiber, which makes it highly durable. To clean it, use a vacuum cleaner, a broom, or just shake it. You will be amazed at the results. 

Minimum movement

The underpart of the rug has a rubber coating, which improves friction. Even if the whole thing is wet, you won’t slip from it. 

Dirt absorption

The fibers of the rug have a unique structure for fine dirt and water absorption. It keeps floors clean from grit, dust, water, and so on. 

6. Best traditional: iDesign Formbu Bamboo Floor Mat Non-Skid

For perfect indoor and outdoor usage, the iDesign Formbu Bamboo Floor mat deserves applause. Be it lightweight or comfortable, and this product stands all the way around. And don’t worry about the absorbency, as it serves up to the mark as well. Moreover, the cleaning properties here are very easy and come out to be the true value for money. 

Key features

• Has a non-skid underside and water-resistant properties. 
• Its traditional style accents any home decor perfectly. 
• Stays protected from tile, carpet, and wooden floors from damage.
• Works well in the entryway, hallway, kitchen sink, and so on.
• Maintains the sturdiness with a beautiful texture 

What Other Customers Are Saying 

The setup of iDesign bamboo floor carpet is very easy and smooth and can cover any rugged surface. Also, the quality is excellent as it does not slip in the tiles or other surfaces. To keep the liners in place, this product is all that you need. 

Moreover, the bamboo coating of this product gives enough resistance from water and maintains stability throughout. 

Our Experience

Water-Resistant

Are you looking for a rug with a water-resistant feature? Luckily, this runner rug comes with a hydrophobic coating, which resists any aqueous solution. 

Non-Skid protection

Having a non-skid underside, the rug protects your floor from foot traffic and dirt. You don’t have to worry about your floor getting pail due to too much stress.

Traditional feel

The rug comes in a traditional Japanese design. Your home will feel like a Kungfu Panda in real life. Plus, you can use it in any indoor and outdoor place. 

7. Best Outdoor Entry Rugs: Sierra Concepts Front Door Mats 2-Pack

The Sierra Concepts, with its heavy-duty polyester fiber, makes the best doormat for hardwood floors. If you want your guests to feel welcomed right after they step in, then this rug is for you. It has long-lasting durability and is easy to maintain. Besides, you can also use it indoors, outdoors, in the kitchen, or anywhere you want. 

Key features

• It is 100% safe and easy to maintain.
• High-quality Polyester and recycled rubber combo.
• Prevents licks and moisture leaks.
• Can be used in any indoor or outdoor place. 
• The mat scrapes dirt and debris with a gentle rub. 

What Other Customers Are Saying

The users liked the entrance rug, especially for its 2-pack value for money. Having a heavy-duty polyester and polyvinyl chloride combo, the rug will last for years. Due to its Non-slip backing combo, the rug will stick to any surface with ease. 

Overall, it is easy to clean, versatile, and comes in five different color variations. 

Our Experience

• Good value

For a home, only one doormat isn’t enough. This is why Sierra Concepts provide two doormats with the price of just one. 

High-quality material

Having a ribbed polyester and a rubber underpart, the rug scrapes off dirt and stays stable. This is why you can use it in any part of your home, especially with high traffic. 

Environment friendly and zero leaks

Turns out, the rug has a recycled rubber base. This rubber prevents all forms of moisture leaks, even under intense rain. 

8. Best Classic Entry Rug: NANTA Cotton Buffalo Plaid Rug 27.5 x 43

Are you trying to find an entrance rug, which has resistance to all outdoor elements? The Nanta Cotton buffalo plaid rug is just for you. A cotton-based construction gives the rug a premium vibe and will last for a long time. It has a classic pattern, making it a perfect choice for farmhouses. 

Key features

• Retains its vibrant color even after regular use.
• Feels soft and durable.
• Double layered rug with a classic pattern. 
• Thick and will last for years to come. 
• Pairs well anywhere you put it. 

What Other Customers Are Saying

On Amazon, the entrance porch rug received an average of 4.8 starts, making it a grand champion. With a classic look, the rug will fill your entrance with joy. Having a long service life, the rugs will last in any season you throw at it. Nanta cotton Buffalo rugs make the perfect welcome for friends and families into your home.

Our Experience

High standard

Unlike other brands with a synthetic layer, the Nanta rug has high-quality cotton inside. Turns out, the vibrantness of the rug doesn’t fade away even after years of usage. 

Classic pattern

When it comes to the pattern design, the rug has a white, gray, and black combo. Indeed, a fantastic choice for farmhouse decor. 

Soft and thick

If you want a soft and comfortable rug, then this one won’t disappoint you. A washable black and white checkered dual-layer provides you with good thickness and long usage.

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Buying Guide for the Best Doormat for Hardwood Floor

When you want to illuminate the charm of your house, go to the entrance first. Boost up its beauty using a rug. However, choosing the right one is key here. And if you never transpired this kind of situation, then you must have a look below. Here is a simple guideline you should consider while buying an entrance rug for your home.

Standards of the doormats

Usually, the home decors of houses are not the same everywhere. On that note, what you need to think about is the ambiance, which can help to redecorate your home in a good way. If your house is nicely decorated, and you want to fetch a simple effect, a patterned or striped rug can be the right choice for you. 

Choosing a rug first

At the start, you have to find the best house for your house. They are mainly spherical or rectangular. 

Rectangular rug

A soft landing spot is just like a cherry on top in every house. Also, it offers a hint to style the floor more gracefully. If your house has a rectangular shape on its surface, then a rectangular rug will be a perfect one for you. And make sure that your rug leaves 8 inches from all sides. 

Oval shaped rug

Sometimes we want to enhance the personality of the environment in our house. In this situation, nothing can be better than an oval-shaped entrance rug. Or you can also try out tasseled versions and bold patterns as well.

Modern styles

One of the most common problems we all suffer from is the dirt and filth in our homes. But, guess what, a beautiful modern rug can be a solution for you. And, make sure that your rug is not too chunky and does not provide any dirt to your floors.

Materials 

Concerning the durability of your rug, sisal or jute materials are preferable. And, going for easy cleaning properties along with durability, wool rugs come out to be the top choices. Somewhere, intricate designs and vivid colors catch the eye of guests. On that note, synthetic fiber rugs can be the best friend of your house.

Design

To choose a perfect design of the rug, you need to pick out the color palette prior. Thus, you can focus on particular color tones and try to enhance your house with a unifying look of your rug.

FAQs

What type of rug is best for entryway?

Entryway rugs need to be durable due to the regular foot traffic. Jute and sisal rugs offer top-notch durability for entrances. However, Polyester, nylon, and olefin rugs will serve you just as well.

What type of rug is best for hardwood floors?

No matter what rug you use, your hardwood floors will be protected. However, getting a rug with a rubber underpart will be more efficient and water-resistant. Other rugs will protect you from foot traffic only.

How do you protect hardwood floors in a front door?

Putting a piece of cloth or, better yet, a rug will protect your hardwood floors in a front door. Try using a strong jute or sisal rug for maximum durability and user benefit. 

Will rubber backed rugs damage hardwood floors?

No. rubber-backed rugs are totally safe for hardwood floors. The best part is, no moisture can penetrate rubber, making it the best material for hardwood protection. 

Endnote

So, what did you think? For us, Bungalow Flooring Waterhog DoorMat is hard to beat. Turns out, other rags also offer top-notch features. But when you have both low price and efficiency, it is hard to beat the Waterhog. 

If you want a water-proof rug, go for the Color & Geometry Indoor Door Mat. 

You can try other brands as well. Don’t worry. All of them will serve you well.