What Is Lobster Rope™? A Guide to Our Popular Outdoor Mats
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Time to read 8 min
If you’re wondering about all the hype around Lobster Rope™ Doormats, this guide was written for you!
Lobster Rope™ is the name we created for our signature collection of doormats and baskets, handmade from strong, weatherproof marine-grade rope.
Inspired by Maine's working waterfront, Lobster Rope™ products combine the durability of hardworking marine rope with colorful designs made for life at home.
And the rope we use is a big part of what makes Lobster Rope™ Doormats different.
Marine rope is designed for demanding conditions. It has to stand up to water, sun, salt, rough weather, and constant exposure to the elements. These are many of the same conditions an outdoor doormat faces every day.
But not all nautical rope is the same.
What Kind of Nautical Rope Is Used in Lobster Rope™ Doormats?
Many nautical rope mats are made from polypropylene. Polypropylene is a strong synthetic material with some excellent qualities for outdoor use. It doesn't readily absorb water, dries quickly, and won't rot.
But the composition, weight, and stiffness of the rope can make an enormous difference in the finished doormat.
Some nautical rope is lightweight, soft, and highly flexible. When that type of rope is woven into a doormat, the finished mat will naturally be softer and more flexible, too.
That may be perfectly suitable for some uses, but we wanted something more substantial for Lobster Rope™ Doormats.
A lightweight, softer rope mat has less structure underfoot. It can bend and shift more easily and may be more likely to stretch, distort, or lose its original shape with repeated use. Because less substantial rope also produces a lighter finished mat, the mat itself may be easier to move or shift at the door.
We wanted Lobster Rope™ Doormats to feel different.
Why We Use a Specially Engineered Marine-Grade Rope
That's why Wicked Good Lobster Rope™ Doormats are woven from a specially engineered blend of polypropylene and polyethylene.
This blend, often referred to as polysteel, gives the rope more strength, stiffness, and structure than the softer, lightweight polypropylene rope commonly used in some rope mats.
You can feel that difference in the finished Lobster Rope™ Doormat.
Instead of being soft and floppy, the mat feels substantial and structured underfoot. The heavier marine-grade rope helps the mat hold its shape beautifully, while its weight helps it stay where you put it.
That doesn't mean we want a doormat that's completely rigid. A great handwoven mat needs flexibility. The goal is to have enough flexibility to weave beautifully, along with enough strength and structure to maintain its shape through years of outdoor use.
Why Marine-Grade Rope Makes Lobster Rope™ Doormats So Durable
Marine rope has an important job.
Rope designed for marine environments has to withstand water, sun, salt, rough weather, and repeated exposure to the elements. The marine-grade rope we make and use in our Lobster Rope™ Doormats and Baskets is also fast-drying, mold and mildew resistant, and won't rot.
Those same hardworking qualities make it exceptionally well suited for an outdoor doormat.
Lobster Rope™ Doormats don't absorb water the way natural-fiber mats can. Rain and snow aren't trapped inside absorbent fibers. The rope dries quickly, and sand and dirt can pass through the weave rather than becoming embedded in the mat.
Our marine-grade rope also has up to 6x UV protection to help it withstand prolonged exposure to the sun.
It's one of the reasons Lobster Rope™ Doormats can live outside season after season.
What Should You Look for When Comparing Nautical Rope Doormats?
Two products can both be called "nautical rope mats" and still be very different doormats.
When comparing them, look beyond the fact that they're made from rope. Look at the rope itself.
Is it lightweight, soft, and highly flexible, or substantial and structured?
What is the rope made from?
How heavy is the finished mat?
Does the mat have enough stiffness to hold its shape?
Is the rope designed for prolonged outdoor exposure?
Does it have added UV protection?
Is it made from new rope or reclaimed fishing rope?
And look at the construction of the mat itself. The rope is important, but so is how much of it is used and how the mat is woven.
These differences help explain why two nautical rope doormats that may look similar in a photograph can feel and perform very differently once they're sitting at your front door.
How are Lobster Rope™ baskets and doormats different?
They Resist Mold & Mildew
Lobster Rope Doormats dry very quickly; the long-lasting rope we use is a superior material for front door mats that get a lot of traffic. Mildew & mold-resistant, these nautical outdoor doormats are breathable even in the worst weather and won't retain odors.
They Retains Their Shape
Lobster Rope Doormats come in many sizes and colors resulting in a beautiful array of outdoor door mat choices to work with any decor. Plus, these rugged nautical rope doormats will never shrink - each of our rope mats reforms its shape quickly if folded or stored.
They Are Heavyweight - Up to 10 lbs!
Often twisted or braided, this nautical rope is heavyweight & extra strong so it's also used for towing, docking, or for heavy loads. This is why Lobster Rope Doormats weigh 7-10 lbs each.
They Trap Dirt & Do Not Get Bogged Down
The strength of our marine-grade nautical rope combined with the Lobster Rope Doormat's special weave catches dirt and sand like no other, but will not retain it. This means, when using this doormat for outdoors, it will never get heavy with dirt after long use. Simply lift this rope mat periodically and sweep away the sand and dirt it captured.
They Are Easy to Clean
These weatherproof mats are as easy to clean as rubber doormats. Simply shake it out or hose it down right at your door. You'll never need to use harsh chemicals or cleaners.
They Have Up To 6x's More Added UV Protection
The rope we manufacture at Wicked Good Doormats has been treated with 6x UV protection against fading. Eventually all rope fades over long periods of time, but Lobster Rope Doormats age beautifully while still retaining their appeal and strength.
Which Lobster Rope™ Doormat Style Is Right for You?
One of the things we love about Lobster Rope™ Doormats is that a hardworking outdoor mat doesn't have to look utilitarian.
We make our doormats in a variety of colors, patterns, and weaves, so you can choose a style that complements your home.
Stripes
Our classic Stripes are one of our most popular Lobster Rope™ styles. Multiple colors are woven together in a relaxed striped pattern that adds color and interest to your front door.
Choose combinations of navy, seafoam, teal, sand, and other coastal-inspired colors for an easy way to bring personality to an entry without overwhelming it.
Tailored Stripes
If you prefer a cleaner, more understated look, our Tailored Stripes offer a more refined take on the classic striped doormat.
A primarily solid-colored mat is accented with contrasting stripes for a crisp, finished look. Tailored Stripes work especially well when you want your doormat to complement the architecture and colors of your home rather than become the focal point.
Our Double Weave Lobster Rope™ Doormats have a distinctive woven pattern that combines two colors throughout the mat.
The result has more visual texture than a solid mat while still feeling polished and sophisticated. It's a great choice if you want subtle color variation rather than traditional stripes.
Sometimes simple is best.
Our solid Lobster Rope™ Doormats let the texture of the handwoven rope take center stage. They're an easy choice for colorful front doors, patterned porches, or homes where you want the doormat to quietly complement everything around it.
For a little more personality, our Cabana Stripes bring a bolder pattern to the front door.
The wider, more noticeable stripes create a fresh coastal look without becoming overly nautical. They're especially fun for porches, beach houses, pool areas, and entrances that can handle a little more color.
Different Styles, Same Lobster Rope™ Performance
Whichever style you choose, the things that make a Lobster Rope™ Doormat different remain the same.
Our doormats are handwoven from substantial marine-grade polysteel rope, designed to dry quickly, resist mold and mildew, and stand up to demanding outdoor conditions.
So choosing among our Lobster Rope™ styles really comes down to the fun part: finding the color and pattern that looks best at your door.
Because our outdoor doormats last for years, they are a great choice for people who love to reduce waste. The typical homeowner will go through multiple outdoor doormats in the lifespan of one Lobster Rope Doormat.
FAQs about Wicked Good Lobster Rope Doormats
Are Wicked Good Lobster Rope Doormats suitable for all weather?
Our Wicked Good Doormats are made of our exclusive weatherproof nautical rope that is fast-drying and does not break down in the rain, snow, and sun. Each of these outdoor mats are engineered to be the best all-weather doormat that lasts for years.
Can I use a Lobster Rope Doormat in every season?
Absolutely! Our heavy-duty outdoor doormats are designed to be used all summer, fall, winter and spring long.
How do Wicked Good Lobster Rope Doormats compare to coir and rubber front door mats?
Because these are made from synthetic material, Lobster Rope Doormats last so much longer than coir and other natural fiber welcome mats that shed and break down when constantly exposed to the elements.
While rubber doormats can take the wet weather, they can develop cracks in cold weather and get very hot when exposed to the sun. On the other hand, our doormats will never rot and can get wet over and over again. These are designed to be the most reliable outdoor doormat all year round while keeping their shape and color.
How do Lobster Rope Doormats trap dirt?
They do not! Each doormat has a special “catch and release weave” that allows dirt to simply pass right through the mat. That’s why these outdoor doormats never get bogged down with dirt and are so easy to clean.
How do you clean a Lobster Rope Doormat?
Simply lift this outdoor mat and sweep away on occasion. Because it dries quickly, you can hose it down right at your door. It will never mold, mildew or grow slime beneath.
Why do people love Lobster Rope Doormats?
Because these are weatherproof, fast-drying, easy to clean, and last for years, Wicked Good Doormats are designed to be the world’s best outdoor doormats. Investing in a quality heavy duty outdoor doormat reduces waste and saves you money over time.
Recycled Rope Doormats
True pieces of maritime history, these upcycled rope doormats are handwoven from used fishing rope that is still beautiful, strong, and functional. We mix it with scraps of new rope to create a truly unique upcycled statement at your door.
Today they are a great outlet for this used commercial rope that might otherwise stay in the ocean or move to landfills.
Recycled Rope Doormats are long-lasting, colorful, and each is one-of-a-kind. Handwoven from both scrap and recycled rope, these outdoor doormats are bright and colorful.
Wicked Good Lobster Rope Baskets
Colorful Lobster Rope Baskets are handwoven from the same marine-grade polysteel rope used in Wicked Good Doormats. These nautical rope baskets can serve as outdoor planters for flowers and houseplants, caddies (say goodbye to plastic boxes), magazine holders, shelf accents, and so much more (here are 25 customer-approved ways on how to use your own Lobster Rope Basket!)
Take a basket with you on picnics and to the beach, or use it for safekeeping boat keys. They make sturdy containers for your holiday gift baskets, too - the possibilities are endless.
Resistant to water, mildew, and mold, you can use these baskets all year round, for many years to come. Mix and match colors and sizes - the results are absolutely gorgeous.
Need more inspiration? Here's our complete Outdoor Doormat Buying Guide to help you find the perfect welcome mat for your front door.
