Sizing boot trays and entry mats for wet weather

Measure the pairs of boots you need to hold, not the doorway.

A tray that is slightly too small is worse than no tray, because water ends up on the floor beside it instead of in it. Work out how many pairs you need to hold at once, then allow roughly 12 by 10 inches per adult pair laid side by side.

A raised lip matters more than depth. Half an inch of lip will hold the runoff from a pair of snowy boots long enough to evaporate. A ridged or slatted base keeps the sole out of the puddle, which is what actually gets boots dry.

Outside the door, a coarse scraper mat removes grit. Inside, an absorbent mat takes the moisture. One mat cannot do both jobs well, which is why entrances that stay clean almost always have two.

Part of the Stalwart guides. See all guides.