Types of Outdoor Rugs

Outdoor rugs are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and materials.

• Outdoor area rugs – This type of outdoor rug is designed to cover a large area like an entire patio or a large section of deck. Area rugs can be used to delineate one area from another with a visual separation. Area rugs have an added advantage that they can also reduce noise if you’re like me, where loud footsteps or the scratching of pet feet are often heard. An outdoor area rug can be a good starting point when you are beginning to design your patio. They are available in a wide variety of colors and patterns to fit any style.
• Indoor Outdoor Rugs – Huge improvements have been made in recent years in the manufacturing of indoor outdoor rugs. Polypropylene is spun and the threads are woven as you would do to make a traditional indoor rug. The result is a high-wearing, weather resistant carpeting that can be used indoors as well as outdoors. Maintenance on an indoor outdoor rug is simple – in most cases you can simply hose it off. In high traffic areas, or areas with pets these kinds of rugs are a great choice indoors. Outdoors they provide all the benefits of an indoor rug as far as comfort, style and design options with the added benefit of weather resistant properties and easy maintenance.
• Outdoor Rug Materials – Most outdoor rugs and indoor outdoor rugs are made from weather resistant polypropylene. These rugs are a great choice for outdoor use because there is no worry that the elements will damage the rug. Other material types available are bamboo rugs which are long-lasting and are naturally anti-bacterial. You can also find handmade outdoor rugs, these tend to be more expensive and more likely to be damaged by the elements.

Care of Outdoor Rugs

One of the best things about outdoor rugs is their low maintenance. As a general rule, if your outdoor rug becomes soiled, you can simply hose it off. For really dirty rugs, a small amount of dish soap and sponges can cure most problems.  These are general guidelines – always try the care directions the manufacturer has provided first.

If you decide to store your rug during the winter, be sure that the rug is dry before rolling it up and placing it in storage.  Although polypropylene is mildew resistant, it doesn’t hurt to take an extra step in ensuring your rug will be ready to go when you bring it out the next season.

Shopping for Outdoor Rugs

The most important thing to consider when purchasing an outdoor rug is the purpose you wish it to serve. Will the rug be primarily a door mat for cleaning feet before entering the house or are you looking for a large area rug to provide comfort and style to the whole patio area? Knowing your designated purpose in advance will make shopping for outdoor rugs much faster.

Summary

Outdoor rugs bring the comfort of the indoors outside to your patio or deck. Make sure to include the addition of an outdoor rug into your garden decor plan and you will be rewarded with stylish, natural beauty under foot all year long.

photo credit: coco+kelley