Using Outdoor Rugs can help bring your personal style and comfort from the inside to the outside. Just as a fresh coat of paint can really brighten a room, a decorative outdoor rug can help elevate your outdoor space and make it much more inviting for both you and your guests.
An Easy, Fast Way to Boost Your Patio’s Appeal
Rugs are a great way to boost your patio or deck’s visual appeal and comfort level too. There are nearly endless designs to choose from when it comes to outdoor rugs, and with the convenience and simplicity of online shopping, you can literally pick out a rug today online and have it on your patio the next week…without ever having to leave home!
Best Choices for Materials
Outdoor Rugs need to be able to withstand harsher conditions than your indoor rugs. Therefore, you should lean toward rugs that are designed specifically for outdoor use. These rugs will typically be made of synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, nylon, polyester, or acrylic; or they may be constructed of durable natural fibers such as bamboo, hemp, jute or sisal.
Those made of synthetic fibers usually have a wider range of colors and are favored for their durability and resistance to mildew, mold, and sun fading.
Rugs made of natural fibers on the other hand, may be favored for their eco-friendliness and sustainable material. Natural fibers can also be dyed to create a variety of beautiful colors and designs; however, they are prone to fading in direct sunlight. Natural fibers may also be less durable over time when compared to their synthetic counterparts. Natural fiber can also absorb some levels of moisture, making them more susceptible to mold and mildew.
Construction and Weaving
Hand-hooked rugs usually offer a high level of craftmanship and can often be made of very high-quality materials. Expect to pay top dollar for anything hand-hooked or hand-woven, as you’re buying not just a rug, but a work of art.
Machine-woven rugs are more affordable, as they can be mass-produced and created more efficiently through the use of factory machinery.
Backings
Whether you choose a machine-made rug or something handcrafted, it’s a good idea to choose something with a synthetic material backing. Natural fiber backings will have the same issues as natural fiber in general; over time, it can get mildew or mold and may be less durable over time.
On the other hand, if you are less concerned with durability and mildew resistance, you may wish to go with a flatweave rug. Flatweave rugs don’t have a pile, as they are made by using braids or cording instead of tufted material. They don’t need a backing, which makes them reversible. This can offer you a bit of variety when it comes to picking out your style too.
While the choices are many, one thing you can be sure of: using an outdoor rug to give your patio, deck, or porch a “facelift” will extend your enjoyment of your outdoor living spaces—and ensure you’re making the most of every square foot of your investment.