What is the Best Material for an Outdoor Rug?
Choosing a rug for an outdoor space isn’t as easy as hitting the home decor store and picking one at random. Check out the materials that are commonly found in carpets meant for outdoor areas. This handy guide will serve as the perfect cheat sheet.
You want your patio mat to be durable, fade-resistant, washable, easy to dry, eco-friendly, child and pet friendly, no-slip, good-looking, and so on.
Let’s see how different materials meet our requirements.
Bamboo, Jute, and Sisal
These types of materials all fall into the natural category. They are great for adding a touch of nature to an outdoor room, porch, or balcony. Furthermore, these materials can be easy to clean and nice to look at.
They are reliable and will hold up to foot traffic, a big plus for people who like to entertain guests. Moreover, they feel very nice on bare feet, so they are ideal for some outdoor areas.
“Outdoor rugs help bring the indoors feeling to an outside space. They can change a modest patio to a space that you really enjoy and want to welcome friends.”
Bamboo, jute, and sisal can add a bohemian feel to an area, so they’re often seen in modern interior design.
On the other hand, they don’t stand up very well to moisture, so homeowners need to be careful.
Those with kids should know that if these rugs get wet, it could be difficult to recover. Plus, some people may think that these natural fibers look a bit cheap, but the reality is that they need to be styled correctly to look chic and elegant.
Cotton
Most people think of cotton T-shirts, but this fabric can be used in flooring, too. In fact, cotton rugs are breathable and can stand up to regular foot traffic.
They work great indoors, and they can be an excellent complement to an outdoor area.
Cotton looks classic and elegant while at the same time adding an easy-going and laid-back feel. It’s the best of both worlds, and these rugs can fit into a variety of homes and environments.
Cotton rugs are affordable, dependable, and come in a wide range of styles, colors, and patterns. It’s not unusual to find reversible styles, either.
Nylon, Polypropylene, and Polyester
Synthetic materials are found in many different types of rugs, and for a good reason. They provide a similar look and feel to their more expensive counterparts, but at a fraction of the price.
For instance, polypropylene acts like wool but comes at a much more approachable price.
These water-resistant outdoor rug materials are easy to clean, making them a viable choice.
Polyester mimics natural fibers but is a good option for those on a budget. This fabric can stand up to spills, tumbles, and lots of feet. It’s ideal for families and those who live a busy lifestyle. Polyester also comes in many different styles and colors.
Finally, nylon is perfect for places that get a lot of traffic, including wheels. These rugs are thin, firm, and hardy. They’re dirt-resistant and seamless, plus they won’t fray.
Summing-up
There are several pros and cons to outdoor carpets. Compared to hardwood, tiles, or concrete flooring, they can make your patio cozy and comfortable.
There are many types of outdoor rugs with superb colors, striking patterns, and charming textures, but the materials are not just for artistic taste.
Thanks to the high-quality materials, you should expect the carpets to be:
- Free of toxins
- Fire-retardant
- Safe for kids and pets
- Stain-resistant
- Mildew-resistant
- Fade-resistant
Whichever rug ends up being the one, just ensure that it can handle the daily demands of the family. Consider if it’s going into a household that does a lot of entertaining or rolling on the floor with kids. Then, have fun choosing the right design and pattern to match the home decor.