Outdoor Rug Buying Tips

Posted by Payless Rugs on Jul 6th 2022

In buying outdoor rugs for your patios, there are a lot of things you have to consider.  From the rug material to the size, style, and even the location. Aside from the rug alone, you also have to take note of the weather. If you live in California, you want rugs that can stand blistering summers. If you live in Wisconsin, you�d want rugs suitable for the cold climate. 


Outdoor Rugs

To make it easy for you to pick the right rug, here are 6 simple details you need to take note of before making your purchase.


6 Things To Note Before Picking A Rug


The Rug Material


Rugs are made of various materials, from simple natural materials to engineered fibers like polypropylene and nylon. When you pick a rug, it�s important to look at the material first.


  1. Polypropylene rugs - It is a strong and durable synthetic material best for rainy and humid climates.


 Benefits of polypropylene rugs:

  • Stain-resistant

  • Easy to clean

  • Does not fade

  • Great for areas with heavy foot traffic

  • Handles high moisture well

 

Precautions:

  • The material may be  flammable if untreated,  so keep it away from extreme heat


  1. Polyester - A solution-dyed synthetic material best for dry climates. Available in many colors but limited patterns. 


Benefits of polyester rugs:

  • Bleach resistant

  • Fade-resistant

  • Stain-resistant

  • Capable of enduring wear and tear issues


Precautions:

  • Oil-based stains are hard to remove so keep this rug near the barbecue area.


  1. Nylon - A handwoven durable and elastic synthetic material usually used as outdoor decors.


Benefits of nylon rugs:

  • Soft and weatherproof

  • Stain-resistant

  • Fade-resistant

  • Easy to clean

  • Perfect for high traffic areas


Precautions:

  • Easily get hot underfoot - keep away from direct sunlight.


  1. Jute & Sisal - It is a textured natural fiber material which is firm and affordable.


Benefits of Jute & Sisal rugs:

  • Biodegradable and eco-friendly

  • Comfortable underfoot


Precautions:

  • Prone to fading and susceptible to mold and mildew. Keep it under a covered porch or patio.


  1. Sunbrella - A synthetic durable material best for long hours under the sun and is also available in different colors.


Benefits of sunbrella rugs:

  • Fade-resistant

  • Mildew and mold resistant

  • Easy to clean

  • Most UV-resistant rug material


Rugs Construction


  • Hand-hooked rugs - It is a handmade rug with loop patterns. After the rug is completely made a liquid latex will be poured at its back surface to protect the stitches which makes it soft underfoot.


  • Machine-made rugs - Machine made rugs are better in exposed areas. It is lighter and dries faster after washing. Machine-made rugs are also manufactured quickly which makes it more efficient in weaving different colors.


  • Flatweave rugs - Unlike other rugs, flattened rugs do not include knotting at all. This rug is wrapped by running parallel fibers comprising the length of the rug. Fibers that run along the width are the ones that make up its whole surface.



Rug Style


Before buying rugs, you should know the different styles that would greatly fit your home.


  • Oriental

Also known as Islamic carpet, is a heavy textured style of rug with symbolic patterns. Oriental rugs also come in different colors. This style of rugs is made either flat or piled.


  • Natural fiber

Natural fiber rugs the collection of jute, sisal and eco-friendly rugs that are soft and highly durable. 


  • Bamboo 

Bamboo rugs are great for outdoors. You can use them on your balcony, lawn or for your garden. They have subtle natural shades of Earth that would give harmony with your plants in the garden. Since the material is delicate, you need to prevent it from heavy weather conditions.


  • Contemporary

Contemporary rugs are greatly influenced by modern art. They have vibrant colors and abstract designs that create a stylistic modern touch to homes.


The Rug Placement 


Take note of the size of your outdoor area. Measure the space where you want your rug to be to get a perfect fit. Considering area size saves you both time and money.


For example, you need to buy a rug for your patio. If you buy too large a rug, it ends up taking up too much space and you waste money on yardage. If it�s too small it ends up looking out of place. 


Fortunately, rugs come in different sizes and shapes. You have a variety of rugs to choose from ranging from plain colors to stripes and even patterns. Just make sure you pick a design that matches the overall look of your patio or deck.


Rules When Placing Rugs


There are rules that you need to follow when placing your rugs:

  • Make sure your furniture fit to the rug

When planning to buy rugs, make sure that the furniture in a specific area fits the size of your rug. For example, on your porch. You need to make sure that there are allocated spaces for the chairs.  


  • Cover Areas That Are Frequently Passed By

Worn out floors are a big problem for every homeowner. That is why you have to cover the areas where most people in your house walk. Make sure that the area is fully covered so that both feet can pass through the rug.


  • Leave Equal Space around your rugs

You need to make sure that the placement of your rug in a specific area in your house is symmetrical. Giving equal spaces around your rug makes your space look bigger. The standard space length on each side is 24 inches. But it differs in many cases depending on the size of the area where you want to place your rug. The main point of this is you have to center your rugs.


Caring For Your Rugs


Cleaning your rugs regularly is a good rule of thumb. This could be every end of the month or season. But if you think your rug is dirty enough, then there is no need to wait. Below are the tips and steps on how to take care of your rugs for long-lasting use.


  1. Vacuum regularly to keep dirt and dust from getting ground on your rug�s fibers. 

  2. Sweep beneath the rug to prevent dust mites from inhabiting and destroying your rug from below.

  3. Use rug pads to protect your rugs under heavy furniture.

  4. If your rug is outside under the heavy rain, flip it up so that it will dry from front to back.

  5. If your rug is water-resistant simply hang and use a garden hose with pressure to clean it. You can also scrub it for better dirt removal.

  6. Dry the rug in direct sunlight to prevent molds.

  7. To prevent mildews from forming, make sure that both sides of your rugs are dry before placing it back for use.

  8. Avoid using detergents with harsh chemicals to avoid rugs from fading.

  9. If your rug is not in use, roll it up and store it in a covered place to avoid fading.and to keep it clean before using.


Note that maintenance may vary depending on your rug materials. Simply clean your rugs accordingly for long-lasting use. Taking good care of your things will save you money in the long run.


Conclusion

Outdoor rugs can be found anywhere but it is important for you to know the things to consider before buying any. If it so happens that you already have one, make sure to take proper care of it for a  long-lasting use. At Payless Rugs you can buy rugs in high quality and at an affordable price.