7 tips for buying outdoor rugs
When buying outdoor rugs there are a few important factors to weigh up, to make sure the rug is long-lasting, robust and easy to look after. Materials such as polypropylene and synthetic fibres are best suited to outdoor use, since they stand up to the elements and are easy to clean.
Jute rugs and rugs with a nubbed backing are robust too, but they are sensitive to water and soap. Make sure you use an underlay, to keep dirt out and to protect the rug from mould and water. With the right tips you can pick the perfect outdoor rug, one that will give you years of pleasure on the terrace, on the balcony or out in the open.
A synthetic rug made from robust, hard-wearing materials is a good choice, since it can usually be cleaned easily with soap and water. These tips will help you choose an outdoor rug that gives you years of comfort and satisfaction.
Tips before you buy
1. Is it suitable for outdoor use?
Ordinary cotton rugs cannot be used outdoors. They would not stand up to the weather; the first time it rained they would soak up water and be ruined. Rugs made for outdoor use, by contrast, are hard-wearing and designed specifically for the job. Look closely at the material when you buy, and make sure the rug is suitable for a terrace or a balcony.
Good rugs can look right on a terrace, in a conservatory or on a covered balcony, but delicate natural-fibre and hand-knotted rugs should not lie outdoors unprotected. Persian rugs of the highest quality show themselves at their best indoors, or in very well protected, dry areas, where the wool, the colours and the knot structure are not permanently exposed to moisture and UV light. For a balcony or terrace a weatherproof outdoor rug is therefore the better choice, while a fine Persian rug belongs where its craftsmanship is preserved for the long term.
2. The right material
Rugs for outdoor use are made from synthetic fibres, listed at the point of sale as either polypropylene or polyamide. These materials are weather-resistant and can be used outdoors without difficulty. The material is also UV-resistant, which matters because a rug can fade over time in direct sun. Bear that in mind when you choose. Thanks to the nubs and grooves on the underside, it is water-repellent as well. When buying, check that the material really is 100% synthetic fibre.
3. Choose flecked and patterned rather than plain
When people hear the words “outdoor rug”, they probably picture the classic light-green artificial lawn you may know from other people's gardens. Those are meant to look like a meadow, and they were in fashion then and still are now. By now, though, a whole range of other rugs is available. Most are in natural colours such as green, brown, grey or yellow. Nowadays there are also outdoor rugs that pick up the designs of ordinary indoor rugs.
Above all, make sure you buy the right version for the job.
A well-chosen rug can also disguise damage to decking. If the boards have taken a beating but renovation is not worth it, a good-looking outdoor rug can come to the rescue. The same goes for a balcony, which a rug can turn into a snug little retreat.
4. Finding the right fit and size
With rugs it always comes down to what they are needed for. Do you want one only as a base for seating, or for the whole terrace or balcony? As with ordinary rugs, the choice is between standard sizes and rugs cut to measure. If the rug is to be cut, the terrace has to be measured carefully first. Individual pieces can then be bought at a DIY store or online. With sturdy scissors or a craft knife you can cut them to the size you want yourself.
Laying the rug is not difficult and takes only a few moments. A rug that is already cut to size can simply be put down on the terrace or balcony. The material makes no difference here, because the nubs underneath leave a little space for water to drain away. When cutting, take care not to leave frayed edges and to stop the rug slipping.
5. Keep an eye on the price
Outdoor rugs are generally inexpensive, since synthetic fibres are cheap to produce. Prices are not comparable with the sometimes luxurious rugs made for indoors, and even large areas of two to three metres stay in double figures. When a rug is cut to size, it is charged by the square metre. Workmanship, water resistance and UV protection often set the price. You can save money here or invest, depending on what the rug is for.
6. Caring for rugs made for outdoor use
Outdoor rugs are easy to clean, thanks to their robust fibres. Rain washes them naturally, but dirt can still build up from time to time. The rugs can be swept roughly to get the dirt off. Do that regularly, so that the particles cannot work deeper into the material. The rug should also be vacuumed every few weeks, which works just as it does with an ordinary rug. If the dirt is more stubborn, soap and water will deal with it.
Too much sunlight, which fades the rug, can cause real problems. There is nothing you can do about that except replace the rug.
One advantage of outdoor rugs, though, is that they do not go mouldy and are hard-wearing in general. Given a good water-repellent option and regular care, a rug will last many years.
7. Suitable for children and pets
Outdoor rugs are perfect for children and pets and are excellent for creating a play area. They even counter problems such as decking that gets too hot in summer: they feel pleasant underfoot and do not heat up much. Outdoor rugs are no problem for bare feet either; they are very comfortable. They can also take away the risk of slipping when laid near a pool or on smooth tiles.
There are also rugs, incidentally, that can be used both indoors and out. With children, pets or allergy sufferers that can be well worth it, and it brings the advantages of the synthetic material indoors as well.
Conclusion
Outdoor rugs can be well worth it on a balcony or terrace, to make the space feel more relaxed. The synthetic material means the rug stands up to the weather. There is now a wide choice of rugs of this kind as well; many are no longer limited to the green artificial-lawn look. On price, too, outdoor rugs are a good investment and are inexpensive to lay.
FAQs:
How big should an outdoor rug be?
Outdoor rugs are a fine way to make a balcony or terrace more attractive and turn it into a comfortable place for you and your family. There is a wide choice of materials and sizes. Rugs of about 120 x 180 cm and smaller usually suit compact areas such as a small balcony, while a larger area calls for a format the furniture can actually stand on. A classic 200 x 300 cm rug, or a 270 x 360 cm, is usually enough to take in a whole seating group. For a six- or eight-seat dining table, measure the table and allow about 70 cm on every side, so that the chairs stay on the rug when they are pushed back. Make sure the rug is made from robust materials such as polypropylene or polyester, which are hard-wearing and repel dirt.
What are the best outdoor rugs for a balcony or terrace?
Look closely at the materials used. Nylon and polypropylene are particularly well suited to outdoor use, and outdoor rugs are usually made from synthetic fibres such as polypropylene, olefin or polyester. Those fibres are UV-resistant, shrug off light soiling and stand up to the weather, which is exactly what a balcony or terrace demands. Avoid outdoor rugs in natural fibres, since they have a short life in the open. Beyond the material, look for a water-permeable backing so that rain can drain away, and choose a colour and a size that suit the space: outdoor rugs come in a wide range of colours, shapes and sizes and bring a stylish element to a seating corner in the garden. You can place one under a sun lounger, a garden table or another piece of furniture, to lift the atmosphere in a dining area or on a plain concrete slab.
How do you clean outdoor rugs?
Outdoor rugs can simply be brushed down with a soft brush and then rinsed thoroughly with water. For heavier soiling a mild cleaning product can be used as well; avoid aggressive cleaners. A vacuum cleaner or a garden hose works well too, and cleaning the rug regularly keeps it looking good for a long time.
Are outdoor rugs mould-resistant?
Yes, most outdoor rugs are mould-resistant. They are made specifically for outdoor use and absorb almost no moisture, which stops mould forming. It still helps to let the rug dry out fully after heavy rain and to lift it occasionally, so that no water is trapped underneath.
Can outdoor rugs also be used in the garden and generally out in the open?
Yes. Outdoor rugs are made for exactly that. They can be laid on a lawn, on gravel, on decking or on a concrete slab, and they cope with sun and rain. On an unpaved surface it is worth lifting the rug from time to time, so that the ground underneath can dry out.
