Yes and no. Most outdoor rugs made of synthetic fibers or polypropylene are perfect for outdoor conditions and will keep your deck in good shape. However, using other outdoor carpet materials can gradually damage your deck and patio. The bottom line is: always go for the best outdoor rugs for wood decks.
Placing just any outdoor rug material may end up damaging your wood deck in several ways. It can stain, rot, cause mold or mildew growth and scratches to your wood deck which is costly to replace. Which means you must be careful when shopping for outdoor rugs especially when you are looking to decorate the space.
Outdoor rugs are not often waterproof. But they are water resistant. Simply put, they absorb less water than most indoor rugs, and they dry a lot quicker after getting wet. Thanks to these characteristics outdoor rugs can be left outside and stay outside even in the rain.
Your outdoor decking is better protected when there's a rug over it to keep the sunrays and all elements from taking their toll on the wood. And so, an outdoor carpet makes absolute sense when there isn't a wooden pergola to protect the deck or the deck is directly exposed to the elements.
Outdoor rugs are designed to be outside all year round and can withstand sun, rain, sleet, and snow.
Although outdoor rugs are typically mold and mildew resistant, the dirt and moisture that accumulates on them is where these pesky fungi can grow. When cleaning an outdoor rug with mildew, dirt, stains and general grime, some common household items that people reach for include dish soap, white vinegar and baking soda.
If your rug is outside in rain or heavy dew, make sure to flip it so it can dry both front and back. When the outdoor entertaining season is through, make sure your rug is dry. Then roll it up and store in a covered area to avoid fading.
If your outdoor rug gets wet, it will most likely mildew and create unhealthy conditions which could potentially cause a mold to grow. Your outdoor rug can also be ruined by mildew which would then call for a replacement.
Why do I need an outdoor rug? An outdoor rug serves the same purpose as an indoor area rug: it pulls your seating area together into a single, unified space that's inviting and comfortable. It shows an attention to detail, allowing you to create a truly personalized decor for your yard.
While staining may take less time than painting, painting often does a better job of filling the cracks, covering imperfections, and provides longer lasting protection. Paint also is typically more rot resistance and does a better job of preventing mold and sun damage.
An outdoor rug won't exactly damage your concrete patio, but it could cause the surface to darken. If moisture becomes trapped under the rug, it will seep into the porous concrete and change its appearance.
Will an outdoor rug damage a paver? Using an outdoor rug on a paver surface will not damage the surface of the paver nor will it damage the rug. If the paver has a lot of cracks, though, and you have a heavier rug (like one made with coconut fiber), that could cause damage to the paver.
Outdoor rugs are made to withstand lots of traffic and rough conditions, making them an excellent choice for homes with kids and pets. They are also moisture-resistant, which means using an outdoor rug in moisture-prone areas such as the basement, laundry room and bathroom are smart solutions to prevent mold or mildew.
They can certainly handle some moisture and even a rain shower, but remember that all natural fiber rugs, when exposed to moisture, are prone to mildew. Mildew will eventually cause the rug to discolor, smell bad and decompose.
This is because wet environments create the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. You'll know your outdoor rugs have mold growing on them if you see circular stains of brown, green, or black within the fibers, or if you detect a pungent, musty smell.
Outdoor carpet is often made from UV-stable fibers like polyethylene and polypropylene, meaning it's not going to fade in direct sunlight. It's also mold and mildew resistant, and even water-resistant.
Concrete: Unless it's sealed, concrete can be porous and could present challenges for some outdoor rugs, Wagner says. If a rug doesn't allow moisture to evaporate, it can lead to mildew, so opt for a breathable one if you can.
Unlike indoor rugs, the outdoor mats are designed to withstand adverse weather elements without requiring any waterproofing. Still, you can spray the carpet with a waterproofing agent such as Scotchgard Fabric Protector that forms a super-hydrophobic protective barrier around the surface.
The best way to prevent mold from developing on an outdoor rug is to keep the rug dry. If possible, dry outdoor rugs after rainfall by moving them into the sunlight or placing them over a deck railing. Flip the rug to expose both the surface and the underside to the sun.
How to Clean Mildew & Mold off an Outdoor Rug. Go straight to your kitchen cupboard for the white vinegar, and pour it full-strength onto the mildewy or moldy rug. Let it sit for about an hour. Then, add about a cup of vinegar to a bucket of warm water, and use a scrub or deck brush to brush the carpet clean.
The Balcony
Small spaces can bring big style, and adding a rug to the look will not only protect the deck, but will also act as an extension of your indoor living space. Marry it with your interior style, or mix things up with something a little more fun if you're feeling adventurous.
You might be surprised to hear that bugs are attracted to rugs. Rugs come in all shapes and sizes. Bugs like rugs because they're soft, warm, and welcoming. Bugs don't have legs so they like to sit on things that feel good, and rugs are a comfortable place to sit after a long day of being a bug.
However, if we're talking about a polypropylene rug that's made from synthetic fibers, then that is a different story. You see, synthetic fibers are susceptible to heat and will absorb it. So the answer is yes—these rugs can get hot in the sun!
Because of its ability to absorb, polypropylene makes for a great waterproof outdoor rug. Furthermore, it will not grow mold or mildew when exposed to water – strengthening its durability.