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.
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.
Things You'll Need
Grass carpeting can be used on any outdoor area not exposed to weather, and plush carpeting can be used on covered decks. Choose a carpet that is comfortable to your feet, stain resistant and able to withstand rain.
There are many design styles, textures and depths of pile from which to choose when selecting an indoor/outdoor carpet for a deck. Most indoor/outdoor carpets are also weather resistant. A good waterproof deck carpet will last a few seasons when properly cared for, particularly during harsh weather.
They are usually expected to last for five to ten years. Rugs with tighter weaves tend to last longer. An outdoor rug can be an attractive addition to any patio or deck area. There are many styles and materials available that will complement the decor of your home environment.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Full-strength vinegar left to soak for an hour kills most mold on outdoor rugs. To clean rugs afterward, add 1 cup of vinegar and 2 1/2 gallons of water to a steam cleaning machine, or, alternatively, hose off the rugs. Keep rugs dry to prevent future mold growth.
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.
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.
However, if we take into consideration that outdoor carpet flooring experiences increased stress, both from nature and everyday use, the lifespan of indoor and outdoor carpets is about the same—15-25 years if properly maintained.
The carpeting installs quickly on a variety of clean, flat surfaces using carpet adhesive or double-sided tape. However, you cannot install indoor/outdoor carpeting directly on dirt because the adhesive won't harden on surfaces containing debris.
You can use a mixture of soap and water to perform a deeper clean on your outdoor carpet. The best option is to use a mild detergent such as dish soap. You mix it with water and then apply it with a sponge or brush. If you have a large carpet, you can use a push broom to scrub the surface.
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.
A patio or driveway outside with good drainage is a great place to start. Make sure the rug can lay flat on the ground. Outdoor cleaning is the only place to clean your rug. Pressure Washer – Almost any pressure washer will work, the important selection is the type of tip you use.
Outdoor rugs are manufactured in a way that can survive through any season and withstand rain, hailstorm, snow, or scorching sun and can be left outside all year round.
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.
A. Yes, it's possible an outdoor carpet could stain the concrete. Depending on what the carpet is made of, the dye in the carpet could transfer from the fibers to the concrete when it gets wet. Make sure the carpet is made of plastic or synthetic fibers.
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.
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.