How To Buy The Perfect Outdoor Rug

outdoor rug

The perfect outdoor rug fulfills three qualifications:

  1. Ties together your outdoor décor
  2. Brings a touch of comfort (typically reserved for the indoors) outside
  3. Able to withstand the elements, meaning it resists fading, moisture, and mildew

If you are considering the addition of a quality outdoor rug to complete your patio or deck space, here are some tips for finding the one that’s right for you.

Material and Construction

Sun and moisture can deteriorate organic fibers over time, so the best materials for a long-lasting outdoor rug are polypropylene, acrylic, or a blend of both. These man-made fibers will enable moisture to run through them (instead of soaking it up) and are UV-stabilized to resist fading and mildew. This results in a soft yet durable texture that, with proper maintenance, will retain its color and pile for years.

In terms of construction, some outdoor rugs are produced using automated looms that weave the materials into a tight, flat pattern (think of the type of carpet that you might find in a public space like a school or office). These rugs are often 100% polypropylene and are ideal for high traffic areas. Other outdoor rugs are designed with comfort in mind using a hand tufted loop construction that results in a higher, softer pile. These rugs are often made using a blend of man-made fibers for durability and softness. Both styles can be maintained with regular vacuuming and clean water from your garden hose.

Shapes & Colorssquare-rug-text

Today’s man-made yarns are intricately shaded in every color of the rainbow. The number of colors and patterns and shapes and sizes of outdoor rugs available is astounding; at Frontera.com, we offer more than 1,500 options to choose from! Here are some ideas to narrow down the selection:

  1. Determine the shape & size for your space. This is the easy part. Where is the rug going? For example, if it will be located under a round dining table and chairs, choose a large round rug that will accommodate the diameter of the table and 5-6 additional feet of width to fit the chairs. If the dining table is square or rectangular, choose a rug with a similar shape.  The same considerations apply to your seating area. If you’re torn between two rug sizes, opt for the larger one. Rug edges can always be covered by furniture pieces, but there’s no fix for a rug that’s too small for the space.trans-ocean-colorful-rug
  2. There are many themes, colors, and patterns to choose from and the number of options can feel overwhelming, especially when designing your outdoor space from scratch. Find inspiration from our Design Insider blog or a magazine or home and garden show. Think back to magical vacations and the décor of hotels and resorts you have enjoyed. Consider the style and architectural design of your home and continue that theme. Do you want a formal, elegant space or something more colorful and fun?
  3. Consider furniture with neutral-colored cushion fabrics and use your outdoor rug and some matching toss pillows to add pops of color or patterns. This makes it easy to update your look over time as tastes change. Conversely, if you’re matching a rug to a furniture cushion with a colorful pattern, consider a solid color, muted rug that will accent the furniture without competing for the eye.

Quality

Your outdoor rug is going to take a lot of abuse. Sun, rain, hail, dirty shoes, sticky kids, spilled food and drink, bird poop (gross but true), and all manner of ground-in sand, leaves, pine needles, whatever. While you may be tempted by that low cost outdoor rug at the local big box store, be advised that it will not fair well in the elements, will not drain water properly, will develop frayed edges rapidly, and will fade in the sun. It may be a bargain but will not provide the comfort or maintain its integrity like a quality outdoor rug. We recommend outdoor rugs from manufacturers like Trans-Ocean and Nourison; companies that take pride in their products and design them for true weather-resistant performance.

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