When summer approaches, most people are reminded that they have a backyard.
So, naturally, they start to think of ways to make this space pleasant and functional.
An aspect of indoor living that can enhance your outdoor space is a rug. It can add beauty and style to this space.
Hence, Should You Get Outdoor Rugs for the Backyard?
An outdoor rug functions the same as an indoor rug. It brings the area into one beautiful, inviting, and comfortable space. It can give you an authentic personalized experience in your backyard.
It is more than just a decoration piece as it adds value to your property while helping you keep dirt and other residues from your yard. Building a perfect patio/deck costs thousands of dollars. So, protect your surface with an outdoor rug.
What Are the Advantages of Having an Outdoor Rug?
If you want to transform your backyard, an outdoor rug is one item you should be thinking about.
Although it may look like a simple fabric, it can take your space from plain to spectacular instantly.
Here are three outdoor rug considerations;
1. Brings the Space Together
Carpets are designed to bring a space into one single and unified place.
Outdoor rugs also serve the same function.
If you’ve done everything to beautify your backyard and it still looks unfinished, an outdoor area is what you may need.
Once you install it, the entire space will look well designed, even if your furniture isn’t that inviting.
However, remember to buy an outdoor rug that suits your space. If your backyard is small, you only need a small carpet to create the illusion of togetherness in that space.
But, if it is big, you can either have one big rug or buy several small rugs to make the place look well designed.
Remember that overlapping rugs creates a beautiful surface that is pleasant to everyone.
2. Barefoot Hangouts
When the weather is hot, we need less clothing to be comfortable.
There is just something about walking barefoot that brings joy and happiness.
But people cannot walk barefoot on hard surfaces even if they are well finished and maintained.
An outdoor carpet can help create a comfortable surface that’s kind to the feet.
Therefore, your guests can walk around your backyard freely and enjoy the time you spend together.
3. Creates Designated Seating Spaces
Many homeowners incorporate outdoor furniture with the backyard.
Sure it is strong and can withstand inclement weather.
But it is not very inviting.
So how can you make your outdoor furniture and space stand out?
By having an area rug.
Installing an area rug makes your outdoor furniture more inviting.
It also helps create flow in this space which is usually hard to achieve since there are no walls to guide you.
People can be comfortable sitting in your backyard, and things will also be organized.
Types of Outdoor Carpet Available
When choosing carpet, most homeowners opt for flat woven, cut and loop patterned, or low pile loop.
These are designed to withstand heavy foot traffic compared to plush or deep pile types of carpets.
But if you are installing a carpet for a wholly exposed area or live in a place receiving high humidity, the best carpet should have moisture resistant features.
That said, here are some outdoor carpeting to consider;
1. Area Rugs
They’re created with the same durability as outdoor carpets, only that they are smaller and feature an accent design.
2. Tiles/Planks
These are simply carpets that come in a tile or plank form. You can install them wall-to-wall.
Depending on your preferences, you can use a single piece or a small group covering a small space in your yard.
3. Broadloom Rolls
These also offer wall-to-wall covering in a semi-closed or open deck/patio.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Outdoor Rugs
We spend a considerable amount of time deciding the perfect outdoor furniture for your deck.
An outdoor rug can complete the overall look you envision.
But, you have to know the do’s and don’ts to get the most out of this item.
When choosing an outdoor rug, ensure that you choose a style that matches your décor/furniture.
Remember that you have to create unity even in your backyard. If you opt for a conflicting rug,
it creates disharmony and makes your space look confused.
Apart from the style, also choose the right shape and size. Don’t start shopping for an outdoor rug without measuring your outdoor space.
Please don’t use your indoor rug as your outdoor mat.
How Does Rain Affect Outdoor Rugs?
When shopping for an outdoor rug, opt for a waterproof one unless you don’t mind moving it inside every time dark clouds begin to form.
Rugs made from natural fibers are durable and comfy, but they can’t withstand the rain. For this reason, they are recommended only for indoor use.
Note that water can still enter, even in covered areas of your backyard where your furniture is protected, causing mold and mildew.
Thus, it weakens the rug’s fibers.
The good news is that most outdoor rugs are made from synthetic fibers that aren’t water absorbent.
So, they can withstand heavy rains, and you can clean them easily. Make sure that your carpet dries on the top and bottom parts.
Once the rain has stopped and the top part has started drying, flip it and allow the bottom to dry too.
It should dry up quickly as this part isn’t synthetic and doesn’t absorb excess water.
No water should remain trapped under the rug, especially if your floor is wooden. Otherwise, it can promote mold and mildew.
Mold and Mildew on Outdoor Rugs
Outdoor rugs are usually created to resist mold and mildew.
But, after heavy rains, if moisture gets trapped in the rug’s fibers and combines with dirt, it can promote mold or moss to grow.
That is why individuals are advised to clean their carpets regularly.
If you spot any mold or mildew, make sure to clean it immediately using a mixture of water and vinegar.
Even if the manufacturer says it’s OK to use bleach, please patch test it first before using it on the entire surface.
Remember to use a rug pad when cleaning your carpet to prevent moisture build-up, and regularly check the bottom of the rug to ensure that it is dry and ventilated.
How Should You Care for Outdoor Rugs?
The main advantage of outdoor carpeting is that it features low maintenance.
You don’t need to sweep or vacuum your rugs frequently as it is with indoor mats.
But, you also shouldn’t ignore your outdoor rugs completely.
Use rug pads to help extend the life of your rugs.
These create a buffer between the rug and the surface it sits on.
Rug pads also prevent spills which makes the rugs safe to use.
You should invest in a broom or a carpet sweeper for cleaning and upkeep purposes.
To avoid more damage, remember to clean spills as soon as you see them.
Most carpets are machine-washable.
So, you can throw them in a machine to make your work easier. But, check the cleaning tag to confirm whether you can wash it using a machine.
Related
References
https://www.sisalrugs.com/blog/can-i-leave-my-outdoor-rug-outside-all-winter-long
https://simplegreen.com/cleaning-tips/rooms/outdoors/rugs-and-mats/
