Outdoor Patio Rugs: Buying Guide, Maintenance, and Care

Summer is upon us, and it’s time to enjoy being outside. The kids are out of school, family vacations and activities are planned out, and the weather is perfect. When you and your family aren’t on-the-go, you probably want to relax at home or invite some friends and/or family over to enjoy some great company.

Unfortunately, outdoor patio spaces are often neglected in terms of upkeep and new styling. With a little bit of creativity and an amateur eye for design, it can be super easy to give the patio a much-needed makeover prior to the peak of summer. Furniture is a given and a little harder choice to make, but a rug is something anyone can pick out with the right knowledge. Mostly for aesthetic purposes, a great patio rug can be a great focal point or accent piece to tie a design together.

Outdoor Patio Rugs Guide

When talking about an outdoor rug, the first image that comes to mind might be a welcome mat at a front door. This is not the type of rug that is going to be discussed in the following paragraphs because a patio rug is good for more than just wiping off shoes.

An outdoor patio rug brings together extreme function to withstand the elements and a pivotal design element in one piece. A lot of time can be spent picking out the right furniture for a patio, so it’s important to pick out the right accessories to complete the desired look. Picking a rug for the great outdoors can be a bit tricky and strikingly different from an indoor rug. For those in need or wanting to learn about how to make the best choice for an outdoor patio rug, here is a thorough, need-to-know buying guide to help.

Outdoor Patio Rugs: Buying Guide, Maintenance, and CareEssential Things to Know Before Making a Rug Purchase

  • Identify the main theme or color scheme of the space for the rug. Pick out some accent colors or complimenting colors that would fit with what is trying to be accomplished. Take into consideration the color of your home, the color and style of your furniture.
  • Don’t forget to buy a rug pad as well. This will help extend the life of the rug by providing a buffer between the hard surface and the rug itself. This will also provide a solution to the question of, “how to keep outdoor rugs in place on concrete?”
  • Color isn’t the only important factor to start thinking about. Size and shape are equally important and be sure that the size will allow for all of the front legs of the furniture to be placed on it. Measure just to be sure.
  • Don’t try and bring an indoor rug outdoors; this will never end well. Indoor rugs are not waterproof rugs for patios.
  • Solid colors are good, but a pattern can be an even better choice, keep the design options open. Patterns have become extremely popular choices, and thanks to the different types of materials used in outdoor rugs, the options are just about endless.

Now that the creative juices have begun to flow, let’s dive deeper into some of the most common questions people ask about outdoor rugs.

What is the best material for outdoor rugs?

The main difference between an indoor rug and an outdoor rug is the ability to hold up to the elements. Indoor rugs are poorly suited to withstand harsh weather (rain, sun, cold, etc.) and don’t survive long in highly-trafficked areas.

What are outdoor rugs made of?

Unlike cotton or cloth materials that indoor rugs are made from, outdoor rugs are typically going to be made from synthetic fibers or plant-based fibers that offer natural weather protection.

Common natural materials that you will find are hemp, jute, sisal, and seagrass, with jute being the least durable because it can easily be damaged by moisture and mold.

Synthetic materials such as polypropylene and polyester are the most common because of their versatility and durability. Polypropylene is perhaps the very best choice because it is 100% UV resistant, durable in all weather conditions, stain resistant and can literally be made in any color or pattern imaginable. A good example of a polypropylene rug is this Cane Line Defined rug.

How to care for an outdoor rug?

While outdoor rugs are considered to be low maintenance, if the rug is expected to last season after season, some care and maintenance are required. As mentioned above, a rug pad is highly recommended to help prolong the lifespan of the rug.

How to clean outdoor rug is a pretty simple question to answer. Vacuuming is highly recommended to keep dirt and debris from building up, and if spills occur, spot cleaning with water and mild soap works, throwing it into the washing machine or even rising with a hose are all options that can be utilized.

  • Bringing your rug in for the winter months is simple, but if not done properly, the answer to do outdoor rugs get moldy will not be a desirable one. Prior to storing, rinsing and drying the rug entirely is essential. Roll up to store with the bottom facing out.
  • Can outdoor rugs go inside? Of course — they can, but an indoor rug should not be used outside. A common question on the flip side is, can you turn an indoor rug into an outdoor rug? There are not many options available and it is best to not take the chance on ruining a perfectly good indoor rug and just purchase the right outdoor rug.
  • Is the outdoor carpet an option? With advances in the material technology, waterproof outdoor carpet is a great option for those seeking a durable, stylish covering for any surface.

With this knowledge, purchasing an outdoor rug will be a much easier task. When the time comes to make the purchase, you will know exactly what to look for. Synthetic materials will last longer than plant-based or cloth ones. Choosing the right size for the space is just as important as the color and design. But, in the end, the choice that is made should compliment the space well and tie into the design scheme.

At Clima, we have one of the largest selections of outdoor patio rugs in Florida, from top designers and luxury manufacturers from around the world. No matter the shape, style, material, or color that you are looking for, we have the patio rug for you.

Also, there is no wrong time to upgrade your patio furniture to match that great new rug. We’re proud to offer the finest selection of outdoor furniture and accessories to help you turn your outdoor space into the patio that you’ll love and use all summer! Check out the options we offer for rugs at  https://www.climahome.com/catalog/outdoor-accessories/rugs/.