Outdoor rug materials could be one of two things – natural or synthetic. Outdoor rugs are typically made of durable, weather-resistant materials.
Depending on your preference, you can choose from any number of different types of outdoor rug material.
When deciding on what rug to buy there are all kinds of factors that need to be considered. These factors include size, color, material, and price.
However, when you buy an outdoor rug the type of material it is made out of is very important. This is because if you do not choose one correctly your outdoor area can feel like a sauna in summer or like Antarctica in winter.
Rugged yet comfortable materials will help your garden’s or backyard’s décor stay protected from the elements while maintaining its beauty.
There are three main types of rugs available for outdoor use: natural fiber rugs (made mainly out of jute, sisal, seagrass), indoor/outdoor rugs (outdoor carpet), or artificial turf rugs (made out of synthetic grass).
Natural Fiber Rugs
Natural fiber rugs are made of materials that are grown, not manufactured. The most common of these materials is jute. Jute has excellent resistance to rot and abrasion, making it suitable for high-traffic areas.
It is also very affordable which makes it an ideal choice for outdoor rugs that may need to be replaced after a year or two. This is because the sun’s UV rays have faded them or they have been exposed to too much moisture.
Sisal is another popular natural material used in rug making. Though it is less durable than jute so you can expect your sisal rug will last three years on average before needing replacement even if it’s only exposed to harsh weather elements occasionally.
There is seagrass, an excellent choice for outdoor use because it is one of the most durable natural fibers.
It will not fade even in direct sunlight and it also repels mold making it a great option if your patio or deck has moist areas that are prone to mold.
Indoor/Outdoor Rugs
An indoor/outdoor rug can be made out of either synthetic carpeting or artificial turf. A good example of this kind of rug is the Classic Brands’ EverStrand Indoor-Outdoor Non-Slip Rug Mat which retails on Amazon for $35.99 for a 2′ x 3′ size.
This particular rug is an excellent balance between durability and softness so you can be sure that your feet will feel pampered while out on a cold winter night.
This rug is ideal for patios, porches, and decks that get a lot of use during the summer because it can handle all kinds of pressure from people walking on it to storms moving through your area.
Artificial Turf Rugs
Artificial turf rugs are made out of synthetic grass. They come in various shapes and sizes which make them an amazing choice if you want to transform your home or backyard into a carpeted luxury outdoor living space.
Synthetic grass feels just like the real thing but since it’s manmade you need not worry about whether or not your pets will be able to resist urinating on it.
Also, unlike natural fiber rugs that should not get wet, artificial turf rugs can be used in areas that often get moist such as your backyard or patio so they are perfect for people who enjoy spending time outdoors.
Natural outdoor rug materials
Natural outdoor rug materials are materials that are produced by plants, animals or rocks in nature. The following is a list of some popular natural fibers used in the manufacturing of outdoor rugs:
1). Camel’s hair
- Cotton
- Wool
2). Coconut Fiber
- Hemp
- Sisal
3). Rubber Tree
- Jute
Animal hairs also make good natural outdoor rug materials, however, animal hairs are typically not manufactured for outdoor use.
Depending on your preferences, you may decide to go with a natural outdoor rug material that is made from one of the following natural materials:
Camel Hair Outdoor Rugs
Camel’s hair is used in making ultra-fine shag rugs. It’s very soft and similar to sheep wool except it covers even more area per pound than sheep wool or other animal fibers.
When compared to other natural outdoor rug materials, camel hair provides good insulation against cold weather. However, because of its fine strands and delicate nature, it can be easily damaged by items such as pet’s nails, and lawn equipment.
Cotton Outdoor Rugs
Cotton is an inexpensive material used in manufacturing outdoor rugs. It’s heavy and somewhat stiff compared to other natural outdoor rug materials, but it’s also durable and resists mold and mildew.
Cotton is an extremely versatile material that works well in a variety of different types of outdoor rugs such as braided rugs, flatweave rugs, hand-knotted rugs, or hooked mats.
All types of cotton can be used for making good quality outdoor rugs, however, cotton grown in the United States has a reputation for being more durable than imported cotton.
Wool Outdoor Rugs
Woolen fibers are able to absorb a significant amount of moisture without feeling wet to the touch.
Its good water-absorbent qualities make wool a popular fiber in manufacturing many kinds of outdoor rugs.
However, because it’s such a good dirt magnet, it requires quite a bit of maintenance to keep looking its best.
Wool is also subject to damage from mold and mildew while wet and may shrink after long periods of exposure to intense sunlight.
Depending on your preferences, you can choose from hand-knotted wool rugs or braided wool mats that may be dyed in any color you wish.
Wool is an excellent choice for certain types of outdoor rugs such as the Navajo rug because of its ability to repel moths and other insects.
Coconut Fiber Outdoor Rugs
Coconut fiber is often used in making heavy-duty outdoor rugs such as welcome mats and doormats (coir matting).
It’s also used in making carpets, as a backing for carpets, and as an embellishment material. Coconut fiber is extremely durable and resistant to water damage, mildew, and mold. However, it should never be exposed directly to the sun because it will fade over time.
Coconut Fiber braided rug
Coconut fiber outdoor rugs are generally installed outdoors or in a covered space such as a porch where they won’t be exposed directly to the elements.
If you do plan on installing them outdoors, it’s recommended that you buy high-quality coconut fiber rugs from reputable manufacturers who have been in business for several years.
Some of these manufacturers only use the best quality coconut fiber that’s been treated with UV-resistant chemicals so that it can hold up well outdoors year after year.
Hemp Outdoor Rugs
Hemp is an extremely versatile material used in making all kinds of outdoor rugs. It’s usually made with a blend of other materials such as jute, sisal or synthetic fibers.
Hemp is typically braided together with natural materials to give the rug extra abrasion resistance and durability.
Because they are very heavy in weight, hemp outdoor rugs can be used on hard surfaces where most other types of rugs would tend to slip and slide out of place.
Braided handmade hemp rugs are considered to be some of the best quality carpets available for use outdoors. They are also one of the most expensive natural yard mats you’ll find on the market today.
Jute Outdoor Rugs
Jute was once the most popular fiber used in manufacturing outdoor rugs. It was widely used before synthetic fibers like nylon were developed.
Today it’s usually only used as an accent material or blended with other materials such as sisal or hemp to give the carpet added color and texture.
When braided together, jute is extremely durable against heavy foot traffic and has a look and feel similar to natural grass.
However, because of its softness, it can be easily damaged by lawn equipment or pet nails so care should be taken when installing it under porches or on decks where this may occur.
Jute is excellent for use on hard surfaces but must always be installed indoors to avoid fading in sunlight over time.
Synthetic Outdoor Rugs
Synthetic fibers such as polypropylene and nylon are durable and resistant to color fading when exposed to the sun.
Because they don’t absorb moisture, synthetic outdoor rugs such as welcome mats can be easily cleaned with a hose or power washer without fear of damage.
Many types of outdoor rugs come with rubber backing added underneath the fibers to help prevent them from slipping and sliding out of place on hard surfaces like tile, concrete, or stone flooring.
Modern synthetic fibers made in the form of high-quality carpets and mats for outdoors will look almost identical to traditional woolen, jute, and sisal hand-knotted floor coverings but at a fraction of the cost.
Some types even resemble cut pile carpeting that’s seen indoors. Other rugs may feel similar to a natural grass material and have a very thin profile.
You’ll often see these types of outdoor rugs installed in heavily trafficked areas near entryways or under porches where they will be subject to foot traffic from family, friends, and visitors.
Best outdoor rugs
NULOOM BRAIDED AREA RUG | NOURISON ALOHA RUG | UNIQUE LOOM OUTDOOR RUG | |
Materials | Polypropylene | Polypropylene | Polypropylene |
Dimensions | 5′ x 8′ | 8′ Round | 7′ x 10′ |
Shape | Rectangular | Circular | Rectangular |
Weave | Braided | Shag | Shag |
Styles of Outdoor Rugs
Many different styles of outdoor rugs are available for purchase today. Braided jute mats have been used as welcome rugs for many years but newer versions now include all kinds of synthetic fibers blended with braided jute or sisal.
These synthetic cheaper alternatives give the appearance of a much more expensive rug without the higher price tag.
Machine-made styles such as shaggy style welcome mats can be found at cheaper prices but oftentimes this lower quality carpet isn’t as durable.
Natural Look of Outdoor Rugs
For those who want a touch of natural appearance, outdoor rugs made from materials such as sisal or jute may be exactly what you need.
These types of carpets have a very natural grass look and will help to give any room the look and feel of being outside where it counts most.
The bright green color contrasts nicely with dark flooring surfaces like tile, flagstone, or brick pavers which helps make them stand out against other similar-looking indoor styles.
Outdoor Rugs for Porches or Decks
No matter if your home has large front porches, small clustered sunrooms, clustered decks, hardwood floors, tiled surfaces, or stone walkways, you’ll find plenty of styles to choose from that are sure to look great on any outdoor porch or deck.
Machine Woven Outdoor Rugs
Rugged styles with extra grommets are designed for heavy foot traffic while braided styles with small, tightly packed knots work well for areas where pets won’t be allowed since the jute fibers help make them very durable against digging and scratching.
Unpredictable Weather
If you live in an area where weather is unpredictable, synthetic carpets made out of polypropylene may be your best choice.
They will remain clean even when exposed to rain or snow because they don’t absorb moisture like natural rugs.
Additionally, they are nearly indestructible when it comes to salt or ice damage from spilled snow or other chemicals that are often seen on the ground during the winter months.
Take Care of Outdoor Rugs
Rugged outdoor rugs can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap solution if they ever get dirty.
Simply rinse off any soapy residue with water to keep them looking great for many years to come.
Natural vs Synthetic Outdoor Rugs
While all carpets have their pluses, it’s important to choose the right type for any given area in your home.
For homes where pets are not allowed, natural outdoor rugs made from sisal or jute may be just what you need because these materials are extremely durable against scratching and digging by dogs or cats.
If your porch is exposed to foul weather, synthetic carpets made from polypropylene will also work well but may not be as durable as those with tighter weaves and more tightly packed fibers.
There are many different styles of outdoor rugs available to purchase today and knowing which type to buy should depend on where you plan to place it and how much foot traffic it’s going to get.
For heavily used areas outdoors such as porches or decks, a synthetic rug woven from polypropylene fibers can withstand just about anything.
On the other hand, natural jute mats look great indoors under covered entryways but don’t hold up very well against pets or inclement weather conditions for this reason alone.
In the end, choosing the right type of carpet is all a matter of design preference and knowing exactly the type of environment it’s going to be placed in.
For most homes, a blended rug with jute or sisal fibers will work well indoors under entryways or in rooms where pets aren’t allowed.
A synthetic outdoor carpet made from polypropylene may be best if you plan on placing it somewhere outside where inclement weather conditions are likely.
Specifications of Best patterned outdoor rug for covered areas
Material | Polyester |
Color and pattern options in the range | 1 |
Sizes | 2×3′, 3×5′, 2.6×10′, 6×9′, 8×10′, 9×12′, 11×14 |
REASONS TO BUY | +Beautiful pattern+Hand-knotted so no two are the same+Wide range of size options |
Conclusion
In summary, there’s no denying that natural carpets look great.
If you want something that will last long into the future without showing signs of wear and tear, synthetic outdoor rugs made from polypropylene will do the trick for any porch, deck, wood flooring, or stone surface which can get wet when exposed to rain or snow.