In general natural fiber rugs can't last for long outdoors. So if you really want an outdoor rug, make sure it has all the specifications for use outdoors and nothing less. Do not make compromises with that. Make sure you are buying from a reputable company with flexible return policy in case your new rug does not fully qualify its specifications.

Also pay attention to the size of the rug and the corresponding price to that size, as well as to the materials. Speaking for materials you should know a few very important facts prior buying an outdoor rug.

Forget the natural fiber rugs such as jute, sea grass or sisal rugs for an outside surface covering because they absorb moisture and can mildew, or fade in direct sunlight. You may think that being made of all natural fibers these rugs, like sisal area rugs, would withstand outdoor conditions easily, but that is not true.

If you are really searching for the perfect outdoor or patio rug, then you definitely must not choose a sisal rug. Due to sisal is a natural fiber that comes from a cactus plant, it can't stand wet and weathering, so it is not good for outdoor covering. But that doesn't mean they are not good for indoors, though. Just on the contrary…

Sisal area rugs are intended for indoor use only. They are perfect for indoors due to their unique anti-stain property. The closest outdoor function a sisal rug could have is as a foot mat where you rub your feet to remove dirt from your shoes. Amazing! Well, it is possible because it's very easy to clean the rug afterwards, either by shaking or better by vacuuming it.

After we cleared why sisal rug and all types of natural fiber rugs are not good for outdoor use, let's move on to the types of rugs you can really use for your porch, patio deck or pool area - the so called outdoor rugs, and specially designed for exterior areas.

As you may figured it out by now, the outdoor rugs should be made of synthetic materials such as polypropylene or olefin. The olefin is the synthetic analogue of wool and much cheaper as it comes to olefin rug prices. The outdoor area rugs made of olefin feature many unique properties due to olefin's properties as a synthetic material, which are:

- moisture and chemical resistant

- abrasion resistant

- low static

- stain resistant

- strong and durable

- very comfortable

- olefin is also known as the lightest textile fiber, which makes outdoor rugs made of olefin extremely lightweight.

Stain resistant is one of the best qualities of outdoor area rugs because they are very easily cleaned with a hose and drying really fast in the sun.

Outdoor patio rugs are designed to withstand external conditions such as direct sunlight, rain, snow, moisture. They perfectly fit to any exterior surfaces such as the grass in your patio deck, tiles around your pool, wooden floor in your porch, and even concrete surfaces.

Outdoor area rugs can immediately improve your exterior area qualities by simply providing a little comfort for your feet, relaxation for your mind, and protection for your outdoor surfaces.

For example if you think your patio or porch are a little drab or boring, but yet you spend a lot of time there with your family and friends at weekends, then you can easily bring the so much needed warm, comfort, colorful patterns and lovely designs with a beautiful patio rug or any other type of outdoor area rug.



Thanks to Galia Ivanova for contributing this article to our rug blog:

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