Outdoor Rugs: A Buyer’s Guide For The Best Ever Purchase

By Author: Phoebe Holland
Total Articles: 94
Comment this article

Lucky are the ones who have decks, patios and porches. They get to spend more time outdoors. From dining al fresco to arranging a barbecue party, the possibilities are unlimited. However, pleasant are the experiences where the outdoor area is brightly decked up and promises comfort underfoot. A simple and effective way is via hand-hooked, machine-made, and flatweave outdoor rugs. Given the enormous colour choices of blue, green and orange outdoor rugs, establishing a theme and conveying a certain emotion is quite easy.

All the nice things about an outdoor rug are bound to make you eager for a purchase. However, it’s better not to get carried over by the emotion but spare a few minutes to peruse this guide. It is for all those who are looking ahead to buy the best-quality outdoor rugs for home.

Key Considerations Before Starting Your Shopping Trip for an Outdoor Rug
Here are a few considerations to bear in mind while shopping for an outdoor area rug:

1. Construction

The three construction styles available commonly are:

• Flatweave outdoor rug

Such a floor covering ...
... is characterised by no piles and less cushion and is primarily available as a kilim-style rug. It is either knotting or weaving polypropylene fibres that lends shape to this type of rug.

• Hand-hooked outdoor rug

Available in many colourful designs, such a floor covering is more towards the higher price range. A lot of time, quality material and expense go into its fabrication.

• Machine-made outdoor rug

Similar to hand-hooked construction, machine-made rug counterparts have myriad colour choices. However, it features minimal detailing and woven from basic materials for the sake of affordability.

Of all three choices, only the flatweave outdoor rug has no backing material. Therefore, you can reverse it from time to time and use both sides.

2. Material

There are two distinct primary material choices – synthetic and natural. While the former offers benefits like durability, vibrant hues, fade resistance and mould and mildew endurance, the latter ensures that your pick is eco-friendly. A few natural materials to name will be jute, bamboo, sisal and hemp rugs.

Now, rugs made from synthetic fibres provide further options:

• Acrylic – Those anticipating an appearance similar to rugs woven from synthetic materials and cushioned feel yet cannot think of a floor covering devoid of mould- and mildew-resistance must go for acrylic. Besides the stated perks, it dyes well and resists stains, making the option a fair one.

• Polypropylene – Not many rugs have the quality of not absorbing liquid or stains. Those woven from polypropylene are exactly so and much more. They resist moisture and mildew, besides stains and despite long hours of exposure to sunlight, never fade.

• Polyester – Though rugs from polyester resist fading and retain vivid colouration, they suffer from a major drawback. They surrender to oil-based stains and shed when exposed to high traffic.
Weigh the pros and cons first, and based on your requirements, place an order.

3. Colour fastness

When buying orange outdoor rugs or those dyed in vibrant hues, make sure they are labelled solution-dyed. This process starts by dyeing the fibres instead of the yarn while constructing floor coverings. Such area rugs hold up well during washing and when left exposed to sun rays.

4. Hues

Whether you show interest in an outdoor rug woven from natural fibres or one made from synthetic fibres, stay assured of one thing – myriad colour choices and patterns. The most popular among them are stripes, medallions and geometrics. Besides, a few other choices are tropical, floral and novelty designs.

Outdoor area rugs are fun to have in the backyard, front yard, porch and patio, but only when they are of superior quality, feature beautiful designs, are dyed in favourable colours and are affordable. Where to get such floor coverings? Why ask when you have Rugs.ie in your vicinity? Even if it’s not, it accepts orders online and delivers across Ireland.

Author Bio:

She is a highly creative person who channels all that through informative write-ups. Her articles on rugs cover all sorts, including flatweave outdoor rugs. Readers flock to her posts to draw key insights, tips, tricks and advice, both before and after rug purchase.

Owner of Rugs.ie - Rugs shop in cork, Ireland.