In my previous post, the first of several blog posts about creating the perfect outdoor oasis, I shared the pros and cons of various patio furniture materials available on the market today. This week I share information about area rugs. Outdoor area rugs provide a ‘foundation’ for your oasis and create definition for the ‘rooms’ be they on a porch, patio or deck. While outdoor rugs can do double duty and move indoors, indoor rugs can not be used outdoors.

The fibre content of outdoor rugs fall into one of two categories: synthetic and natural. To help you in your decision on which rug will be best for your outdoor room, read on for the pros and cons of the various outdoor rug fibres available on the market today.

Synthetics

Polypropylene (also known as Olefin)

Pros – affordable; stain resistant (water based stains); moisture, mold and mildew resistant; available in a wide range of colours, patterns and designs; washable; fade resistant; soft.

Cons – not resistant to oil-based stains (not recommended under an outdoor dining table); polypropylene fibres do not easily bounce back to will retain furniture marks for a long time.

Polypropylene rugs are available in wide range of colours, patterns and designs. Photo Credit: rugs.ca

Polyester

Pros – affordable; available in a wide range of colours, patterns and designs; soft underfoot; durable; stain resistant (water based stains).

Cons - polyester fibres crush and furniture indents are permanent; needs regular cleaning.

Nylon

Pros – durable and resilient even in high traffic areas; easy to clean; colourfast; available in a variety of piles and textures; mold and mildew resistant.

Cons – absorbs heat so can be hot underfoot in direct sunlight; not stain resistant.

Natural

Jute

Pros – soft; easily cleaned with a vacuum.

Cons – not as durable as synthetic fibres; not moisture resistant (best for enclosed porches, sun rooms or patios as the fibres may fall apart when wet); susceptible to mold and mildew; needs to be stored indoors during the winter; not fade resistant; limited colour options.

Sisal

Pros – durable; affordable; easily cleaned with vacuuming or shaking out.

Cons – stain easily; not moisture resistant; susceptible to mold and mildew; limited colour options.

Sea Grass

Pros – durable; affordable; soft; water repellent; stain resistant; low maintenance; stain resistant.

Cons – prone to mold and mildew; not fade resistant; limited colour options.

As you consider the type of outdoor rug that will best suit the needs of your outdoor spaces, I hope this ‘cheat sheet’ will help you in your decision making. Remember too that these pros and cons are presented only in reference to outdoor use – many of these materials are beautiful additions to your indoor spaces as well and offer a way to make rooms feel less formal.

Stay tuned the next blog post when I’ll share ideas, tips and tricks for outdoor lighting.

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