There are many options of carpets for outdoors, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. With so many choices it can be difficult to decide which carpet is the right one for you. We’ve put together a list of five characteristics you may want to consider below, so that you can find the best outdoor carpet for your needs.

1. Durability:

The first thing to consider is how durable your rug should be; carpets designed for outdoors will have different durability ratings depending on where they are used- if in direct sunlight on a deck, there will be different considerations than if by a children’s play area in partial shade most of the day.

2. Color:

The material and color of your rug where it is placed outdoors can influence its overall appearance. If you have a dark colored material next to a lighter colored one, the contrast will create an interesting visual dynamic, but if you select light colors on a dark background (or vice versa) it could result in your carpet looking faded or pale after just a few months of use.

3. Resistance to UV Rays & Mold:

Be sure that the type of backing for your outdoor carpet is resistant to the sun’s UV rays- indoor carpets are designed with this in mind, but if you live in an area with very strong sunlight or high UV exposure then it’s best to make sure that the rug you choose is as resistant as possible. The best outdoor carpet will also be treated or dyed to help keep mold from developing.

4. Care & Maintenance:

This can be one of the biggest issues for people choosing which rug to purchase for their outdoors. Much like choosing a material for a baby’s blanket, you’ll have to consider how easy it is to care for your rug- some have harder surfaces that become stained or muddy more easily than others, while still others are designed with cleaning in mind and don’t require much more than the occasional hose down.

5. Waterproofing:

Rugs designed specifically for outdoors are usually waterproof, but occasionally you may come across an indoor rug that has been treated or coated with a waterproofing substance. If you have young children or pets that enjoy playing in the mud or go swimming in the backyard then it is best to make sure that your rug is waterproof. If your rug isn’t waterproof, then consider choosing a carpet with a similar waterproofing quality. There’s no point in buying an outdoor carpet that you can’t use while also making sure you keep safe from flooding and mold!

Conclusion:

Choosing a material for an outdoor rug can be overwhelming; especially if you’re not very familiar with the different types of materials out there. That’s why we’ve created this guide, to help you find the best outdoor carpet for your needs!