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How Do I... Choose an Outdoor Rug?
Looking to jazz up your alfresco area? An outdoor rug could be just the solution – here's how to buy with confidence
In this practical series, we ask experts to answer your burning design and decorating questions. Here, Korryn Bentley, head of homewares at Temple & Webster, reveals everything you need to know about outdoor rugs so you can find the perfect design.
What should I expect to pay?
Around $250 for a 200 x 300 centimetre size.
Around $250 for a 200 x 300 centimetre size.
Which styles are trending?
Anything that looks like a natural material such as jute or sisal (these lookalikes are, in fact, made from polypropylene) is popular. Geometrics and patterns are also popular in outdoor rugs.
Anything that looks like a natural material such as jute or sisal (these lookalikes are, in fact, made from polypropylene) is popular. Geometrics and patterns are also popular in outdoor rugs.
What are they made from?
Mainly recycled plastic and polypropylene. Recycled plastic is the more eco-friendly option and has similar durability to polypropylene.
Other materials such as cotton, jute and sisal may be sold as outdoor rugs, but they’re not as easily cleaned and maintained outdoors as their plastic-based counterparts.
Both polypropylene and recycled plastic rugs are water resistant. But like any outdoor piece, it’s best not to leave them sitting in a puddle of water for lengthy periods, or exposed to the elements year-round if you want them to maintain their good looks.
Mainly recycled plastic and polypropylene. Recycled plastic is the more eco-friendly option and has similar durability to polypropylene.
Other materials such as cotton, jute and sisal may be sold as outdoor rugs, but they’re not as easily cleaned and maintained outdoors as their plastic-based counterparts.
Both polypropylene and recycled plastic rugs are water resistant. But like any outdoor piece, it’s best not to leave them sitting in a puddle of water for lengthy periods, or exposed to the elements year-round if you want them to maintain their good looks.
Do they all feel a bit plasticky underfoot?
Polypropylene or recycled plastic rugs come in a few different styles. The most common is a flat-woven style, which will feel like plastic underfoot. But this is the most durable material and the easiest to clean.
Outdoor rugs also come in a tufted style, which has a similar feel to a fluffy indoor rug. Tufted outdoor styles are less practical for high-traffic areas and exposed settings.
Polypropylene or recycled plastic rugs come in a few different styles. The most common is a flat-woven style, which will feel like plastic underfoot. But this is the most durable material and the easiest to clean.
Outdoor rugs also come in a tufted style, which has a similar feel to a fluffy indoor rug. Tufted outdoor styles are less practical for high-traffic areas and exposed settings.
How do I assess quality?
A good sign of a high-quality outdoor rug is the way it has been woven. If the weave is dense and the rug is difficult to manipulate, this indicates that the product is durable and will cope with high levels of footfall.
A looser weave or warped sections are tell-tale signs of poor quality.
A good sign of a high-quality outdoor rug is the way it has been woven. If the weave is dense and the rug is difficult to manipulate, this indicates that the product is durable and will cope with high levels of footfall.
A looser weave or warped sections are tell-tale signs of poor quality.
How easy are they to look after?
Outdoor rugs are designed to be easy to clean and store, so you don’t have to worry about spills or leaving them outside when it rains.
They are also generally lightweight, so it’s easy to roll them up and store them away in the winter months.
Outdoor rugs are designed to be easy to clean and store, so you don’t have to worry about spills or leaving them outside when it rains.
They are also generally lightweight, so it’s easy to roll them up and store them away in the winter months.
Can I remove stains?
Yes, you can simply wash a polypropylene or recycled plastic rug down with the hose (use a splash of dish detergent and a sponge or scrubbing brush for heavier dirt), and leave flat to dry.
Yes, you can simply wash a polypropylene or recycled plastic rug down with the hose (use a splash of dish detergent and a sponge or scrubbing brush for heavier dirt), and leave flat to dry.
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Not only will an outdoor rug bring comfort, colour and pattern to your alfresco space, it’s also a great way to cover ugly outdoor surfaces.
They’re also generally not a huge outlay, allowing you to add impact and texture to your outdoor space without blowing the budget.