Tips for Buying and Decorating with Outdoor Rugs

If you spend a lot of time outdoors with your family, friends or special guests, outdoor area rugs are a very practical investment. An important consideration when shopping for an outdoor rug is how well it will hold up to the various environmental conditions in your area. Obviously there are many weather extremes. Rain, snow, ice and intense sunlight can be a problem with some types of outdoor rugs. Natural-fiber rugs such as sisal, jute or seagrass are not always a good choice for an outdoor rug because of the way they can absorb moisture or fade in direct sunlight. Instead you should shop for a durable area rug that is made specifically for use outdoors. Today 100% synthetic olefin (polypropylene) is the most popular fabric used in outdoor rugs. Rugs made of this material resist the elements extremely well, dry quickly and can usually be cleaned with nothing more than a garden hose! Also, because outdoor rugs are usually exposed to damp conditions, consider adding a specially designed outdoor area rug pad to your purchase. It will keep your outdoor rug securely in place and allow it to dry more quickly than if the rug is directly on the deck, porch or patio. Don't settle for an ugly rubber mat. Shop for over 900 styles of outdoor rugs at the nation's leading source for area rugs, Rugs Direct.