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Can Jute Rugs Be Used Outdoors?

Jute rugs are popular for many different interior design styles thanks to their natural texture, cushioning, and neutral colors. These rugs are mainstays of rustic and boho styles, but their style is transcendent enough to work in minimalist modern homes as well. However, when considering jute rugs for your home’s interior or exterior, it is important to know what jute is, why it is so beloved, and how it works in various environments.

Learn More About Jute Rugs

  1. What Exactly is Jute?
  2. Advantages of Jute Rugs
  3. Can Jute Rugs be Used Outdoors?
  4. Best Positions for Jute Rugs Outdoors
  5. Alternative Rug Materials for Outdoor Use

What is a Jute Rug?

Jute is a completely natural material that’s commonly used in rugs. Jute is grown and harvested in the lowlands of India and Bangladesh. It is the second most cultivated plant in the world, with cotton being the first. After the plant is grown, stripped of its bark, and dried, it is woven to create strong fibers for rugs and ropes. Jute is popularly known for the strength of its material, but there is a misconception that jute rugs are coarse or uncomfortable. Jute is a surprisingly soft material that is pleasing to touch and step on thanks to the natural softness of the material and its woven nature.

Queen Size Runner Rug

Advantages of Jute Rugs

Jute rugs are some of the most affordable options for natural rugs. Since jute is 100% natural and a common resource, these rugs are eco-friendly and easy to produce. The rugs are typically hand crafted or made on a loom, although there are machine-made jute rugs as well. No matter how the rugs are made, they are crafted to be incredibly durable with the natural strength of the fibers and their woven constructions. Their natural softness, texture, and colors make them aesthetically pleasing and comfortable for high traffic spaces like living rooms, dining rooms, and hallways. Jute area rugs can even be dyed or use patterns to create stylish statements for different rooms and aesthetics.

Can Jute Rugs be Used Outdoors?

Jute rugs can be used outdoors if they are placed intentionally and carefully. Jute rugs react poorly to moisture, whether that be rainfall or high humidity. The fibers are susceptible to mold and mildew, so moisture aggravates the rug and furthers the decaying process. With that, these rugs do not take kindly to mud and other wet stains that they may be exposed to outdoors. 

Therefore, jute rugs are not recommended for outdoor areas exposed to rain or any moisture. This is especially true with wood decks. If the jute rug does get wet, it will absorb the water and make the deck wet as well. This moisture may lead to the weathering or rotting of wood. With all of this being said, there are some safe options for using jute rugs outdoors.

Round rug for queen size bed

Best Positions for Jute Rugs Outdoors

If you are going to use a jute rug outdoors, then it’s wise to place it in an enclosed area or under a roof. Patios and porches are two ideal settings with two caveats: be sure that the rug is placed far enough under an awning to be protected from the rain, and be sure the rug does not sit in direct sunlight. Aside from moisture, jute rugs are also damaged by harsh sunlight and may fade if they are placed directly in the sun for long periods of time. With that in mind, you can still safely use jute area rugs outdoors to highlight outdoor seating, dining, and recreational spaces.

Alternative Rug Materials for Outdoor Use

With those pros and cons of jute rugs detailed above, you may be wondering if jute is the proper material for your setting. These alternatives are often comparable to jute rugs and they may work better for your home. 

Seagrass

  • Seagrass is one of the most popular alternatives for jute outdoor rugs. Seagrass is another all natural material that is incredibly durable and able to stand up to heavy traffic. As opposed to jute rugs, seagrass naturally repels water and stains because of their non-porous fibers. Because of that, these rugs can safely be used on decks and uncovered outdoor spaces. 

Sisal

  • Sisal is another natural fiber that is often compared to jute. Like jute, sisal rugs are known for their durability, texture, and natural color. However, they are very absorbent and hold water well. This means that if the rugs get wet, they will retain water and potentially grow mold or mildew. They also get discolored with exposure to moisture and rain. Therefore, you can use these rugs outdoors, but they should be covered by a roof or awning for protection from the rain. 

Polypropylene

  • Polypropylene is perhaps the most popular synthetic material for outdoor area rugs. The rugs are resistant to UV rays, so they will not fade when exposed to sunshine. The material is also stain-resistant and easy to clean. Texturally, these rugs often mimic the look and feel of wool and other soft materials to add warmth and comfort to any space. Despite these rugs being lightweight and machine-made, they are very durable and do well in many outdoor settings. 

Polyester

  • Polyester is one of the most affordable synthetic options out there for indoor and outdoor rugs. The ease of creating polyester fibers and the fact that these rugs are typically machine made means that they are more affordable to make. Even though this is a synthetic material, polyester is known for being highly durable. They have great durability and resilience to moisture: in fact, they repel water. This makes them easy to clean and ideal for areas exposed to rain. Finally, polyester is a soft and comfortable fabric fitting for any outdoor space.

Jute rugs can accent outdoor spaces as long as they are protected from sun, wind, and rain. However, if you are looking for rugs well suited for sunny areas and rainy conditions, some of the options listed above are perfect for fitting your practical needs and conveying your personal style. With this knowledge in mind, you may now choose a rug material that is ideal for your home’s exterior.

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