Can You Put an Outdoor Rug on a Wood Deck?

Using outdoor rugs is a good way to improve the aesthetic ambiance of your outdoor space. And many homeowners like you are interested to know if they can put an outdoor rug on a wood deck without destroying it.

Putting an outdoor rug made of the wrong material, such as rugs made of natural fibers, wool, rubber, or latex, will destroy your wood deck in various ways. For example, it may discolor, decay, promote mold, or fungal infestation.

Rugs made of wool and natural fiber absorb high content of water, which could cause mold and mildew to grow on the deck. In contrast, rugs made of rubber and latex trap heat and moisture in the wood, which can make your deck wrap.

Knowing the appropriate rug for your wooden deck to keep your deck in good condition is important. So what kind of rug can you put on a wood deck?

Can you put an outdoor rug on a wood deck?

Yes, you put an outdoor rug on a wood deck. And the best outdoor rugs to lay on a deck are the polypropylene outdoor rugs as they are made durable and resistant to weather elements, making them suitable for use on the deck.

Outdoor rugs made of natural fiber will hold up water which can cause mold and mildew to grow on your deck. This could also cause the deck to rot as moisture is trapped between the rug and deck. So when looking for an outdoor rug to use on your deck, always go for a polypropylene rug, and our best for this purpose is stated below.

The Best Outdoor Rug for Wooden Deck

Gertmenian Outdoor Rug Freedom Collection Coastal Themed Smart Care Deck Patio Carpet

Bring out that special summer looks to your deck or patio with the Freedom collection. The colors and designs of this rug will put fashion at your feet, offering a contemporary style that complements most outdoor decors.

Crafted from man-made polypropylene material with a neutral-colored chevron pattern, this durable rug is both stains and fade resistant. Its synthetic fibers are UV treated to resist color fading, while its carefree smart maintenance technology prevents stains and soiling. This rug is backed by a manufacturer’s warranty on wear, fading, and snags.

This rug is woven with 100% solution-dyed polypropylene yarn for fade resistance, UV protection, and soil/stain resistance. Its power-loomed construction, coupled with the superior conditioning process and single-pass brushing technique, makes each strand stand straight, adding to a wonderful plush touch underfoot. Easy to vacuum and clean by shaking, blowing, or hosing off.

Related: Best outdoor rugs for patio

Factors to Consider Before Buying an Outdoor Rug for a Wooden Deck

Materials:

It’s critical to seek a rug made of the appropriate material. And when looking to buy a rug for a wooden deck, the best ones are those made of polypropylene or synthetic fiber. These are made to resist various weather elements to ensure they stand the test of time. These rugs do not cause any form of harm to your outdoor space; rather, they protect and beautify the space.

Colorfastness:

Some outdoor rugs may fade over time if not properly cared for. For example, UV rays cause the dyes in the cloth to break down, resulting in color fading over time. Choose vibrant outdoor rugs labeled solution-dyed to avoid a situation like this. This indicates that color was added to the fiber during the manufacturing process, making it fade-resistant.

 Affordability:

Aside from the necessity for a high-quality product that will last a long time, the cost is also an issue. To save money while receiving the desired outcome, get a budget-friendly outdoor rug.

Weather:

The weather has a big influence on the outdoor rugs you may buy. You’ll need water-resistant carpeting if you live in an area with a lot of rain. If you live in a sunny area, make sure the rug is heat-resistant, and if you live in a windy one, choose a strong rig that won’t blow away.

Is it okay to use outdoor rugs on wood decks?

Yes, it is okay to use outdoor rugs on wood decks. However, it is essential to take note of the precautions and adhere to them strictly. 

One of them is to make sure the outdoor rugs are dry, especially if you live in a rainy area. Secondly, the rug pad should be placed under the rug to protect the deck surface and mat from harm. Thirdly, because they remain unmoving on the wooden deck, choose a thick or rough rug on the underside. 

Otherwise, rugs can hold uncomfortable water to walk on, harm wood decks, attract moths, and develop a mildew odor if not properly cared for.

 

Do’s and Don’ts of Having an Outdoor Rug on Wooden Deck

Do’s

• Spot and fix any harms on the deck like rotten boards, free nails, and wood splinters before laying a carpet.
• Remove your rugs and clean them thrice or twice a year. Permit the mat to dry totally before returning the carpet.
• As you clean, check so that minor imperfections on the deck can check whether the outdoor carpet fills its need.
• Clean and dry your outdoor carpet when it rains or stepped on with muddy footwear. Cleaning will forestall the mud finishes from being drenched into the rug strands and the wood deck.
• Use a rug pad to prevent scratching and slipping of your wood deck. Then again, hold your rug down with cover tape.
• Put the front leg of your outdoor furniture on the rug to keep it in place.
• Ensure both the rug and deck are dried before placing your rug to prevent mold and mildew growth.

Don’ts

• Try not to put an outdoor rug on a clammy wood deck. Your deck should be dry before laying your rugs on it.
• Try not to buy an outdoor rug before measuring the area it will cover.
• Don’t use your indoor rug outdoor. 

Will an outdoor rug damage or ruin a wood deck?

Natural-fiber outdoor rug may damage or ruin a wood deck by absorbing a lot of water. Mold and mildew thrive in this type of environment. So using the wrong rug on your deck will damage your deck. Rugs like this will cause your deck to rot over some time. 

However, Synthetic carpets made of tightly woven polypropylene and recycled plastic mats provide extra decking protection and will not ruin your deck. These rugs are made to withstand the elements and do not trap moisture between the rug and the deck. 

What Kind of Rugs Damage Wood Deck

While wood decks are an amazing addition to any home, you probably have been warned that they can be a high-maintenance feature. Many homeowners are dedicated to keeping their decks well-maintained, but there is plenty of room for mistakes.

One particular mistake that some homeowners make is using the wrong type of rug on their deck. What kind of rugs damages the wood deck? What kinds are safe?

Rugs that are not properly suited for outdoor use can damage your wooden deck. Two types of rugs can damage your deck:

• Natural fiber rugs, including bamboo and jute
• Handmade or handwoven rugs, including cotton or wool

These rugs will leave stains or discoloration on your deck’s wood planks if they get wet or moist over time. To prevent this from happening and to avoid staining your wood deck, it’s best to avoid using these types of rugs altogether.

What Kinds of Rugs Are Safe on Your Wooden Deck?

There are certain kinds of rugs that are completely safe to use on your wooden. Outdoor rugs are made to last and safeguard the surface of your deck.

They are available in a range of exquisite textures, colors, and patterns. Each type has its particular feel. Rugs not only lighten up your outdoor environment, but they help keep dirt and dust at bay.

Let’s look at the ideal outdoor rugs for wood decks.

• Polypropylene outdoor rugs: Polypropylene is a great synthetic material that looks like sisal. This popular outdoor rug material resists fading and staining. Furthermore, it has a pleasant texture that is simple to maintain. Polypropylene rugs can survive extreme weather and retain the color of their designs for an extended period.
• Olefin rugs: Olefin is a stain-resistant and mildew-resistant synthetic material. On a hot, bright summer afternoon, olefin rugs are light and smooth, giving your feet the perfect fee.
• Acrylic Rugs: These rugs replicate the look and feel of wool, but they’re synthetic and usually more affordable. They’re also weather-resistant, so they won’t hold excess water and can be perfect for covering a wood deck.
• Coconut Fiber Rugs: These eco-friendly options are durable and often reversible. They’re also skid-proof and stain-resistant, which makes them great for high-traffic areas on your deck.
• Recycled plastic rug: Recycled plastic carpets are ideal for open outdoor locations. Plastic rugs are popular among homeowners for protecting decks from damage caused by heavy furniture legs. 

Do outdoor rugs require a rug pad?

Outdoor rugs do not require a rug pad. In fact, depending on the type of outdoor rug you have, it may be better to avoid a rug pad altogether.

The primary reason for using a rug pad is to prevent slipping. Most outdoor rugs have rubberized backing or are made from natural materials that provide enough grip to keep the rug in place without a rug pad. In some cases, putting a rug pad under an outdoor rug can make the rug more slippery!

Additionally, a small amount of moisture that seeps up through a wood deck may not cause damage, but if you add a layer of foam or rubber padding between your outdoor rug and the deck, the moisture may get trapped and start to rot the underside of your rug. This will happen quickly, especially if you live in an area with high humidity levels.

If you’re still unsure whether or not your outdoor area needs an extra layer of protection from your rug, consider what kind of surface it will be placed on. For example, if your outdoor flooring is concrete or pavers, it’s safe to assume that your new rug will be safe and you won’t need a rug pad.

 Can an outdoor rug be used on a composite deck?

Yes, an outdoor rug can be used on composite decking. Outdoor rugs give a lot of visual interest to a deck area. However, rugs with a rubber or latex backing may leave stains on the decking.

These stains are removable, but it is better to prevent them altogether by choosing either vinyl-backed or colorfast woven rugs. Likewise, mats and rugs with metal grommets or embellishments should be avoided since they might rust and taint the composite decking underneath.

What Kinds of Rugs Should You Purchase?

The type of rugs to be purchased are rugs with colorful fast-woven and vinyl backing. They are ideal for composite decking. These rugs don’t leave marks on your composite decking. They also are resistant to molds and mildew, which can stain the decking.

Will an outdoor rug damage a composite deck?

Using the wrong outdoor rug might damage a composite deck. You risk staining, scratching, and discoloration if you make the wrong decision. In addition, you need to avoid outdoor rugs with latex or rubber backings and those with metal grommets and embellishments. These can scratch or corrode your composite decking, causing discoloration.

However, using the right outdoor rug will not damage a composite deck. Composite decks are engineered to be more durable and resistant to wear than wooden decks, so you can safely put an outdoor rug on top of your composite deck without worrying about damaging it. In fact, many people put outdoor rugs on their composite decks to add color and texture to the space.

You’ll also want to buy a non-slip outdoor rug pad if you’re placing your outdoor rug on a composite deck. This can help prevent the rug from sliding around and causing damage.

What Types Of Outdoor Rugs Are Safe To Put On Composite Decking?

Choose polypropylene rugs with a conventional weave or recycled plastic mats with a soft backing. These won’t scratch or scuff your decking, and they won’t absorb moisture, preventing mold and mildew from growing beneath damp rugs.

We recommend waiting at least three months after installing composite decking to allow for natural discoloration to occur equally throughout the boards, regardless of which rug you pick. If you put a rug over the wood too soon, your deck will have an inconsistent color tone.