Sisal rugs are made from the leaves of the agave plant. These plants make for strong and stiff fiber that is textured. Out of all the natural rug materials, sisal is the most durable.
This type of rug normally comes in earthy and neutral tones. There are times when sisal rugs are dyed to make different patterns and designs.
You can use sisal rugs outdoors, but it is not recommended:
Why it is Best NOT to Use Sisal Rugs Outdoors:
Sisal rugs are well known for durability but cannot withstand weather or moisture. They can be placed on patios or decks with roofing. With their texture and their natural color, they give your space a rugged yet earthy vibe, and they withstand foot traffic for a long time.
Do People Generally Use Sisal Rugs Outdoors?
Natural material rugs are more recommended for indoor use because they are not resistant to outdoor elements. Thus, it can be concluded people do not generally use sisal rugs outdoors.
The most common rugs used outdoors are made from synthetic materials, which is because these types of rugs can withstand even the harshest of outdoor elements.
Can Sisal Rugs Withstand Rain and Moisture?
Since sisal rugs are made from natural materials, they do not do well in rain and moisture.
You can put them on your patio or outdoor deck, but prolonged exposure to moisture can cause the growth of molds and mildew.
Sisal rugs are very absorbent, and they hold water well, but the rugs fade or get discolored if they get wet in the rain. Any discoloration may stain your floor and could ruin the rug itself.
In the event of colored liquid spills, blot the area with a damp white cloth and spot clean it. For solid stains, you can use a gentle brush to remove them. Avoid soaking, shampooing, power washing, or steam cleaning when cleaning your sisal rug.
In case your sisal rug ends up getting wet because of the rain, let it dry completely before placing it back on your patio or deck. You can also hang your rug outside in the sun, as this will help kill any mold or mildew.
Can Sisal Rugs Be Used on WOODEN Decks?
You can use sisal rugs on wooden decks or surfaces. However, you have to watch out for the weather conditions as sisal rugs do not fare well in outdoor elements.
In case of rain, the sisal rug would absorb the water, which might cause mold growth or mildew. This growth can damage your wooden deck.
In case of hot weather, the sisal rug might fade or discolor, and this can end up staining your deck.
Can Sisal Rugs be Used on TREX Decks?
Same with wooden decks, you can use sisal rugs on Trex decks.
However, putting a rug pad underneath the sisal rug is highly advisable as its rough texture might scratch the composite decking.
You also have to watch out for outdoor elements like rain, sun, and moisture, as these elements can harm your rug and, in turn, harm your deck.
Do You Have to Treat Sisal Rugs for Outdoor Use?
Generally, sisal rugs are not recommended for outdoor use because they are not resistant to outdoor elements. However, if you want to use them outdoors, you can treat them.
Treating your sisal rug with a fabric protector spray or water-proofing can help the rug repel liquid spills. It will help lessen any damage to the rug if exposed to water or moisture.
However, the fabric spray does not provide any protection from the sun, so it can still fade or stain your deck or flooring. So it would be best to place it in an outdoor area with enough shade to avoid damage caused by exposing it to direct sunlight.
How Long Do Sisal Rugs Last Outdoor?
Normally, sisal rugs can last for up to 15 years. The life expectancy of sisal rugs, just like any other rug, depends on how it is used and how well it is maintained and cared for.
As a rule of thumb that applies to natural rugs like sisal and jute, you would want to avoid getting these rugs in direct contact with water, moisture, liquid spills, or extreme sunlight. These elements can harm and even damage your sisal rug.
If you use your sisal rugs outdoors and get exposed to harsh weather elements without good maintenance, you may shorten their life expectancy to five years or less.
Other rugs are better for outdoor use. Synthetic material rugs can last for up to 10 years when used outdoors because these rugs are made from fibers that can withstand outdoor elements.
What Rugs Are Recommended for Outdoor Use?
It is always recommended to use rugs made from synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, and polypropylene for your outdoor spaces.
These are rugs are commonly used outdoors. Some might say that these rugs are made to be used in outdoor spaces. They are very durable even when exposed to harsh weather elements or placed in areas with high foot traffic.
Polyester Rugs:
Polyester rugs are a popular choice for outdoor rugs because they are very resilient and durable.
Polyester fibers are flexible and lightweight. These rugs can easily repel water, making them quite simple to clean if liquid spills on them. They are also very soft, so they feel good underfoot.
Polyester is one of the most affordable of the other synthetic material rugs, but it has its cons. The downside to polyester rugs is that they are very prone to shedding to the point of being troublesome.
They also have fiber pulls, meaning that they wear out quite fast.
Nylon Rugs:
Nylon rugs are one of the most resilient and durable rugs.
They are also highly recommended for outdoor use. Nylon rugs are non-absorbent, meaning that spills and stains do not settle deep into the fibers. They are also easy to clean.
Nylon fibers are elastic, which means nylon rugs can retain their shape even in high-traffic areas. When it comes to pricing, nylon rugs are more expensive compared to other synthetic material rugs.
Polypropylene Rugs:
Out of all the other types of rugs, polypropylene rugs are probably the best rugs to use for outdoor spaces.
These rugs mimic the look and feel of wool and other natural material rugs so they can add warmth and texture to any space. Polypropylene rugs are very lightweight, but they are also very durable.
They do well in extreme weather conditions and can withstand different outdoor elements.
They are more durable compared to polyester rugs and nylon rugs. They last longer and are not prone to shedding. They rarely shed. They are also less expensive than nylon rugs and easier to clean and maintain.
Based on all this information, we can conclude that sisal rugs can be used outdoors but are better off indoors. They are durable enough to withstand the high foot traffic in patios and outdoor decks. However, they cannot withstand outdoor elements.
If you have a sisal rug, you want to take care of it as an investment and make it last longer, so it is best to place them indoors and get a synthetic material rug for your outdoor space.