Decks are great areas for entertaining guests, socializing, or relaxing. Many decks have sitting areas for these purposes, and placing area rugs on a deck can be a good idea.
If placed correctly and used as intended, outdoor rugs can protect decks.
Here’s how Outdoor Rugs can Protect Decks:
Decks are made of sturdy and resilient materials, but they are still susceptible to damage and normal wear and tear. They can also be scratched. By placing outdoor rugs on decks, you add an extra layer of protection to protect the deck from scratches and wear and tear caused by foot traffic.
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Is It Recommended To Use Rugs To Protect Decks?
Generally, it is recommended to use rugs to protect decks. Decks can be subjected to outdoor elements and heavy foot traffic, and rugs are a great way to protect them.
Outdoor rugs can protect decks from scratches and scuffs. Rugs can also be an added layer of protection from moisture, rain, and direct sunlight for wooden decks. Outdoor elements like these can damage decks, and placing an outdoor rug can prevent them.
Also, if you have a slightly worn-out deck or already have damage, you can use rugs to cover up those damages. This will help prevent further damage. Plus, it is a great way to hide these unsightly deck areas.
How Effective Are Rugs For Protecting Decks?
Rugs can be very effective for protecting decks as long as you use them as intended. Rugs can effectively protect decks from being scratched, wear and tear caused by foot traffic, and from elements caused by weather.
However, placing rugs can also have negative effects on decks. This can depend on several factors. This brings us to the next part.
Can Outdoor Rugs DAMAGE Wooden Decks?
Outdoor rugs can potentially damage wooden decks. Here is how.
Depending on the material of the rug, it can scratch your deck. This is why it is important to use a rug with a backing so that it will not scratch the deck.
Another way that outdoor rugs can damage wooden decks is by staining them. Over time, wooden decks tend to fade, especially if they are not covered. Placing a rug on it would cause uneven fading all over the deck.
If you remove the rug, you will notice that the rug’s area is noticeably darker than the rest of the deck.
When it rains, wooden decks tend to absorb moisture, which can foster the growth of mold and mildew. You can clean the deck to prevent this, but some people tend to neglect the wood under the rug.
So if you have a wooden deck with a rug on it, make sure to remove the rug first before cleaning the deck.
Ultimately, you can seal the wooden deck. Treating the wooden deck with a sealer will protect it from moisture damage.
Here is how you can seal a wooden deck:
- Scrape any dirt from the deck by using a screwdriver or putty knife.
- Sweep off any loose dirt.
- Prepare your deck for sealing by using a deck cleaner that you can buy at your local hardware.
- Use the cleaner as prescribed on the label.
- Rinse off the cleaner and let your deck dry.
- Wait for two days or until the deck is completely dry before applying the sealer.
- Give your deck another sweep first when you are ready to apply the sealer.
- Then apply the sealer. You can use a roller or a brush.
- Using the roller is faster, but the brush allows you to cover your wooden deck, including the uneven parts, completely.
- Allow the sealer to dry before placing the furniture and the rug fully.
What Types Of Rugs Work Best For Protecting Decks?
In general, rugs made from synthetic materials work best for protecting decks.
Rugs made from polyester, nylon, or polypropylene are great for protecting decks because they are made to resist moisture. These rugs dry quickly to protect decks from accumulating moisture which can foster the growth of mold and mildew.
Most rugs made from synthetic materials are also designed to have UV protection. When exposed to direct sunlight, they do not tend to fade.
The dyes used on these rugs also do not bleed out, making them less likely to stain your deck.
Do You Need Rug Pads When Placing Outdoor Rugs On Decks?
When placing a rug on your deck, it is recommended that you place a rug pad in between.
Rug pads help keep your rug in place. It also helps traction prevent your rug from slipping and moving, as decks can be slippery, which is beneficial for kids or pets since you can prevent them from falling due to rugs that slip.
Rug pads also add an extra layer of protection for both the rug and the deck. They also help circulate air between the rug and the deck. Both the rug and the deck are protected from moisture so y0u can prevent mold and mildew from growing.
Additionally, rug pads add extra cushioning underfoot. It helps make your rug more comfortable to walk on or even sit on.
When buying a rug pad, it is important to consider the material. For outdoor decks, the best rug pad would be PVC or polyvinyl rug pads.
Polyvinyl can handle changes in temperature and harsh weather conditions without losing its traction. Plus, it is known to be a very durable material.
Generally, outdoor rugs can protect decks as long as you place them properly and prep the deck accordingly.
Placing an outdoor rug is an affordable way to decorate outdoor decks and make them more comfortable.
Sources:
Will Outdoor Rugs Ruin Your Deck?
Does My Outdoor Furniture Need An Outdoor Rug?