Outdoor carpet is made from polyester, nylon, and polypropylene synthetic fibres which are fade resistant. This means that the carpet will repel dirt and moisture, lowering the risk of mould and mildew. Outdoor carpet is designed to be durable and can withstand prolonged weather events such as rain or intense sunlight without taking damage.
Outdoor carpet is usually installed on a patio or a deck which is open to the weather. An outdoor carpet or rug has a number or practical as well as aesthetic benefits. These include
- Protects existing patio floor
- Provides a more inviting atmosphere
- Can cover up damage or stains on the existing floor
- Lower slip risk
- Allows for more creativity in design
- East to clean
Considerations
The first thing that you want to look for in an outdoor rug is water resistance. You need to make sure that the rug you are thinking of purchasing is waterproof or at least heavily resistant to water.
Another thing to consider is the type of rug. The majority of outdoor carpets are made from synthetic materials such as polypropylene. However, some natural plant fibres can have the fade resistance necessary to be suitable outdoors. The natural fibre rugs which can be left outdoors are
However, they are more susceptible to water and the subsequent damage that water exposure inflicts. To avoid your natural fibre rugs developing mould, mildew, or faded colours, you should place them only in outdoor covered areas which will receive less exposure to weather events.
Another strategy for keeping outdoor carpets pristine is to install a rug pad underneath. This will create a barrier between the existing floor that will help with issues of pooling water as well as staining over time. A rug pad also helps with air circulation and can speed along the drying process after a bout of rain.
Outdoor carpet Australia: 10 waterproof carpet options for Australian patios, decks and verandas
10. Reversible Outdoor Mat
Where to purchase: Innovations
Price: $49.00 (small) $79.00 (large)
Available in two sizes, this patterned garden carpet is perfect for a social outdoor area like a patio with a view. It is also portable and could be used as a picnic rug or for camping. Cleaning is a breeze as this rug is waterproof, so you can simply hose it down to remove dirt or debris.
09. Lisboa Grey and White Outdoor Rug
Where to purchase: Xcelerator
Price: $94.99
Xcelerator specialises in providing high quality outdoor rugs for patios which will stand the test of time. This patterned grey and white rug has a refined elegance that tones nicely with wood or neutral colours. It is also made from recycled plastic and completely waterproof – meaning cleaning is a simple job of hosing the rug off.
08. Smart Transformations Cutting Edge Carpet Tile
Where to purchase: Gym Rubber Floor
Price: $110.67/carton
Outdoor carpet tiles are an excellent idea for those who wish to cover a large or oddly shaped area. The carpet tile pictured above can be purchased in multiple tile sizes, colours and textures. At just $1.84 per square foot, they are a cheap and speedy way to add some design variation to an outdoor space without needing to renovate the floor.
07. 1 x 3m x 18mm Synthetic Grass Turf Mat
Where to purchase: Bunnings Warehouse
Price: $39
Grass carpet is a great option for those who want the manicured look of a lush lawn without having to worry about soil quality, growth time or maintenance.
Synthetic grass is available in most major homeware stores such as Bunnings. The polyethylene synthetic grass turf pictured above is one of the most affordable grass outdoor mats available in Australia.
06. Brennen Indoor/Outdoor Rug in Denim Gray
Where to purchase: Wayfair
Price: $1,059.99
Indoor outdoor carpeting truly makes the most of modern design materials, allowing for rugs to be taken outside for use when desired. There are many benefits to purchasing a rud that can be used outdoors and keeping it indoors as well; for one, it is far less likely to become stained or damaged.
Many parents opt for a rug like this when their children are small, as it will not be ruined by a clumsy spill. Once they are old enough not to spill inside, you can move the rug permanently outside and buy a new one for indoors. This designer indoor outdoor rug is beautiful enough to blend seamlessly with interior décor or become the focal feature of an outdoor setting.
05. Heavy Duty Outdoor Carpet
Where to purchase: Rug Street
Price: $142.00
Rug Street provides fortified outdoor carpet roll by the square foot in various colours and sizes. This heavy-duty carpet is fully waterproof and designed to outlast extreme conditions such as uncovered patio areas or boats.
04. Summer Outdoor Rug
Where to purchase: Carpet call
Price: $117.00
Carpet Call is a luxury outside carpet and rug provider with a huge catalogue of artistic patterns and designs. This Summer rug has a cheerful orange design which is sure to brighten your outdoor areas. Browse the rest of the Carpet Call catalogue here.
03. Monochrome Outdoor Rug
Where to purchase: Kmart
Price: $19.00
Classy and simple, this is one of Kmart’s most affordable outdoor carpet runner mats. At 270cm L x 180cm W, this rug is quite large and will definitely cover a substantial portion of your patio or pool area. It is also reversible and easily portable for picnics, camping, or beach visits.
02. Grey Copenhagen Reversible Outdoor Floor Mat
Where to purchase: Temple and Webster
Price: 119
This gorgeous rubber backed rug by Temple and Webster is perfect for creating a cosier space indoors and outdoors. Ideal for a balcony reading nook or even just for picnic adventures, this patterned rug adds a touch of warmth to outdoor spaces that cannot be overlooked.
01. Clark rubber
Clark rubber is a well known Australian manufacturing brand of indoor and outdoor carpets. Their outdoor and marine carpets are recognised for their extreme durability and water resistance, making them the popular choice for carpeting the interior of boats.
The reef carpet pictured above is just one of many outdoor carpet textures offered by Clark Rubber. To browse the rest of their catalogue, see here.
