A sprawling rug adds vibrant colour and texture to any space – even exterior spaces such as decks where a rug can be the difference between a cosy retreat and a flat, drab area.
Have you ever wondered whether you can place an outdoor rug on your composite deck? While composite decking is known for its durability, not every outdoor rug is suitable for your composite deck space.
Havwoods has created a guide to help you choose the right rug for your composite deck.
Why use an outdoor rug in your deck space?
Outdoor rugs deliver a range of design and functional benefits to your deck space. A beautiful rug can pull your space together into a cohesive design that’s both welcoming and comforting. The additional splash of colour and texture can help bring the deck to life.
An outdoor rug also has practical benefits on a deck. For instance, it can protect the decking surface in areas that experience high foot traffic, preventing dirt and grime. A rug will also minimise scuffing and scraping from furniture, preserving your deck’s appearance for a long time.
How durable is composite decking?
Composite timber decks are made from recycled timber fibres and polymer, a synthetic compound bonded together in repetitious molecular chains. The manufacturing process helps create a deck that is strong and durable, with the warm aesthetic of traditional timber decking.
Unlike natural timber decks that can deteriorate over time due to weather exposure, and need frequent maintenance, composite decking offers a highly durable option for your exterior space. Composite decking is rot resistant, anti-splinter, warp resistant, crack resistant, and UV treated for fade resistance. These properties enable a composite deck to stand up to friction from most outdoor rugs.
What types of outdoor rugs can damage a composite deck?
Havwoods recommends placing an outdoor rug on composite decking; however, it’s important to ensure the right type of rug is used to avoid damage to the surface. For instance, some outdoor rugs come with backing that can damage a composite deck through staining, scratching or discolouration.
Avoid using outdoor rugs backed with latex or rubber, or fixed with metal grommets and accents. These may scuff your composite decking, or rust and cause discolouration.
What types of outdoor rugs are safe to put on composite decking?
Ideally, you should choose rugs that are made from traditionally woven polypropylene, or recycled plastic mats with a soft backing. These won’t scuff or scratch your decking or absorb moisture, avoiding mould and mildew, which can build up beneath wet rugs.
Avoid placing a rug as soon as you have installed your composite decking. Let the composite decking remain exposed to the elements for at least three months to allow for natural discolouration to occur evenly across the planks. Placing a rug over the wood too soon will create an uneven colour tone on your deck.
Outdoor rugs add so much aesthetic value and vibrant colour to any deck space. Just be mindful of the materials in the rug before making your choice, and enjoy your composite decking for a long time.
