How to Pick the Best Outdoor Rug for Australian Climates
Living in Australia is great, but the weather is tough on everything you own. The sun is extremely hot, the air is humid, and sudden rain can soak your deck quickly.
If you have bought a cheap rug for your deck before and watched it fade, curl up, and grow mould after one summer, you know what we mean. Buying cheap is not worth it in the long run.
At Rug Spot, we sell designer rugs that are also budget friendly. We know your outdoor area needs a rug that is as strong as the weather it faces. You need a rug that lasts.
This guide will teach you the most important things to look for: UV protection, heat resistance, and simple cleaning tips for Australian weather. We will help you pick the best outdoor rug for Australian climates, so it looks great for years.
The Australian Weather Problem: What Your Rug Faces
Choosing the right kind of rug to support your living space for a long time requires you to know exactly what kind of wear it will go through. Climate is one of the factors that can significantly impact a rug and might change the situation quickly.
UV Protection: Essential for Outdoor Rugs Australia
The sun is the biggest danger. Australia has very high UV rays. For an outdoor rug, this means:
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Fast Fading: Low-quality rugs lose their color quickly. Nonetheless, the vibrant and complex patterns can soon be off-putting, and after that, in six months, they will be unrecognizable as they have turned into very pale colors.
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Ultraviolet light: Is one of the factors that affect the rug by the fabric, and it deteriorates the rug's fibers. Thus, rigidity, stiffness, and the tendency to tear are the characteristics of the affected fibers.
- The Fix: You must look for rugs that are rated for high UV resistance. This is the most important feature for anything left outside in Australia.
Dealing with Rain and Wet Conditions
From the wet humidity in the north to the heavy rain down south, a rug must handle water wells. A rug that stays wet will easily grow mildew and mould, especially in shady areas like covered balconies.
- The Fix: Choose materials that naturally resist water and dry very quickly. They must let water runoff and not soak deep into the fibers.
The Best Materials for Outdoor Rugs Australia
As far as sandy or tropical Australian weather is concerned, generally, natural materials (like Jute, Cotton) are the ones to be avoided while selecting an outdoor rug. The reason is that these materials can easily be waterlogged, decayed, and sun-bleached quickly, besides being pricey.
The selection of strong, high-quality synthetic materials marks the best performances in the Australian outdoor areas.
Polypropylene: The Strongest Choice
Polypropylene (also known as Olefin) is the leading choice for outdoor carpets in Australia. It is a powerful synthetic material built for strength and endurance.
|
Feature |
Benefit in Australian Climate |
|
Blocks UV |
The color stays bright, even in strong sunlight. |
|
Waterproof |
The fibers do not soak up water, which means no mould. |
|
Simple to Clean |
Dirt and spills don't penetrate deep into the carpet, hence all it takes is a spray of water from the hose to clean it up. |
|
Low Price |
You could have a nice rug without having to spend a fortune on it. |
A quality-made rug from polypropylene not just looks like natural fiber but also its capability of withstanding extreme heat and heavy rain is much better than that of natural fiber.
PET (Rugs Made from Recycled Plastic)
Rugs made of recycled PET are garnering much attention these days. Composed of reclaimed plastic bottles, these rugs are not only easily biodegradable but withstand harsh outdoor conditions as well.
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Eco-Friendly: An excellent option if environmental issues are your concern.
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Strong: They are made of plastic; hence, they are very moisturized and mold resistant.
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Soft to Touch: They are often softer under your feet than you would expect from a 'plastic' rug.
Choosing the Right Style of Weave
The way a rug is made changes how well it works outside:
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Flatweave: This style of rug is the most suitable for outdoor purposes. Flatweaves are of lower weight, take less time to dry, and are less likely to harbor dirt and sand compared to plush rugs.
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Low Pile: If you are looking for a little more luxurious feel, then a very short and densely woven synthetic rug will do. Just ensure that the surface below it is well drained.
Things to Check Before You Buy
Things to Check Before You Buy. Now, let’s look at the features that help the rug last a long time.
Colour and Heat
Do not just trust the label; look for mentions of UV stabilisation and colourfastness. If a rug is labeled "indoor/outdoor" it means that it is a tough one but still, check the UV rating if it is in direct sun.
In addition, the dark colors absorb more heat. If your outdoors area is receiving direct sunlight the whole day, a lighter color rug will keep your bare feet cooler than a black or dark grey rug. This is quite a consideration for comfort in hot Australian summers.
Size and Where to Place It
The rug should make your area look better without taking over the space.
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Hold Your Furniture: The rug should be big enough so that the front legs of all your main outdoor furniture (chairs, sofa) sit on the rug.
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Good Drainage: Never put a rug straight onto dirt or grass. On a deck or concrete, make sure the area drains water well. A rug that is too heavy and traps water can damage the surface below. A flatweave synthetic rug is much safer.
Cleaning Tips for Australian Weather
In our harsh Australian environment, cleaning your rug often is key. It is fast and easy and will keep your rug looking new for many years.
How to Keep Your Outdoor Rug Clean
Outdoor rugs are easy to clean. You can give them a good scrub.
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Shake or Vacuum: This should be done weekly (minimum) at least; shake your rug until you don't see any dust left or run the vacuum on high to get rid of sand, dust and grass. It is mainly sand that is very harmful as it cuts the rug fibers.
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Use the Hose: If you prefer a better soaking, just like after a rainstorm or a messy barbecue, then hose the rug down on your deck or lawn. For very tough stains, you might consider gentle brushing with a solution of dish soap.
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Stop Mould: Mould is a major threat to you, especially when you reside near the coast or live in a moist environment. You should dry the rug after hosing it or after it rains heavily. Hang it on a fence or place it upside down to have the bottom all dry.
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Check Rust: In case your outdoor furniture has metal legs, it is advisable to check frequently whether it has a rust stain on the rug. Wipe off clean rust spots immediately with a product which is designed to remove rust, as per instructions.
These simple steps will keep your outdoor rug for Australian climates fresh and prevent the problems unique of our weather.
Conclusion
The selection of the proper outdoor rug is a wise decision to spend. Considering the oppressive UV rays, the heavy rain, and the overheating of an Australian summer, cheap is not the solution.
With the right materials such as Polypropylene that are UV-proof and the frequent cleaning of these materials, you can create a beautiful, strong outdoor space that would last.
The weather should not interfere with your style. Get a strong, designer-quality rug that is truly made for the tough Australian climate.
Ready to find a tough rug that is perfect for your outdoor area?
See Rug Spot’s full range of UV-resistant, budget-friendly outdoor rugs made especially for the Australian lifestyle. Click here to shop for the best outdoor rug deals!
