Sitting outside on the front porch having a nice view of the neighborhood is a lovely thing to do. The front or back porch can also be a place to have friends and family sit together. Having a rug for this space is an important aesthetic procedure.
Rugs come in differing sizes, but how big should a porch rug be?
The size of the rug for a porch is dependent on the porch size. Outdoor rugs come in varying sizes. The size ranges from 9 by 12 inches to 18 by 24 inches. There can be smaller sizes of about 5 by 8 inches. The rug size should allow about 12 to 20 inches of the porch floor to be visible.
The outdoor rug size is an important factor to consider when choosing one for a porch. But that is not the only thing to take note of. There are several materials used in making rugs. You need to choose the best for your porch.
Here I have outlined the different materials to pick from.
How large should an outdoor rug be?
Contents
Size ranges from small to big for outdoor rugs. It can be as small as 2 by 3 inches and as big as 18 by 24 inches. The place the rug is meant for will mainly determine what size to use. It is also a function of what size the place has.
A standard for outdoor rugs is to be placed in such a way to leave out a good degree of space uncovered. The entryway rug is small, just a welcoming piece for guests. It is also to help shake off sand or dirt from shoes before entering the house.
For a porch or an outdoor sitting area, rugs are usually used for the sitting area. The rule is to have about 12 to 24 inches of uncovered space around the rug. This will allow the rug to be the centerpiece of the outdoor scenery.
Depending on the porch size, rugs of 4 by 6 inches to 5 by 8 inches are used. Bigger outdoor spaces may require bigger sizes. An outdoor dining area can take up a rug as big as 9 by 12 inches in size.
What size of rug goes in front of a door?
Outdoor rugs have different sizes based on the place and purpose of use. Foot rugs are usually placed in front of a door. These rugs are way smaller than the ones that are used for porch or patio space.
A front door rug is averagely sized 2 by 3 inches.
Entryway rugs can also be as big as 3 by 5 inches in size. The rug is placed in the middle of the entry in front of the door. It is meant to serve as a good welcoming piece for your visitors.
It is then important to have the right size and placement for the front door.
Can outdoor rugs be left outside?
Outdoor rugs are very different from indoor rugs. One of the differences is the sturdiness and the ability to withstand adverse conditions. Outdoor rugs are stronger than indoor rugs and can be left outside.
You can choose to bring your outdoor rug inside but not take an indoor rug outside.
Front or back porch rugs can remain there. The rug has been made to withstand the sun and rain that may come against it. Many of these rugs are made of synthetic fiber materials that do not soak up in rain. This makes them more durable and easy to clean.
Due to their ability to withstand more pressure than indoor rugs, outdoor rugs can be used in diverse places. Many houses with kids make use of outdoor rugs inside in order to cope with the spillages that a kid can cause. It is also easier to clean the rug than the usual indoor ones.
What is an outdoor rug made of?
Rugs are made of different materials. Outdoor rugs are generally made to cope with harsh weather and increased pressure. Indoor rugs are made of lighter materials like wool, cotton, and silk. Synthetic materials are used for outdoor rugs.
These synthetic materials are sturdy, durable, and easier to clean than natural materials. These rug materials are:
Polyester Rug
Polyester is a synthetic plastic material. Polyester fiber is used in making the polyester rug. The rug is durable, water-resistant, mold and mildew resistant as well.
The material is also stain-resistant, making them very easy to clean.
These qualities make them perfect as an outdoor rug. Polyester Rug is able to withstand more abrasion and pressure.
Polypropylene Rug
Polypropylene is also known as Polypropylene, is a thermoplastic polymer. It is made into flexible plastic fibers that have been used in many applications. One of such is in making the Polypropylene Rug.
This type of rug is one of the most popular outdoor usages of rugs. The material is resistant to stain, mildew and molds. Since it is a plastic material, it is water-resistant. It can be scrubbed or hosed easily to clean without getting wet. An excellent choice for a porch rug.
Nylon Rug
Nylon is made from petroleum products. It is a thermoplastic material that can be processed into fibers. The material can take high pressure, and it has increased durability. Like the other synthetic rugs, nylon rugs are water, mildew, and mold resistant.
Out of the three synthetic rug materials, nylon rugs are less stain-resistant and are prone to shedding. In reality, nylon is combined with other materials to make nylon rugs. Many rugs are made of a mixture of either two or all three materials in different proportions.
Do I need a rug pad for an outdoor rug?
A rug pad is a good addition to outdoor rugs. This is especially important with an open porch. The pad will help prevent slipping on a rainy day. The porch surface can get slippery, and even the rug on wet days. The rug pad will help keep a good footing on such days.
The rug pad will also be good on hot days. Synthetic rug materials are liable to absorb heat from the porch surface and the sun. The rug pad will help avoid getting burnt by the hot rug.
How do I maintain an outdoor rug?
Maintenance is important for any material to stand the test of time. I have said that synthetic materials are the usual constituent of outdoor rugs. These rugs are easy to clean due to their water resistance.
Occasional cleaning is needed to remove dirt and debris. This can be done by sweeping, shaking, or hosing off the dirt. Outdoor rugs can be stored during the winter to help increase their lifespan. After cleaning, the rug can be rolled and placed safely in the yard or garage until the next spring.
Conclusion
Choosing the best rug for your porch is important to create the look you desire. The size of the rug is a top consideration. Bear in mind that up to 12 inches of space should be left uncovered around the rug.
The best outdoor rug can make the porch a place to be. You can decorate around the rug to make the spark more obvious.
