You’re probably familiar with rugs: those durable, aesthetic objects that can provide a measure of beauty to a home.
The best material is polypropylene. Rugs made from this material can stand up to moisture and foot traffic. They won’t fade, and they resist stains too.
Rugs, in general, are available in a variety of designs and textures, all designed to complement a space.
Polypropylene can be used indoor and outdoor, very effectively.
Learn More below!
Rug Materials (and How They Handle Rain)
So, are propylene rugs the only viable option outdoors?
There are few other materials options that could work as well.
Let’s get started!
Jute
Jute rugs are rugs made from the jute plant, originating from Asia. They are woven effortlessly, and have a relatively wide weave.
Are they soft? While I wouldn’t call them softest rugs around, they can be fairly soft.
It depends on the rug – and this is something you could usually tell from a review!
Usually fairly easy to clean as well as a simple vacuum and spot clean, you should also note they are very popular rugs and can be suitable anywhere in the home.
Usually indoors only though!
This is generally because jute is to not get too wet. While it can withstand some moisture from, for example shoes, it will certainly not withstand any rain or snow!
So, turn out, when jute rugs get wet, they brown. Probably the biggest issue with jute rugs, a very popular rug, is that other than browing, the fibers may become cracked and shred. Other than that, a solid rug!
Wool
So, what’s the deal with wool rugs? They’re made from the cut fleece of a sheep (as opposed to the hide), and they’re super soft and squishy, so they’re very popular. And, like Jute, wool is technically washable – but you have to be careful.
Depending on the wool, some will say it is better to wash them by hand, while others can get away with a delicate cycle in the washer. Dry flat or air dry would probably be best with wool as well.
I’m that a wool rug can get wet in general?
Yep, it can, and chances are it wouldn’t get damaged. Wool generally would just absorb water.
But bear in mind – this is not an ideal outdoor rug material. Why? Because if a rug absorbs water, it can be more susceptible to infestation by insects who thrive on moisture, or mold.
Wool rugs handle heat and cold okay – but weather is not their forte.
So, it’s best to be house cats – like your Jute rugs, the spots, lined for the outdoors are better of being cooped inside, where they will generally have longer time to last, and
Shag
Shag rugs are genuine shag rugs, with long shaggy fibers that provide outstanding plushness.
Shag rugs are loved for the warmth and sophistication they can bring to your space. Shag rugs are both aesthetically pleasing, and comfortable.
Most shag rugs are made from faux fur (otherwise, they would simply be called fur rugs), perhaps with some wool, and occasionally with leather backing (the last one is less common).
So, can shag rugs get wet? Can you put it in your washer?
Well, first, YES, shag rugs can get wet, momentarily. Similar to wool rugs, if exposed to moisture too long, shag rugs can become a haven for bugs and mold.
This is why you’ll probably want to keep them inside your home and not outside. Typically, the best way to clean a shag rug is with good vacuuming and dry shampooing.
For very dirty rugs, you could use a steam cleaner, or you could, carefully, try putting it in your washer.
If you’d like to try the washer, the first thing you want to do is make sure your rug doesn’t have leather backing (it won’t come out that well). Also, be sure the washer is set to gentle (and not normal). Lastly, it’s best to let your shag dry after!
Hide
Next on our rug material list are hide rugs.
They’re made when a creature gets skinned, and they are made from that skin (aka leather). They can have a cool, rustic style all their own.
Cowhides and sheep hides are the typical and most popular (the first can also be miles of wool).
Cow hides are more rugged but soft to the touch, while the sheep hides are fluffy.
When it comes to whether you can get hide rugs wet, you definitely CAN’T (unless you want your rug to regain it’s shape). That’s the effect moisture tends to have on hides (the leather part to be exact).
It follows that you need to keep hide rugs dry from rain and snow as indoor rugs.
If you need to clean your hide rug, don’t worry about it:
- You can just use a soft sponge with a little bit of dish soap and a little bit of water.
- The trick is making sure not to wet the sponge too much; it should be damp, not wet.
- After a little scrubbing with the sponge, you should be fine!
A Synthetic Material
Next in line is rugs made from a synthetic fiber, usually nylon, polyester, or propylene, as mentioned below.
They are specifically made for strong durability, and most are absolutely water-proof (making them a great option for a rain rug).
Synthetic rugs differentiated from, say, hides, are made from artificial materials.
They are often made by machine, and that makes them cost-effective and available in many different styles, colors, etc.
Best Conditions – If you’re looking for a great outdoor rug, maybe a synthetic rug could be what you’re looking for. Most synthetic rugs are water-repellent, making them water resistant, meaning most moisture-loving bugs and mold.
Since they are low-absorbency, synthetic rugs are also stain-resistant and appealing to clean up too. For these reasons, synthetic rugs are sooo popular!
Polypropylene
Polypropylene rugs are one of the most durable rugs available, giving nylon and polyester rugs, typically marketed as the most durable, a run for their money.
Polypropylene rugs are tough and have water resistance, which is super important for rugs and many also have a stain resistance as well. Polypropylene rugs are even resistant to bugs or mold!
They can usually handle a lot of traffic, this equals very long rug life! In addition to that they are usually good deals when comparing them to, for example, wool or cowhide.
Polypropylene rugs come in many colors and patterns. These rugs combine both practical and aesthetics, which is why people love them!
Final Words
Alright, you now have the best outdoor rug materials for rain: polypropylene, first, because it’s the most water-resistant and durable.
Then some other synthetic types of rugs, like nylon and polyester. Although shag (not an outdoor rug material anyway), wool, hides, and jute have quality aspects, you will find they are susceptible to damage from rain.
When it comes to rain, a water-resistant synthetically-made rug will suit your needs best. Good luck!