Best Outdoor Rug Pads for Durable, Non-Slip floors. Always Weather Ready!

Best Outdoor Rug Pads

Instantly transforming a porch, patio, or balcony into a place of warmth, outdoor rugs are instantly given a regal appearance unless they are equipped with the appropriate rug pad that prevents the rug from sliding as well as keeping itself dry or becoming used in a much shorter time. The purpose-built outdoor rug pad has four functions: prevent slips, promote drain and airflow, provide foot cushioning and cover the surface beneath the rug. Let RenCollection make the purchase of the best durable outdoor rugs easy for you.

The reason why you should have an outdoor rug pad

Many people take outdoor rug pads not so serious, however, three major issues are addressed by a pad; these are:

Slip and safety. Outside floors such as composite decking, painted concrete or ceramic tile become slippery. Slide control anti slip pad avoids slippage and falls.

Floor protection and long life of the rugs. It provides cushioning so rugs would not grind directly on the hardscape terrain that is rough, or they would wear out due to repeated foot traffic; also cushioning delicate decking and painted finishes.

Comfort & insulation. Even the outer pad, which is thin, makes the step softer and a patio warmer at night when you want to put off the shoes.
Therefore, the needs of indoor pads (latex backing and fuzzy felt) are not necessarily suitable outside: you should have materials that can resist the sun, water, and changes in temperature.

Outdoor Rug Pad Specifications

These are the criteria that should be applied when shopping:

Material / drainage: Find open weave polyester, vinyl covered woven polyester, or rubber grids that drain and prevent mildew. Foam trapping Foam traps water and should not be used outside.

Non-slip performance: The textured vinyl or rubber underside (dual-sided grip) is the best in slick surfaces. Do not stick outdoors with adhesive-backed pads which may not stand the test of change of temperatures.

Thickness: Outdoor pads should be 1/8 -1/4 inch; too much cushioning will turn the rugs into door inducers, and too little will cause blockage on door clearance.

UV resistance and weather-resistance: Self-proclaimed UV-resistant materials will be more resilient in sun, self-proclaimed outdoor use. There are outdoor pads that are made with a woven core with vinyl coating.

Low VOCs / off-gassing: Low end rubber and latex pads may have a scent, and off-gas; it is not surprising to get preference towards low-VOC natural rubber/felt blends to sit on.

Outdoor Rug Pad: Installation and Size

• Make the pad a little bit smaller than the rug (around 1-2 inches on all sides) in order that the pad is covered with the edges of the rug. That decreases the risk of trips and enhances beauty.
• Cut with a utility knife or heavy scissors on a flat surface; a great number of the pads come in roll form.
• Wipe the pad on a clean dry surface and afterwards put the rug. Very windy places may need rug accords or light outdoor rug fastening tape when allowed (one should test it on their deck painting first).

Care & Maintenance

Cleaning up: Rinse and dry Open-weave or vinyl pads every now and then, and dry thoroughly and then put the rug back.

Rotation of rugs: When a spot is exposed to sunshine or water all the time, then rotate the rug and pad every now and then so that it is worn and dried evenly.

Be wary of mold: Scrub with a little bleach or apply a special rug cleaning agent on the material.

FAQs

Is it possible to use a normal indoor pads out of the house?

Not usually. Felt+ latex pads that are installed indoors may trap moisture and mildew unless installed in a covered and dry area. In case of open outdoor, the pads must either be outdoor labeled or must have a drainage / open weave design.

Is the pad going to harm my deck or painted surface?

Rank outdoor pads are developed to cushion floors but the inexpensive rubber that is off-gassing or a sticky surface will discolor some painted surfaces. To be on the safe side, place a tiny bit of a pad in an inconspicuous area and read the instructions given by the manufacturer.

How thick should it be?

Where it is to be out of doors, 1/8 by 1/4 is the usual one-- not so deep as to snare the doors. Indoor especially on the thick felt pads.

Quick Buy Guide (by situation)

• Exposed patio, which is exposed to rain: Select an open-weave vinyl/polyester outdoor pad to be used to drain water.
• Low-sun / covered porch space where comfort is important: Mohawk dual-surface or Fab Habitat felt-rubber blends balance cushion and grip.
• Budget, instant anti-slip: Gorilla Grip-type gripper pads or corner grippers.
• Organic consumers: Natural rubber + felt (Fab Habitat) - covers best on covered outdoor areas.

Final Buying Tips

• Find the correct pad, the drainage-first pad should be used in wet/open areas, low-VOC pads or felt pads should be used in covered comfortable patios. 
  
• In order to be on the safe side, measure twice, cut once - a snug fit does not make any trip hazards.
• Check returns/warranty - pads are cheap and there are size or odor problems; the issue with easy returns is that when all the vendors are like this, then testing becomes less risky.

Conclusion

It seems to be among the simplest yet most impactful with any patio because outdoor rug pad offers multiple functions: it keeps the rugs on the ground, makes them comfortable to walk on, and prevents mold formation when you choose the correct material and in the case of a tight budget or a quick fix, a reliable gripper pad will straight away prevent the slipping. Your outdoor pad will make your outdoor space look better, feel better and last longer- season after season, under your outdoor rug.