Having a fabulous patio or deck is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. But when you don’t have a deck or patio, using an outdoor rug can prove to be very beneficial. Outdoor rugs can help define your yard, providing both style and comfort. However, it’s not clear whether it’s OK to use them on grass.
So, can you put outdoor rugs on grass? Yes, you can place your outdoor rug over grass, especially if you choose one made of the right material. Using the wrong type of rug can kill the grass underneath. The best material for outdoor rugs that you can put on grass is usually synthetic fiber like polypropylene and polyester.
In this article, we will look at everything you need to know about using outdoor rug for grass, including how to go about it and some downfalls to avoid.
Without further ado, let’s delve straight in.
Table of Contents
Can You Put an Outdoor Rug on Grass?
Yes, you can put an outdoor rug on your grass. It’s a great way to spruce up your yard. But be sure to check the material it’s made of as not all rugs are suitable to use in such conditions. The rug must be weather-resistant and breathable enough not to harm the foliage underneath.
Don’t place rug on grass that is wet most of the time. Before you choose any location, check the drainage condition in the area. Ensure there’s no water logging in the area.
Also, choose a place that gets some sunshine. Otherwise, it will take longer for spills to dry, and dirt can build up and attract mold and mildew.
Will Outdoor Rugs damage the grass?
An outdoor rug can damage your lawn, particularly if the underlayment doesn’t get enough airflow.
Three main factors affect the oxygen supply to the grass under a rug. This includes the rug design, the material, and how long it’s placed on the grass turf.
If the rug is made of a breathable material, there would be enough ventilation to release the moisture that builds up underneath. On the other hand, if there isn’t enough airflow, the underlying grass will suffocate and die.
So, before you purchase any rug or carpet for your lawn, make sure it’s made of breathable material. This will help keep the grass aerated, especially during harsh weather conditions.
You shouldn’t have this problem if yours is synthetic grass.
Can grass ruin your outdoor rug?
It’s not only your grass that can get damaged; your rug can be ruined. If you use a rug that is not stain-resistant, then it’s likely going to get grass stains, mud, and other stains that may be difficult to remove.
Also, if the grass is allowed to grow too long, it can grow through the rug. To prevent this, you need to mow the grass regularly.
Lastly, placing the rug in an area with heavy traffic can also cause damage. So, choose somewhere on the grass with less footsteps.
How To Put An Outdoor Rug Over Grass
Putting an outdoor rug over grass to make an outdoor living space is relatively simple if you follow the right steps.
Step One
Start by inspecting the rug to make sure it’s in good condition before using it. Find any flat surface and lay out the rug on it. Then, check if it has any holes or torn parts, and if you find any, proceed to fix them.
Step Two
Next, prepare the area you want to use. Wet it down with a backyard hose so it doesn’t get too dry and die out.
Step Three
After wetting the area, place the rug on your chosen location and start to smoothen it out. Begin from the middle and make your way to the edges. This is necessary in order not to create any wrinkles.
Step Four
Now, it’s time to secure the rug. There are different ways you can go about this. One way to do this is by placing heavy furniture around the edges of the rug. You can also use outdoor furniture weights or pegs.
Step Five
At this point, everything should be set. However, if you are not OK with the result, you can adjust the weights or rug. Continue to do this until you are satisfied.
What To Consider When Laying Outdoor Rugs Over Grass?
Here are a few things to consider when laying an outdoor rug over your lawn.
Rug Material
Even though outdoor rugs are made for exterior use, not all of them are created equal. So, not every outdoor rug can go on grass.
The two main materials used for making this type of rug are plant and synthetic fibers. While plant fibers like sisal, seagrass, and jute are more sustainable and easy to maintain, they are not UV and water-resistant. So besides fading, they can become a breeding place for mold and mildew.
On the other hand, synthetic materials like polyester and polypropylene are extremely durable, stain-resistant, mildew-resistant, and do not fade in direct sunlight. This makes them the better option to use on grass.
They are also breathable, which means they will not harm your grass by trapping moisture underneath the rug.
Timeline
Another thing to consider is how long you intend to leave the rug over the grass. Outdoor rugs are meant to be a temporary flooring solution over grass, not set-and-forget. Leaving one over your grass for a long period will probably lead to dead grass.
For this reason, it is advised not to lay rug over grass for more than one week.
If you wish to use the rug as a permanent solution, it should be placed over a hard surface like brick or stone.
Sizing
To ensure you get the right rug size, measure the area you wish to use. You will likely need a large rug to create something like a patio. However, if you want something to just hold the coffee table, a smaller rug will do.
If you’re going to place chairs and a picnic table on it, take count of the furniture. As a rule of thumb, the rug should be at least 2-6 inches wider than the furniture on all sides.
Also, consider the weight of the rug. Heavier rugs are usually secure; however, if you’re using something lighter, consider securing it with pegs or weights.
Waterproofness
Outdoor rugs are generally expected to have some level of water resistance. However, some dry faster than others, depending on the material they are woven with.
Polypropylene seems to be the most preferred option for grass due to its performance in high moisture conditions.
Washability
Another thing you should check is whether the rug is machine washable. Like breathability, this depends on the material it’s made from.
As earlier indicated, synthetic fibers like polypropylene and polyester perform exceptionally well in breathability. In addition, they are easy to wash, including cotton.
One way to know a rug that is less likely to be machine washable is if it’s hard to fold in half.
Nevertheless, using a washing machine to clean an outdoor rug is not a must. You can always hose down the rug if it’s not machine washable.
Tips When Laying a Rug Over Grass
Here are tips to keep in mind when laying a rug over grass.
Clean Spills As Soon As They Occur
Clean spills as soon as you notice them. Don’t allow them to sit for too long to avoid causing serious damage. In most cases, spills can be wiped with warm soapy water (mild dish detergent plus water). Then, rinse with a garden hose. Some rugs can be tossed into the washing machine.
Be sure to check the cleaning tag on the rug before proceeding with any cleaning method.
Cut the Grass
Before laying the rug over grass, make sure to mow the area short. This is essential because long grass will make your rug loose and difficult to walk on. You may also have problems placing food items and drinks on the surface since it’s no longer leveled.
Use Pegs
Pegs are highly recommended, especially if your rug is not too heavy. They come in handy during windy conditions. They help to keep the rug in place in case of a sudden gust. Other options are furniture and weights.
Simply peg down the corners of the rug, and it won’t go anywhere.
Rugs left outside for several days should also be secured with pegs.
Keep Rugs Dry
In case of accidental spills, heavy downpours, or rainstorms, don’t allow the rug to stay wet. Dry it out in the sun once the rain is over before putting it back. Both sides of the rug must be completely dry.
Likewise, during the snow or winter seasons, store rugs indoors. Make sure you clean and dry the rug properly before putting it away in storage.
Remove Dirt
To prevent dirt buildup, make it a habit to vacuum the rug every now and then. There are various ways to do this. You can use a broom or carpet sweeper.
Alternatively, you can give the rug a good hard shake. Leaf blowers and vacuums are also great options. If you’re using a vacuum, be sure to remove the beater bar before you use the device.
Use Rug Pad Underneath or Tiles
Rug pads can help protect both the rug and grass by acting as a buffer between them. They also help to prevent slippage. However, they may reduce breathability under the rug.
Another option that works well is using click-lock tiles as a temporary outdoor flooring solution. They basically provide a base for the rug and ensure it dries faster whenever it gets wet.
How Long Can a Rug Stay on Your Grass Without the Grass Dying?
If your outdoor rug is made of a breathable material, it will ensure your grass gets enough oxygen supply. This helps to keep the grass alive. So, theoretically, you can use such rugs for as long as you want, and they won’t damage your grass.
However, even breathable outdoor rugs can get wet since its sitting on wet “ground.” Over time, this can induce mold and mildew growth. This is most common during extreme weather conditions such as high temperatures and heavy rainfall. For this reason, it is not advisable to leave the rug outside for too long.
So, make it a habit to inspect the rug occasionally (weekly) for signs of moisture and dry in the sun before using it again.
FAQs – Can you put outdoor rugs on grass
Can You Lay An Outdoor Rug On The Ground?
Yes, you can. But the rug might not be as secure as it would be if it were placed on a harder surface. If you’re worried the rug will slide, you can secure the corners with pegs. You can also use furniture or outdoor rug weights. Make sure the ground is in good condition before placing the rug.
Yes, putting a rug on your lawn should be easy as long as the lawn is in good condition and you use the right type of rug. Heavier rugs are usually more desirable because they tend to stay in place and don’t snag like synthetic rugs. If you’re having problems keeping the rug in place, you can use weights, pegs, or furniture.
Can I Put A Rug On My Lawn?
Yes, putting a rug on your lawn should be easy as long as the lawn is in good condition and you use the right type of rug. Heavier rugs are usually more desirable because they tend to stay in place and don’t snag like synthetic rugs. If you’re having problems keeping the rug in place, you can use weights, pegs, or furniture.
Can you put an outdoor rug on gravel?
Yes, you can. If you’re skeptical about putting a rug on your lawn, you can place it on gravel. However, it might not be as comfortable as you want since it’s probably not leveled.
Do Outdoor Rugs Get Mold?
Outdoor rugs made of water-resistant material typically don’t get mold. This is because the material wicks away water, making it difficult for mold and mildew to grow. Spraying the rug with a waterproof sealant occasionally can also help protect it.
On the other hand, rugs with dense fabric or tight stitching can retain moisture over time, and that can lead to mold growth. Make it a habit to check the underlay of the rug from time to time for any sign of moisture.
Can grass ruin your outdoor rug?
Yes, grass can ruin your outdoor rug. If you spread the rug over the grass where there’s a lot of foot traffic, it will likely get ruined. To avoid this, choose a place with relatively less footfall or trampling.
Also, allowing the grass to grow too long can damage the rug. So, be sure to mow the grass regularly to keep it short, so it doesn’t overgrow through the rug.
What can I put over grass to make a patio?
To create a patio on your lawn, you can use an outdoor rug, a mat, or carpet. With each of these options, you can select from different styles and colors to accentuate your outdoor space.
Conclusion
So, yes, you can put outdoor rugs on grass. But be mindful of the type of rug you use and the condition of the grass surface.
Generally, breathable rugs work best for grass. Likewise, the grass should be trimmed consistently to keep them from growing into the rug. You can also install artificial grass or artificial turf and use an artificial grass rug.
Also, pay attention to the care instructions for your particular rug and lawn as well as the tips above.
Let us know if you have any other questions about placing a rug or outdoor carpet on grass. Till then, happy rugging!
