Outdoor rugs can add style and comfort to patios, decks, and other outdoor living spaces. However, keeping them in place can be a hassle, especially on windy days. Here are some tips and tricks for keeping outdoor rugs from blowing away.
Use Rug Pads and Securing Tapes
Using a good outdoor rug pad is one of the best ways to keep a rug from shifting or blowing away. The pad adds grip and weight to anchor the rug in place. Opt for a heavy-duty, water-resistant pad made specifically for outdoor use.
You can also use outdoor rug securing tapes and strips along the edges and corners to hold the rug in place. These are designed with extra strong adhesives that can withstand sun, rain, and wind. Apply them to the underside corners to prevent flipping.
Choose the Right Size and Shape
Oversized rugs are more prone to catching gusts of wind. When possible, opt for an outdoor rug that is the right proportions for the space. A rug that is too small can easily shift around, while an oversized one blows up on the corners and edges.
Round, oval, and octagonal shapes tend to stay put better than rectangular rugs. The continuous edges don’t catch wind like the corners of rectangular rugs.
Place Heavy Items on the Corners
Weighing down the corners and edges of an outdoor rug can help keep it grounded when the wind kicks up. Place flower pots, garden decor, patio chairs, or other outdoor furniture on the corners to add extra weight.
You can also hang a heavy item like a lantern or plant from each corner tie of the rug. Just make sure whatever you use can withstand getting wet if rain collects on the rug.
Use Landscape Staples and Ground Stakes
Outdoor landscape staples and ground stakes can be hammered through the corners and sides of a rug to anchor it firmly in place. Look for galvanized steel stakes with wide heads that will grip the rug backing.
Stagger the stakes every few feet around the perimeter and possibly a few toward the middle. Be sure to avoid puncturing irrigation lines or underground cables.
Rug Gripper Mats
Rug gripper mats provide a non-slip rubber mesh surface for rugs to adhere to. They have an open weave to allow water drainage. Simply roll the mat out and place your outdoor rug on top.
The key is making sure the rug is entirely positioned on the gripper mat. The high-traction surface keeps it from sliding while the open weave allows wind to pass through.
Clear Debris and Obstacles
Take a look at what’s around and under the rug. Remove any debris like leaves, dirt, or pebbles that can make the surface slippery and prevent the rug from gripping properly.
Also ensure no obstructions like branches or hoses are sticking out from under the rug. Anything lifting the edges up makes it easier for wind to catch. Keep the area swept and clear.
Use High-Traction Surfaces
Placing rugs on porous, high-traction surfaces helps them stay put in the wind. Materials like wood decking, grooved concrete, stone, pavers, or dirt allow the rug backing to grip better than super smooth surfaces like tile or vinyl.
If needed, you can add extra traction under the rug with adhesive grip sheets or anti-slip garage floor paint. This gives the rug more surface resistance.
Check for Wind Tunnels
Pay attention to how the wind whips around your space. Areas between buildings or fencing can create wind tunnels that gust across with greater force. Avoid placing rugs in prime wind tunnel zones.
Rugs located out in the open tend to stay steadier than those up against walls or corners, where gusts can lift the edges. Position them toward the middle of the patio or deck.
Use Low-Profile Furniture
Bulky patio furniture acts like a sail, catching wind underneath to lift rug edges. Using low-profile outdoor furniture allows wind to pass over rather than causing lift.
Lightweight aluminum, woven, or sling style furniture has less wind resistance than big heavy pieces. Avoid placing tall bar-height tables and chairs directly on top of rugs.
Add Windbreakers and Screens
Creating barriers around your outdoor living space can help block or diffuse gusts of wind over rug areas. Strategically placed screens, shrubs, bushes, trees, or decorative fencing and latticework can all act as windbreakers.
You can also install retractable awnings or umbrellas to provide shade that blocks overhead wind. Use them when expecting strong winds rather than permanent structures.
Bring Indoors During Windstorms
When heavy winds or storms are forecasted, it’s best to take outdoor rugs inside. Detach any corner ties and cleanly roll up the rugs until the winds die down.
Storing them in a garage, shed, or covered area prevents damage from debris that can blow around in high winds. It also eliminates the risk of rugs blowing away or ending up tangled and damaged.
Weigh Down Edges
One quick trick for keeping rug corners grounded is to simply place or hang something with weight onto the edge, like a rock or full plant pot. You can also use rubber-coated weights made specifically for weighing down tablecloths.
Just evenly space weights around the edges to prevent corners from lifting up. Make sure to remove soft décor pieces during harsh weather.
Use Low-Profile Rugs
Thin flatwoven or low-pile rugs offer less surface area for wind to grab them. Avoid fluffy high-pile rugs and rugs with long fringe trims if your area is quite windy.
That said, you can use lightweight rugs in windy areas as long as you take steps to properly secure them using other methods mentioned. Flatweave styles are ideal.
Check for Proper Drainage
Make sure outdoor rugs can drain properly after rains. Excess puddled water can cause lifting, mold, mildew and make them harder to keep in place.
Allow space between rugs and surfaces for drainage. Using a porous backing also helps. Improving drainage eliminates excess moisture weight.
FAQs About Keeping Outdoor Rugs in Place
How do I keep my outdoor rug from moving?
Use a good quality outdoor rug pad, securing tapes or corner weights, and place the rug on a high-traction surface. Stapling, staking, or taping the edges can also help anchor it.
What can I put on the corners of outdoor rugs to keep them down?
Heavy items like flowerpots, lamps, patio furniture, decorative stones, or rubber weights placed on the corners help keep outdoor rugs grounded.
Should outdoor rugs be bigger than the space?
No, oversized outdoor rugs are more prone to catching wind and blowing around. The rug should be scaled properly to fit the furniture and area.
How can I keep my patio rug from blowing away without drilling?
You can use securing tapes, rug gripper mats, weights, heavy furniture, or windscreens instead of drilling or stapling to secure outdoor rugs. Proper sized rugs also help.
What kind of outdoor rug stays put the best?
Low-pile, flatwoven, or tight-loop weave rugs stay put better than high-pile rugs outdoors. Round shapes and smaller sizes also resist wind better than large rectangular rugs.
Conclusion
Dealing with outdoor rugs blowing around can definitely be annoying and hazardous. But there are many effective solutions for keeping them securely in place, even in windy conditions.
Using the right materials, strategic placement, weights, and proper preparation are key. Pay close attention to weather forecasts and bring rugs indoors or roll up during storms.
With some trial and error, you can find the best methods for your specific patio rugs and wind conditions. Investing in high-quality outdoor rug pads and securing supplies helps as well. Just be diligent and don’t allow your beautiful outdoor rugs to get ruined or blow away.