Round Outdoor Rug

Fibers refer to the materials used to make rugs.
Different fibers have different qualities in terms of durability, care, feel, and fading. In order of their durability, following are the most common fibers used for round outdoor rugs.

Nylon - Made from petroleum and discovered by a Dupont chemist, this is one of the oldest synthetic materials available. Stain resistant and highly durable, this is a great fiber choice for outdoor rugs. Because nylon is used for most indoor carpeting as well, outdoor rugs made from nylon will feel and look like indoor area rugs.

Olefin - This synthetic material is made from propylene or ethylene gasses. It is actually more resistant to outdoor conditions like mildew and sunlight than Nylon but the material feels a little different. While it appears to look like nylon carpets, the material is actually more lightweight and the fibers do not hold up as well as nylon. It is generally less expensive than nylon carpet and makes a great choice for your round outdoor rug - particularly if the rug will be near a pool or if you live in humid or rainy parts of the country. All this rug needs for easy cleaning is an occasional vacuum and to be hosed off occasionally.

Polyester - This synthetic, another Dupont creation, is used to make everything from plastic containers to clothing. As a rug fiber, it is much less durable than the other synthetics and prone to fading.

Acrylic - Another very flexible synthetic, (women - ever had acrylic nails at the manicurist?) this is the most resistant to outside forces - mildew, sun, bugs, dirt - but the least durable. Acrylic is used to make synthetic wool rugs so they look nice but they don't last as long and will need to be replaced within a year or two depending on traffic.

Jute - A cheap natural plant fiber and certainly eco-friendly. Because it is a plant material, though, and biodegradable, it does not hold up well in sunlight.

Seagrass - Also a biodegradable plant fiber, seagrass does not resemble standard carpet fibers but is manufactured as a weave. It looks more like a floor mat than a rug and is generally not stain resistant and should not be in an area where it might become saturated with water. It does not tend to hold up well, either, in very dry climates as lack of moisture in the air can dry out the seagrass.

Sisal - Mirrors seagrass in all respects except for origin. Sisal comes from an agave plant as compared to the aquatic plant form of seagrass.

Photo used under Creative Commons from saxetknarf.

Oval braided rugs were often found on the outdoor patios of our grandparents. Today's round outdoor rugs are crafted with art and interior design in mind and can turn your concrete patio floor into the backdrop you want for your patio furniture. Manufacturing methods and the development of synthetic materials allow for richer color and pattern choices than we've ever had and there is a round outdoor rug for every style.

Searching online for a round outdoor rug, however, would make us think otherwise. Round outdoor rugs are a little difficult to find as the more widely purchased rectangle shapes dominate the internet whether you search by phrase or image. Most rug stores carry round outdoor rugs but only showcase pictures of those outdoor rugs in their rectangular shape. To find all your options for a round outdoor rug takes a little work. If you find a style and design you like in a rectangle, check the online ordering boxes for that style to see if it's also available as a round outdoor rug. Many times, you will find this is the case.

Safavieh has been making fine rugs since 1914 and won one of the 2009 America's Magnificent Carpet Awards. They've produced an excellent line of round outdoor rugs in beautiful designs.

5 3 Round Area Rug - Courtyard 2098-3201-5R by Safavieh Courtyard Collection

5 3 Round Area Rug - Courtyard 1928-1001-5R by Safavieh Courtyard Collection

5 3 Round Area Rug - Courtyard 2326-3001-5R by Safavieh Courtyard Collection

Now, look at the examples below. They're also quite beautiful options for a round outdoor rug. Except, they're not round, are they? Well, the pictures wouldn't make you think so...but each description does describe a round outdoor rug. That's what I mean about round outdoor rugs being a little difficult to find. Most websites don't offer an image of the round version of an outdoor rug even though they do sell that shape.

5 3 Round Area Rug - Courtyard 2098-3901 by Safavieh Courtyard Collection

5 3 Round Area Rug - Courtyard 0901-3201 by Safavieh Courtyard Collection

5 3 Round Area Rug - Courtyard 0727-3009 by Safavieh Courtyard Collection

Synthetic rugs and natural fiber rugs need different approaches to cleaning. Most natural fibers should not be drenched in water. They can be vacuumed or swept and might need dry cleaning if they become stained.

Synthetic fibers are more stain resistant and can be vacuumed and or hosed off and left to dry. Hanging them to dry can be difficult based on their size, although the olefin carpets are lighter so you might be able to manage those on a line. Otherwise, rely on vacuuming and spot treatment as needed.

Photo used under Creative Commons from rich_lem.