Decks provide homes with additional living space. They’re great for hosting summer parties or simply relaxing on a sunny day. Another great benefit of having a deck is that you can design it to match your aesthetic tastes by adorning it with decor that creates a unique outdoor space.
However, some people are unsure about adding decor to their decks because of how these items will affect the wood construction. For instance, a common question people have is, do outdoor rugs ruin wood decks? Here, the decking experts at Jaeger Lumber explain the advantages of adding an outdoor rug to a wood deck and any aspects homeowners need to consider.
Reasons to Add an Outdoor Rug to Your Deck
The short answer is that outdoor rugs won’t ruin your deck. They are perfectly safe to roll out on a deck made of traditional wood or composite materials. What’s more, adding a rug to your outdoor space can provide several advantages, including:
Added Layer of Protection
Electing to place an outdoor rug on your deck is an excellent way to provide extra protection. The rug will help block the sun’s harmful UV rays and reduce the threat of fading. An outdoor rug can also protect your deck from other outdoor elements, such as hail, heavy rainfall, and fallen branches. Additionally, if you’re entertaining and a guest spills something, outdoor rugs make it easy to clean up, whereas the wood may absorb the liquid.
Endless Design Options
Your outdoor living space should reflect your style. Outdoor rugs are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns. With seemingly endless design options, you can easily select a rug that best suits your needs and wants, perfectly bringing your outdoor space together.
Easy to Maintain
It’s common to believe that adding more decor pieces to a deck will result in more maintenance. Fortunately, many outdoor rugs are designed to withstand natural wear and tear and require very little upkeep. Homeowners who wish to keep their outdoor rug looking like new can do so by routinely sweeping. Some rugs can even be power washed for a more thorough cleaning.
Enhanced Comfort
Outdoor decks are meant to be enjoyed. When exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period, decks can become extremely hot, making them very uncomfortable unless wearing shoes. Outdoor rugs are an easy solution since they are a good way to insulate your feet from the heat. Additionally, a wooden deck might pose the threat of splinters. With a rug, that threat is greatly reduced.
Other Factors to Bear in Mind
While utilizing an outdoor rug on your deck is perfectly harmless, there are ways for homeowners to provide their deck with extra fortification. We recommend clients treat their wood decks with a stain-resistant and waterproofing deck sealer. This will help protect your deck from fading and prevent an unsightly rug-shaped spot from forming on the surface where sunlight didn’t cause fading. Many paint products for decks come with sealing properties, which can be helpful when redesigning your deck.
Some homeowners may be curious if they can leave an outdoor rug on their deck all year round. Given the snowy and sometimes harsh New Jersey winters, we don’t recommend it. Failing to remove your rug before frigid temperatures arrive may result in the portion of the deck beneath the rug becoming damaged. Instead, we recommend rolling up your rug and storing it inside until winter is over.
Learn More from the Decking Experts at Jaeger Lumber
When it comes to your deck, trust the experienced team at Jaeger Lumber. Since 1937, we have proudly served contractors and DIY homeowners located throughout New Jersey. Our products and services include a wide range of decking materials to help customers build the deck of their dreams.
In addition to providing the best materials for your decking needs, our team is also happy to answer any questions you may have, including how decor elements like outdoor rugs can impact the deck. Contact us today for more information about wood decking and our services.
