Outdoor rugs are gear not only for an aesthetic perspective, but they also keep the concrete floor below protected, and if you want to learn how to keep outdoor rugs in place on concrete you are in the right place.
Keep outdoor rugs in place on concrete by using the right carpet pad, weighing it down with a potted plant, and installing Velcro strips, double-sided sticky tape, or caulk.
Let’s take an in-depth look at each tactic so you don’t have to worry about your outdoor rugs moving around on a concrete surface again.
Sticky Tape
Some people choose to stick their outdoor rug down by using heavy-duty rug tape. Most rug tape you find on the market is meant to stick to laminate, vinyl, or hardwood flooring and is not intended to be used on concrete.
Unfortunately, the wrong type of rug tape doesn’t tend to last very long before it becomes nothing but a sticky mess. And, if the concrete has any kind of texture to the surface, the tape is probably not going to stick at all.
To apply sticky tape, first, clean the area where the rug will be set and allow it to completely dry. Measure the length and width of the floor to decide where to place the rug. Use chalk to mark the places where the tape will go.
Place strips an inch or two in from the outside edge of the rug, and also place a few strips in the center underneath the rug.
Do not peel off the plastic paper to expose the adhesive side until you have the strips in place and are ready to lay down the rug. Once the rug is in place and successfully stuck to the concrete, smooth it out.
Velcro Strips
To hold the mat under the rug in place, some people opt to install Velcro strips. Keep in mind that if you choose to use Velcro strips, it has the potential of leaving behind a sticky residue that will be difficult to clean up.
Velcro strips can be purchased in strips that are pre-cut or in rolls.
To install Velcro strips, cut the Velcro into the desired length, and peel off the paper on the back of the strip to expose the sticky side of the Velcro strip. Adhere the strip to spots on the floor with the soft side up.
Then apply the other side of the Velcro strip to sections of the underside of the rug pad.
Caulk
Another method is to use caulk to keep the rug in place.
Keep in mind that caulk will be difficult to clean up if you decide you want to move the rug later. Apply a bead of silicone caulk on the back and edges of the mat as well as in the center underneath the rug.
Adding Weight
Slipping is not the only potential hazard for keeping your outdoor rugs in place. When you put rugs outside, you also face the possibility of wind storms or other elements of weather that could blow or move the rug around.
Keep your rugs in place by weighing them down with cleverly positioned potted plants or other heavy patio furniture.
Rug Pads
Using a rug pad on concrete is a very good way to keep outdoor rugs in place without a sticky mess. Not only will the right rug pad keep your outdoor rugs in place on concrete, but they have other benefits as well.
Air Circulation
A good rug pad will improve the air circulation while it enhances airflow to keep the rug dry. A dry rug will help to prevent mold, mildew, and other bacteria from building up underneath the rug on the concrete.
Good air circulation will also help alleviate stains and odors.
Dirt and Debris
When dirt and debris build up under the rug, it could cause the rug or the concrete underneath to stain or discolor. A good rug pad will keep the rug in place while keeping dirt and debris out.
Safety
Outside, concrete is usually used on patios or areas where you may place a rug. Any smooth surface can become very slippery and dangerous when it is wet including concrete.
Even if the concrete does not ever get wet, a rug placed on top of a smooth surface is likely to slip around.
Since the concrete under the rug is smooth, it could lead to slips, falls, or potential serious injuries with a rug slipping around on top of it, especially if it becomes wet.
The right rug pad placed under an outside rug will add traction to help keep the rug from sliding.
Comfort
Outdoor rugs tend to be fairly thin. Adding a rug pad underneath is going to add a nice, comforting cushion to the otherwise thin rug.
What to Look for in an Outdoor Rug Pad
Any attempt to keep an outdoor rug in place by using a rug pad is a good step in the right direction. However, to make the best decision, it’s good to know what to look for in an outdoor rug pad before you rush out and buy one.
The right rug pad should not require using Velcro or any kind of adhesives. It should be made of high quality to provide you with security and a cushion of comfort, so you can enjoy your outdoor rug on concrete.
Waterproof
Finding a rug pad that is waterproof is important when it’s being used outside. Also, one that resists mold and mildew is an added bonus.
Grip
A rug pad outdoors on concrete is going to need to hold its grip for as long as possible without leaving stains on the back of the rug or on the concrete. Look for a pad that is made out of natural rubber or jute.
Size
Make sure the pad is half an inch to one inch less than the perimeter of the rug, so it doesn’t overlap in an unsightly manner. Once it is in place, you should not be able to see the rug pad.
Final Thoughts
Maintain your outdoor rugs by keeping them from being blown away in heavy wind or from becoming a slipping hazard.
Keep outdoor rugs in place on concrete by using the right carpet pad, weighing down the rug with a potted plant or patio furniture, and installing Velcro strips, double-sided sticky tape, or caulk. Of course, the preferred and less messy option is to find a high-quality rug pad.