Keep Outdoor Rugs in Place on Concrete the Right Way

Your outdoor area is where you host family gatherings, cook outs, or just relax after a long day at work. Maybe you have a wooden porch or a concrete patio to place your comfortable outdoor furniture and unique potted plants.

Or maybe your interior space has a trendy concrete floor to help keep your home cool and clean.

An indoor outdoor carpet is a great way to add color and comfort to your outdoor space without breaking the bank. Outdoor rugs are waterproof and made to be left outside year round. You can also use them to define a seating area or protect the wood floor of your dining room.

Because patio rugs are made from smooth, waterproof materials, like acrylic, nylon, or polypropylene, they can easily become slippery when placed on concrete.

In order to keep your outdoor living space safe, you’ll need to secure your outdoor rug to the hard surface it lays on. The best, most effective way to do this is with the right carpet pad for concrete floors.

Why you need a rug pad to keep outdoor rugs in place on concrete

Concrete surfaces may seem indestructible, but they are prone to scratching, chipping, and staining just like other flooring types.

An outdoor area rug is a great way to protect your concrete surfaces while adding stylish colors and patterns to your outdoor space.

Patio rugs are known for their beauty and durability. But they offer more versatility than just covering a concrete surface.

• They add comfort to decks, porches, and patios.
• Outdoor rugs protect your floors.
• They add traction to slippery concrete surfaces and stone.
• Patio rugs cover damage and stains in high traffic areas.
• With so much variety, they are an inexpensive way to update décor.

You already know that your indoor rugs require a rug pad for safety, comfort, and support. But do you need an outdoor rug pad for your patio rug?

The answer is a resounding yes! High-quality rug pads enhance the functionality of your patio rug and keep your concrete surfaces safe and comfortable.

Here are four reasons why you need a rug pad beneath your outdoor rug.

1. Improved Air Circulation: Without circulation, mold, mildew, and bacteria will build up between your rug and concrete, leading to staining and smells. A rug pad will enhance airflow and allow your carpet to dry completely.
2. Protection For Dirt And Debris: If debris builds up underneath your patio rug, it could lead to staining or discoloration on wood or concrete. The right rug pad will hold your rug in place while keeping dirt out.
3. Increased Safety: Smooth concrete becomes slippery when wet. This could lead to slips, falls, and potential injuries. An area rug with a rug pad will add traction to keep your rug from sliding.
4. Luxurious Comfort: Outdoor rugs are relatively thin. High-quality rug pads come in a variety of densities, meaning no matter what level of cushioning you seek, you’re sure to find it.

A high-quality rug pad can make or break your outdoor space. Here’s what you need to know before buying a carpet pad for outdoor rugs on concrete.

What to know before you buy

Keeping your outdoor rugs in place is critical, especially during inclement weather. Some people use heavy-duty rug tape to stick their carpet to concrete.

Unfortunately, the rug tape you find on Amazon doesn’t last very long before it loses its sticky side. Most double-sided carpet tape is designed to stick to laminate, vinyl, or hardwood floors.

If your concrete has texture, chances are it will not stick securely enough to keep your outdoor rug in place.

Look for a rug pad made from jute and natural rubber. These natural materials will not lose their grip over time and won’t stain your rug or concrete surface.

When choosing a high-quality rug pad size, ensure it measures one inch less than your outdoor rug’s perimeter.

These are the best rug pads to keep outdoor rugs in place on concrete

Keeping outdoor carpeting in place doesn’t require velcro or adhesives. Choose from these high-quality rug pads to add cushioning and security to your patio rug.

Anchor Grip

Anchor Grip is a low-profile, waterproof rug pad that offers maximum durability and grip for your outdoor rug.

It offers a grippy EVA backing, which places more padding in contact with your concrete floor for optimal grip, no matter what texture your concrete is.

Made in the USA with an EVA backing, Anchor Grip works well with any flooring finish and is mold and mildew resistant. It works well in hot and humid climates, making it an excellent choice for your outdoor concrete flooring.

RugPro

If you have a concrete floor in your basement, laundry room, or screened-in porch, RugPro is great for covering these hard surfaces with a layer of non-slip protection.

This rug pad combines a thin layer of felt with a solid backing made from natural rubber. The felt will grip your outdoor rug while the rubber keeps it firmly in place on concrete surfaces.

Because RugPro uses solid natural rubber, it will not flake prematurely and keeps dirt from building up between your carpet and concrete. The needle-punched felt topper allows your rug to breathe, extending the lifespan of your carpet.

Contour-Lock

Contour-Lock is an excellent choice for people who want a firm grip and a moderate level of cushioning beneath their outdoor rug.

Because outdoor rugs tend to be made from rough materials, Contour-Lock works well in adding a layer of protection. This rug pad has a solid design that protects your floors from scratching and debris.

Made from 100% recycled felt and natural rubber, this rug pad will stand up beautifully in high-traffic areas like entryways and hallways as it offers cushioning and non-slip grip.

Superior-Lock 1/4

Combining secure grip and plush cushioning, Superior-Lock ¼ is designed to offer anti-slip protection on concrete floors with glossy finishes.

It’s topped with needle-punched felt to securely hold your outdoor rug in place while preventing the creeping, curling, and bunching that can lead to dangerous tripping hazards.

Beneath the felt is a high-performing checkered rubber backing that grabs your concrete floor and stops the smooth rug from shifting and skidding.

Eco-Plush ⅜

If you are looking for sustainability and cushioning beneath the heavy furniture in your basement, Eco-Plush 3/8 is the right fit. It’s tightly woven from recycled felt, making it environmentally friendly and oh-so-soft.

The heat-pressed felt fibers have no odors, glues, or bonding agents. Eco-Plush offers superior cushion, soundproofing, and insulation benefits, making it a great choice for drafty basements or mudrooms with concrete flooring.

This rug pad is also mold, mildew, moisture, and bacteria resistant. Choose Eco-Plush for large area rugs that don’t need heavy-duty grip.

Cloud Comfort Memory Foam 7/16

Concrete flooring in your basement or garage is hard and unforgiving. Add luxurious cushioning beneath your thin outdoor rug with Cloud Comfort Memory Foam.

This waterproof rug pad is made from viscoelastic memory foam, offering your feet the same comfort as the memory foam mattress in your bedroom. It also is odor-free, meaning people with allergies, pets, and children can rest easily.

Cloud Comfort is engineered to offer a supportive layer of protection beneath oversized outdoor rugs that don’t need non-slip grip and can lie flat on their own.

Other things you want to know

No matter where your concrete surfaces are in your home, adding an area rug with a high-quality rug pad will instantly elevate the space and offer comfort and protection where you need it most.

Here are some more things you need to know about outdoor rugs and concrete surfaces.

How do I keep my patio rug from blowing away?

When windy conditions hit, your patio rug could become airborne. Here are the best ways to keep your outdoor rug secure during a storm.

1. Anchor It With Heavy Patio Furniture Or Weighted Potted Plants.
2. Use Outdoor Carpet Tape To Secure Your Rug To Smooth Concrete.
3. Use An Outdoor Rug Pad To Firmly Grip Your Rug In Place.

You can secure your Super Lock Outdoor rug pad to the back of your outdoor rug using silicone adhesive.

The weight of the natural rubber rug pad will not only hold your outdoor rug in place but weigh it down enough so that the wind won’t blow it away to your neighbor’s yard.

What is the best way to clean an outdoor rug?

Because outdoor rugs live outside, they are exposed to large amounts of dirt, mildew, and grime. This leads to unsightly staining that can shorten the lifespan of your patio rug.

To keep your outdoor rug looking new here is the best way to clean it.

Small outdoor rugs

1. Shake Out Loose Dirt And Debris
2. Prepare A Cleaning Solution Made From Warm Water and ¼ Cup Gentle Detergent.
3. Rinse The Rug With A Hose.
4. Clean Both Sides With The Solution.
5. Rinse Section By Section.
6. Hang Your Rug In The Sun To Dry.

Large outdoor rugs

1. Sweep Or Vacuum Dirt And Debris.
2. Prepare A Cleaning Solution Made From Warm Water and ¼ Cup Gentle Detergent.
3. Rinse The Rug With A Hose.
4. Apply Cleaning Solution And Allow To Sit For 5 Minutes.
5. Rinse The Rug Section By Section After Scrubbing.
6. Rinse With Clear Water One More Time.
7. Hang Rug In The Sun And Flip To Dry Both Sides.

Use this step-by-step guide to deep clean your outdoor rugs at the beginning and end of the outdoor season. Don’t forget to vacuum to maintain its vibrancy between cleanings regularly.

How do I keep an outdoor rug in place on wood floors?

Outdoor rugs are an excellent option for high-traffic areas inside your home. Because they are made from synthetic materials, they are durable, waterproof, and perfect for areas where spills are likely.

However, their rough surface can scratch your wood floors. Keep your outdoor area rug in place on wood floors by choosing a high-quality rug pad made from natural rubber and felt.

RugPadUSA has a collection of rug pads specially designed to protect your hardwood floors.

Can you leave an outdoor rug outside all year round?

Yes, you can leave your outdoor rug outside 365 days a year. Because they are made from durable materials, patio rugs are designed to withstand rain, sleet, sun, snow, and other weather conditions.

However, if not cared for properly, outdoor rugs can harbor mold between your outdoor space’s flooring and the back of the rug, leading to unpleasant odors and staining. Always use an outdoor rug pad to prevent mold, mildew, and bacteria from forming.