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Area Rugs and Accessories
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Choosing Easy Care Outdoor RugsYou’ve bought the shiny new patio set, ditched the faded umbrella, installed outdoor solar lighting for evening atmosphere, and maybe splurged on some swank new outdoor dinner wear. All set for summer entertaining? Wait! Accessorizing your outdoor space is fun and do-able even for the most budget conscious decorator. From candles to cushions, the variety of funky outdoor living products is endless. However, one of the hottest trends in outdoor decorating is the use of all-weather rugs, so don’t forget to add these designer must-haves to your shopping list. Outdoor rugs come in a huge lineup of sizes, materials, and designs. They also hide a multitude of deck and patio flaws including, splintered deck boards, worn or stained areas, cracked concrete, and chipped or faded paint. For vinyl decks, which get smoking hot in the sun, an outdoor rug is essential for protecting bare feet. Here is some info on the basic options available in outdoor rugs. Remember to ask about or read the label on care instructions and any lifetime guarantees. Woven Polypropylene RugsGood quality woven outdoor rugs are made with polypropylene, a petroleum byproduct (also labeled Olefin). Olefin fibers are given weather resistant treatments before weaving which makes them impermeable to stains, mildew and sun damage. To clean these rugs, just hose them down and drape in a sunny spot to dry. Olefin rugs come in every color and design imaginable, from basic neutrals to wild colorful prints. You’ll be sure to find one that suits your personal style. Bamboo RugsIf you like the look of natural materials, bamboo rugs are another popular outdoor floor covering. Bamboo has wonderful texture, feels soft underfoot, and has natural coloring that goes with just about any type of décor. For a splash of color, bamboo rugs are often edged with a weather resistant fabric. As a renewable resource, bamboo is environmentally friendly as well as highly durable. To clean bamboo mats, just wipe them with a damp cloth or mop. Sisal, Seagrass, and Jute RugsOther natural materials such as sisal, seagrass, and jute are durable enough for the outdoors but should be used with caution. The natural fibers absorb moisture like crazy so you’ll get mildew for sure if these rugs aren’t kept completely dry. Use them only on covered patios or decks and store during the winter. If you want the look of sisal without the worry, you can find synthetic sisal outdoor rugs made from 100% Olefin. These rugs can be hosed down to clean. Leanne Tremblay is a successful freelance writer and publisher of several web sites. She has written numerous articles on outdoor living, including deck design software, space-saving outdoor storage ideas, and outdoor deck lighting. Leanne writes also articles on a wide variety of topics, including internet phone services and colored contact lenses, and can be contacted at info@learnabout.info to discuss free articles for your own web sites.
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