When you go shopping for an outdoor rug, you’re probably contemplating characteristics such as what color or size you want. Rarely does a person choose a rug off the shelf or online for its ability to resist flames, but more people should probably start.
Outdoor rugs can pose a serious threat to property and people if they aren’t non-flammable as they are fire hazards that could combust in extreme heat or catch fire from nearby sources. To prevent this, purchase a rug made from plastic fabrics, fibreglass, or similar non-flammable materials. Tag symbols can also tell you if a rub is fire resistant.
This article will discuss the importance of only purchasing non-flammable outdoor rugs and how you can find one easily for purchase by knowing which materials are best. Afterward, we’ll list some of our top choices for an outdoor rug that isn’t flammable for your convenience.
Why You Want a Fire-Resistant Rug Outdoors
Many people enjoy having rugs decorate their outdoor spaces because they’re the perfect way to add a homey feeling outdoors and provide more visual aesthetics to a space, such as a deck or a patio. That being said, not all rugs are made the same, and when it comes to using one for outdoor décor, the rug itself can be extremely dangerous if it isn’t fire-resistant.
Flammable rugs pose a significant risk to the safety of people and property. If they are left outdoors in extremely arid and hot conditions, some rug materials, like straw, can exceed their flash point and combust, especially if they’re located near a source of fuel. Another risk is if the rug is located near a fire source, such as a grill, outdoor fireplace, bonfire pit, or outdoor heater.
Something as simple as a lighter or a candle that’s been knocked over can turn your aesthetically pleasing rug into a mat of flames that could potentially spread throughout your property. Therefore, for the safety of yourself, your property, and others around you, it’s always best to purchase an outdoor rug made of non-flammable materials.
What Rug Materials are Non-Flammable?
The easiest way to purchase an outdoor rug that is safe and has no risk of catching fire is to buy one that is made of fire-resistant materials or materials that have been chemically treated to be non-flammable.
Some of the best and most common materials used for rugs that are flame retardant include:
- Plastic fibers (ex. polyester, nylon)
- Fiberglass
- Wool
- Silk
Of these materials, rugs made of plastic fibers or fiberglass will be cheaper and less affected by flames. However, if you prefer opting for more natural materials, wool and silk will ultimately burn, but since they are natural fibers, it is much harder to ignite these materials, and they will often self-extinguish.
Try to avoid highly flammable materials, such as cellulose fibers (ex. cotton, linen), as these materials burn so easily (their flammability is often comparative to paper).
Other Ways to Tell if a Rug is Non-Flammable
While knowing your rug’s material is a good start to purchasing one that is fire-resistant, there is another way you can be sure your rug of choice has this characteristic.
According to federal law, all rugs have to adhere to flammability standards and come attached with a label stating relevant information regarding the rug’s materials, care, and any treatments it has been exposed to. Therefore, you can rest assured that any rug you buy has some degree of flame protection, but the best way to see if the rug goes one step further is to check its tab/label.
If you see a “T” symbol on the tag of your rug, it means that the rug has been chemically coated to ensure the materials are fire-resistant. Looking for this symbol can give you an extra degree of certainty that this rug isn’t a fire hazard. However, if the rug doesn’t have this symbol, you’ll want to make sure it’s made of non-flammable materials, like those listed above.
Top Outdoor Rugs That Are Not Flammable
Now that you know why it is important to have a non-flammable outdoor rug and what materials and treatments can help guarantee this, let’s look at some examples.
Below is a list of fire-resistant outdoor rugs we highly recommend for your outdoor spaces. These stylish and functional rugs can match nearly any aesthetic and help your porch, deck, patio, or even garden feel like an extension of your home.
If you don’t want to go through the hassle of reading every rug on our list, we highly recommend you search for fireplace or hearth rugs to place outdoors. Many of these rugs can come in various designs and sizes and are guaranteed to be fire-resistant.
That being said, let’s move on to the list of our top non-flammable outdoor rugs.
Pilgrim Home Hearth Rug
If you happen to be one of the lucky owners of an outdoor fireplace, a great way to spruce up this leisurely spot is to decorate it with a nice hearth rug.
This rug by Pilgrim Home provides all the security of a non-flammable rug while also emitting a stylish but homey vibe. The stain-proof material is 100% polypropylene, which will ensure it doesn’t get messy easily outdoors and is durable enough to withstand frequent use and outdoor conditions.
Non-Slip Hearth Rug
Although the design of this rug might be a bit simple, it is highly functional as one of the most flame-resistant rugs you can find, thanks to its 100% polyester material. We recommend purchasing this rug if you have an outdoor kitchen, pizza oven, or grill
.
Artistic Weavers Area Rug
Area rugs are fantastic for placing underneath an outdoor dining area, either on your porch or patio.
This stunning, bright red area rug by Artistic Weavers boasts a vibrant pattern that will add a much-needed dash of colour and flair to your outdoor aesthetic. It’s a fantastic accent piece and will draw the eye of any visitor you might be entertaining.
The rug is made of polyester so that it won’t catch fire easily should one of your table candles topple to the ground. The material can also withstand the constant wear and tear that comes with shuffling feet so that you won’t be replacing this pricy rug any time soon.
F-Arrow Fire Pit Rug
Everyone loves sitting around a nice, cozy fire pit nearly year-round. Once you pair them with a few comfortable chairs and some good company, people tend to spend hours in front of these fiery containers. However, ash, soot, and sparks flying astray could potentially damage whatever surface the pit is on, which is why this rug is the perfect fire pit companion.
Although it too boasts a simple design, this rug will likely be covered in black soot and ash, so its dark, minimalist design is perfect, and it will protect the property surrounding your fire pit while adding a touch of refinement to the space.
Final Thoughts
Next time you decide you want to purchase a rug for your outdoor space, we strongly recommend you find one made of non-flammable materials and/or has been chemically treated to be fire-resistant. This is for the safety of you, others, and your property, as well as providing you peace of mind while you enjoy the outdoors. Be sure to check out some of the rugs listed above for stylish, functional, and all-around safe options you could purchase with ease.
