If you’re like many, you love the idea of using an outdoor area rug to add a touch of style and comfort to your campsite or outdoor space. But when the wind picks up, your outdoor rug could blow away or even be damaged.
To avoid this, you will need an effective way of keeping your outdoor mats secure on the ground.
Good news!
If you’re looking for a simple, inexpensive way to keep your patio space inviting and reduce the chance of outdoor rug damage, here are 9 easy ways to keep your outdoor rug from blowing away.
Just pick the right choice for your situation and rest easy knowing your outdoor carpeting or patio rug is secure.
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Best Way To Secure Patio Mats: 9 Options To Consider
Ok, let’s help you find the best solution to make sure you can keep your outdoor rug secure 😉
1. Tent Stakes
Tent stakes can easily secure your outdoor carpet or patio mat to the ground.
If you would rather DIY it, there is another option that is similar to tent stakes.
All you need to do is go to the hardware store and grab 4-6 fender washers and bolts that will fit through the hole of the washer but have a head big enough to keep the washer in place.
These would work in a similar way to commercially available rug stakes (which we will go over in just a minute).
Pros
- Quick and easy to set up
- Tripping hazard is very low
Cons
- Might not work in very strong winds or harsh weather conditions
- It may be difficult to drive tent stakes into hard ground
- Not appropriate for a wood deck, concrete floor, or other hard surfaces
- You may need to put small holes in your woven mat if there are no grommets on your rug corners
2. Rocks And Stones
Need an easy way to hold down your rug? Try placing medium to large-sized rocks on the corners of the rug.
This simple solution will help keep the area rug from blowing away, help protect it from getting damaged by the wind, and add beauty to your cozy outdoor seating area.
*Great idea for added fun-Find beautiful local rocks or bring a few of your own favorite stones to complement your outdoor décor. Another option is to go rock hunting, find at least 4 that are the right size, and paint them with cute pictures (if camping, you can hide them when you leave for others to find) or paint them with glow-in-the-dark paint so you don’t trip over them!
Pros
- Can be easily removed when not needed
- You can enjoy a fun activity that will help create a beautiful outdoor area all while keeping your RV mat or patio rug from blowing away. And then you can share the fun and enjoyment by hiding the rocks for others to find (and use!)
Cons
- The objects you use to weigh down the corners of your outdoor carpet can damage it if they’re placed directly on top of the fabric.
- You’ll need to find a way to keep those objects from blowing away themselves!
3. Rug Adhesive
Applying an adhesive product, such as glue, Velcro, double-sided carpet tape, or commercially available rug corner grippers to the back of the rug is an easy solution if you have a wooden deck or concrete patio.
Rug tape or grippers will help keep outdoor use rugs in place, but make sure to test the adhesive on a small area first to make sure it doesn’t damage the fabric or surface.
*Important Tip– This would only be a possible solution if you are on your own property. Campgrounds or rentals will not usually allow permanent outdoor carpets or rugs and are definitely not going to want you to glue, use heavy-duty rug tape, or Velcro your mat to anything.
Pros
- Keeps the rug securely in place
- Can be easily removed when necessary
Cons
- It may damage the fabric if not applied correctly
- Adhesives may not work in very windy conditions
4. Sandbags
Sandbags could be an option if you are leaning toward using more natural materials or need something heavy-duty and made with durable materials. All you have to do is fill small bags with sand or dirt and place them on the corners of the rug. This is a great option if you’re worried about the wind damaging your rug, as the sandbags will help protect it from being blown around.
Pros
- Keeps the rug securely in place
- Can be easily removed when necessary
- Should not cause damage to grass, wood, or concrete surface
Cons
- Not the most fashionable option, but functional
- Having sandbags means that you will need to find sand and fill the bags when you get to your destination or carry them with you which can add more weight (if that’s a concern for you)
- Tripping hazard if used in small spaces or high-traffic areas
5. Bungee Cords
Bungee cords would not necessarily be my first choice, but they can be a simple way to keep your patio mat in place if other options aren’t available. All you have to do is attach bungee cords to the corners of the rug (hopefully there is a grommet), and then secure the cords to stakes or objects on the ground. This will help keep the rug in place, and also prevent it from being blown away by the wind.
Pros
- Keeps the rug securely in place
- Can be easily removed when necessary
- Great idea if nothing else is available
Cons
- Might not work in very windy conditions
- Could be a tripping hazard if used in high traffic areas
- May cause damage to the top of your rug (or corners) in high winds
6. Empty Water Jugs
Water or milk jugs will work to hold down your rug or indoor-outdoor carpet. All you need to do is fill the empty jugs with sand or dirt and place them on the corners of the rug. This is a great choice and water-resistant option if you’re worried about the wind damaging your rug, as the jugs will help protect it from being blown around.
Pros
- Keeps the rug securely in place
- Can be easily removed when necessary
- Economical- jugs can be emptied and refilled many times and will last quite a long time
Cons
- Not the most beautiful option
- You will need to find a way to dispose of the jugs when you’re finished using them
7. Rug Stakes
There are specially made stakes that are designed to secure rugs to the ground.
These can be placed in the corners of the rug and then driven into the ground to hold it in place.
Pros
- Keeps the rug securely in place
- Can be easily removed when necessary
Cons
- It may be difficult to drive stakes into the ground if it’s too hard or dry
- Stakes can be a tripping hazard
- May cause damage in high winds
8. Potted Plants
Place potted plants on the corners of the rug to help weigh it down and keep it in place. This is a great way to add some color and life to your outdoor space, and you won’t have to worry about the plants blowing away.
Pros
- Garden or flower pots keep the rug securely in place
- Can be easily removed or changed when necessary
Cons
- It may be difficult to find potted plants if traveling
- You will need to find a way to dispose of the plants or find a place to plant them permanently if no longer needed
- Even light gusts could blow the pots over (depending on the size)
9. Patio Furniture
If you have heavy furniture you can place it on the corners of your beautiful rug to create a comfortable seating area that will help solve your patio rug problem.
Outdoor furniture is a great option if you’re worried about the wind damaging your rug, as the furniture will help protect the outdoor carpet from being blown around.
Pros
- Keeps area rugs securely in place
- Can be easily removed when necessary
Cons
- Taking additional outdoor furniture may not be a good option if you are traveling
Last Thoughts About How To Keep Outdoor Rugs From Blowing Away
There are a variety of ways that you can keep an outdoor carpet or rug from blowing away.
The best method will depend on the materials that you have available to you and the conditions in which you’ll be using the rug.
Be sure to consider the pros and cons of each option before making a decision, as some methods may not work well in very windy conditions, if you are in a campground, or have limited storage space.
With a little bit of planning, you can keep your outdoor rug securely in place and enjoy your time outdoors without worry.
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Looking for more helpful RV tips? Check out the RV Basics page to find tips, tricks, and must-have info!
