Some woven mats are made of UV-coated polypropylene mesh. These permit sunlight and flow air to enter and that is why they are called breathable. Many are reversible and are available in a number of color and pattern combinations to reflect the RV owner's special interests, such as patriotic and sports themes or floral designs. They come in various sizes, with widths at 8 feet and lengths of 12, 16, and even 20 feet. Woven synthetic mats are lightweight, clean up easily, dry quickly, and resist mold and mildew. Some have piping around the edges with reinforced stitching for greater durability. Another RV advantage is that these mats fold for storage. Prices in 2010 range around $75 for the shorter mats, $120 for the medium length and about $150 for the longest mats. They are available at RV and camping supply stores and outlets.
RV patio rugs also serve as an outdoor mat. Turf rugs are made of durable artificial turf designed for outdoor use and reinforced with marine-grade backing. They can be cleaned with a hose and dried outdoors. All the edges are finished, so they will not fray. Corners also are reinforced with aluminum grommets. This increases durability and provides a handy means for staking the mat to the ground. Colors are available to coordinate with and complement most standard RV awning colors. Prices range from about $80 to about $180, depending on mat dimensions. Turf rugs are available at RV and camping supply stores and outlets.
Bamboo offers a different approach to an RV patio mat. It is environmentally friendly, and stained bamboo is durable enough for high foot-traffic areas. It also is easy to maintain and cleans up well. A difference between bamboo and synthetic mats is that bamboo mats will roll for storage, but folding can damage it. Bamboo also is likely to be considered campground friendly, meaning that under normal circumstances it will not kill the grass beneath it. The campground management, however, has the last word on which mats are preferred at their sites. Bamboo mats for RV patio use are about six feet by eight feet and cost in the $85 range. They are available from bamboo specialty stores and outdoor pool and patio stores.
