Our mats are strong, durable and suitable for most outdoor areas and conditions. Still, they can get damaged if not treated correctly. Each time you use your mat, take care to clear the area of any sharp objects, including rocks, sticks and/or plastics. We suggest that you do not place any heavy objects on your mat for an extended period, particularly when in storage, to avoid permanent dents. If placing tables and chairs on your mat, we suggest that you use small wood or rubber discs to help distribute the weight and prevent the feet from piercing the woven fabric. Never drag furniture over the mat. Dragging can cause damage to the mat and cause the weaves to come undone. In the event of gaps appearing in your mat, massage the weaves back into their original place.  Over time, it is perfectly normal for some of the weaves to pop out of the mat. This is not a manufacturing fault and can be tucked back into the weave of the mat.Our mats are suitable for indoor and outdoor use and have been treated with a UV protective coating. However, they are not intended for extended exposure to the sun or rain. Exposure to the elements will result in fading and deterioration over time.