When shopping for the best outdoor rug, it’s important to keep in mind that not all rugs are suitable for outdoor use. In addition to choosing a rug style and size, you’ll also want to consider the materials it’s made of as well as where you plan to place it. “If you’re going to be frequently hosting and toasting patio hours, or this will be the family hangout at home, then you’ll need it to be able to withstand heavy foot traffic, frequent spills, and potentially even paw prints,” said Heather Goerzen, managing editor for Havenly. Because there are so many outdoor rugs on the market, it can be hard to decide which are durable, stylish, and worth the money. To help you find the right fit for your outdoor space, we researched the best outdoor rugs, keeping in mind size, material, and design. Overall, we recommend Ruggable’s Outdoor Juneau Rug because it’s offered in multiple sizes and colors, is made with weather-resistant material, and is a two-part system that’s easy to clean. To help narrow down your choices, here are the best outdoor rugs. Ruggable’s Outdoor Juneau Rug is a two-piece system that you can easily clean in a washing machine—a great advantage if you have small children and pets or if you plan to frequently entertain during the summer months. The rug is offered in seven sizes and two colors—Teal Rose and Americana. Like all other Ruggable styles, the design is made up of two parts: a cover and a rug pad. The rug pad is an additional cost; however, once you purchase a pad, it’s interchangeable with any Ruggable cover of the same size, allowing you to easily change up the look of your space. The cover (aka rug) is made of polyester and a polyurethane water-resistant barrier, a popular material for outdoor rugs since it’s durable and can stand up to both rain and shine. The accompanying rug pad is ⅛-inch thick and is made of 95% recycled polyester. It’s non-slip as well, so the rug will stay in place even if it’s not being held down by a piece of furniture. Keep in mind that for the 8x10-foot and 9x12-foot sizes, the rug pad will come in two pieces for easier assembly. Whenever the rug needs to be washed, all you have to do is remove the cover and wash it in the washing machine on a cold cycle using a mild, non-bleach detergent. You can also spot clean it with soap and water. Tumble dry it on low, or place it back on the rug pad in the sun to air dry. Price at time of publish: $299 Product Details: Size: 8x10 feet (seven sizes available) | Material: Polyester with a polyurethane water-resistant barrier Whether you need a few outdoor rugs for your home or just want to upgrade your space on a budget, Safavieh’s Courtyard Indoor-Outdoor Area Rug is a great option. The rug is offered in multiple sizes and shapes and is made of durable materials that will last through the summer season and beyond. The rug is made of polyester and polypropylene and is offered in eight rectangular sizes, as well as round and square options. You’ll be able to choose between ten different colors as well, each of which has a minimal woven design that’ll easily complement any patio furniture and decor. Like most other outdoor rugs, this design doesn’t have a backing, so you’ll have to buy a rug pad to keep it in place. Not sure if this rug will be the right fit? The Home Depot has a 90-day return policy, so you’ll be able to try the design in your outdoor area before you commit. Price at time of publish: $57 Product Details: Size: 8 x 11 feet (24 sizes available) | Material: Polyester and polypropylene Outer’s 1188 Eco-Friendly Outdoor Rug is an investment piece, but its sturdy, eco-friendly construction and versatile design make this pick worth it. The rug is offered in three standard sizes and has a woven design with subtle pops of color that’ll match any space. The rug is made of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic. Unlike some other plastics out there, PET plastic is naturally stain-resistant, retains its color, and won’t fade in the sunlight, so you won’t have to worry about the quality of the rug over time. Though the rug may seem gray from afar, a closer inspection reveals a woven design with a variety of colors—an intentional design choice that hides any dirt. If the rug needs a good clean, simply vacuum it, spot clean any stains with a mild detergent, rinse it using your garden hose, and then let it dry outdoors. Though the rug is more expensive than other options out there, Outer offers free shipping and a 14-day home trial so you can try it out at home before you commit to the price tag. If you return the rug, you’ll receive a full refund. If you decide to keep it, the purchase is also protected by a limited one-year warranty which, according to Outer, “covers defects in material or workmanship.” Price at time of publish: $1,075 Product Details: Size: 8 x 10 feet (three sizes available) | Material: Recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic Lulu and Georgia’s Ember Indoor-Outdoor Rug has a durable construction that ensures you’ll get tons of use out of it. The rug is made of 100% polypropylene, a material that’s highly resistant to water and staining, so it can withstand heavy traffic and any messes that might come with it. “A balanced earthy palette meets a global-inspired motif in this richly woven outdoor rug,” Goerzen says. “I love how it looks and feels like a traditional indoor rug with a soft feel underfoot, but the polypropylene material means it can handle just about anything outdoors.” The rug is offered in eight sizes and can be used both indoors and outdoors, so you’ll be able to get a bunch of use out of the stylish design. The brand notes that loose fibers and shedding are normal with this style, so it may require a bit more maintenance than other styles out there. However, you can easily clip and vacuum the loose pieces to keep the rug in shape. Price at time of publish: $58 Product Details: Size: 8 x 10 feet (eight sizes available) | Material: Polypropylene Patios are a popular spot for entertaining, so the best outdoor rug for this location will need to withstand foot traffic, dirt, and other wear and tear. Jaipur Living’s Fathom Indoor-Outdoor Area Rug is made of durable polypropylene, has a design that’ll hide stains, and is easy to clean, so you’ll be able to keep it in good shape. The rug is offered in a range of three standard sizes. It’s woven and has a neutral and black striped pattern, a combination that’ll be able to withstand a lot of foot traffic and easily hide any obvious stains. Plus, the colors of the rug are versatile, coordinating with almost any furniture and decor of your choosing. “I love the timeless color palette, modern geometric print, and high contrast border to really ground your outdoor vignette,” Goerzen said. The rug can be used both indoors and outdoors, so you can use it between seasons inside your home if you choose. To keep it looking as good as new, all you have to do is vacuum it and spot clean when necessary. Price at time of publish: $46 Product Details: Size: 8 feet 9 inches x 12 feet 5 inches (three sizes available) | Material: Polypropylene Like a patio, decks are typically not covered, so you’ll need a rug that can withstand the elements. Breakwater Bay’s Sania Indoor-Outdoor Area Rug is made of polypropylene, a durable material that’s ideal for any outdoor space. Whether you have small children, pets, or plan to entertain often, the Sania rug can hold up to heavy foot traffic and the mess that comes with it. The stain-resistant material is easy to clean—you can either vacuum or spot clean it, depending on your needs. The rug is offered in two colors and 12 different sizes and shapes. Whether you need a round design or a runner to suit your space, you’ll be able to find the ideal combination to finish your outdoor set up.
Price at time of publish: $79 Product Details: Size: 7 feet 6 inches x 10 feet 9 inches (12 sizes available) | Material: Polypropylene Porches tend to be narrow, covered areas, so you’re likely to need either a runner or a small rectangle option. Regardless, the Pottery Barn Vera Indoor-Outdoor Rug is a great option since it’s offered in a selection of sizes, both small and large, to fit your space. Though porches are typically protected from the elements, the rug is made of polypropylene and polyester, a durable combination that can withstand rain and snow, just in case. The rug is offered in a choice of blue or a neutral stone shade—if you’re concerned about a lighter color, keep in mind that the rug can be easily spot cleaned. The rug is offered in nine sizes, so you’ll be able to choose between runners, small rug options, and typical area rug sizes in case you have a larger space. It’s backed with latex as well, but you’ll still have to purchase a rug pad to ensure it stays in place. Price at time of publish: $469 Product Details: Size: 7 feet 10 inches x 10 feet 10 inches (nine sizes available) | Material: Polypropylene and polyester

What to Know About Outdoor Rugs Before Shopping

Rug Placement

Whether you’re decorating an open-air patio or a covered porch, the location of your rug plays a key role in selecting the best outdoor rug for you. Though most, if not all, outdoor rugs are made with a durable material, some can handle more wear and tear than others. “First things first, consider where your outdoor rug is going: an open patio demands harder working materials to handle the elements than a covered porch, which still needs to be able to tolerate moisture,” Goerzen said. “From there, it’s all about your goals for your outdoor space.” Whether you plan to throw dinner parties often or you just want a gathering spot for your family, you’ll want to ensure you choose a rug that can handle heavy foot traffic, as well as spills and muddy paw prints.

Material

Since the best outdoor rugs will have to withstand various weather conditions, as well as foot traffic, dirt, and other stains, the material of the rug is perhaps one of the most important factors to consider. Outdoor rugs are typically made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, or polypropylene. “Weather-resistant durability is key for keeping outdoor rugs looking good in all elements,” Goerzen said. “Look for recycled plastic materials, like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyester—with sustainability bonus points if it’s been recycled. Not only will these strong materials hold up under sun or rain and be easy to clean, they also feature a lovely flat-woven appearance and feel soft underfoot. For covered patios, consider sisal or jute for a trending organic texture.”

Size

According to Goerzen, the best outdoor rugs are not one size fits all. Instead, she recommended making sure your rug is properly scaled to your outdoor furniture pieces. “The same indoor rug rules apply outside: Make sure at least the front two legs of all pieces of furniture can sit comfortably on the rug, if not all the legs,” she said. “Typically, for a larger sectional or sofa and chair combo, you’ll be looking at an 8 x 10 or larger. However, if you have a smaller outdoor [setup], like a bistro set or couple of accent chairs, a 4 x 6 or 5 x 8 should suit you just fine.”

Your Questions, Answered

How do you style an outdoor rug? Overall, styling an outdoor rug is all about your own personal style, as well as any furniture and decor you may already have. If you’re still not sure where to start, Goerzen recommends using your outdoor surroundings to guide you. “Let nature be your inspiration for the perfect patio paradise, including your outdoor rug selection. The goal is an outdoor space that’s as calming as it is refreshing; balanced as it is beautiful. Lean into minimalist neutrals and blacks, as well as trending earth tones, like terracottas, sage greens, and dusty blue,” she said. “Keep to quiet patterns, like timeless stripes, classic plaids, modern geometrics, or even a hint of global-inspiration. This will give you more versatility when it comes to mixing and matching pillows and textiles.” How do you clean an outdoor rug? Like indoor rugs, an outdoor rug will need a good cleaning, especially if it experiences heavy foot traffic and stains from entertaining. Though each rug comes with their own cleaning instructions, typically it can just be vacuumed, spot cleaned, or even hosed down to keep it in good shape.

Who We Are

Jamie Weissman is a commerce editor for Better Homes & Gardens. For two years, she’s written about a variety of home products. To make this list, she spent hours researching outdoor rugs, keeping in mind each style’s material, size, and design. She also consulted Heather Goerzen, managing editor for Havenly.