Add Flair to Your Porch or Patio This Season With An Outdoor Rug We Love (2024)

Do you wish you could upgrade the appearance of your apartment's concrete slab patio? Or maybe your wooden deck needs a pop of texture. No matter the size of your outdoor space, an outdoor rug instantly grounds a seating area and softens the surface underfoot.

"I tend to use outdoor rugs most commonly under sofas and sectionals because it feels like creating an outdoor living room," says New York-based landscape designer Amber Freda. "You'll want it to be around the same proportions as an indoor rug, where the furniture pieces help anchor the rug usually to create a whole seating set."

Aside from their design potential, outdoor rugs make major claims about durability, washability, and waterproofing. We tested 31 outdoor rugs to learn which materials, colors, and weaves could withstand dirt, stains, and heavy patio furniture.

We found some rugs may be washable, but they take lots of time to dry when laid flat. Additionally, rugs made from polypropylene were among the most durable for stain treatment.

Now Testing! We are currently testing the Rugs.com Border Rug plus several other popular designs. We will provide an update on our testing findings soon.

Our Top Picks

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What We Like

  • Plenty of color options available

  • Feels like an indoor rug

  • Durable

  • Designer-recommended

What We Don't Like

  • Pattern will require more upkeep

Soft, durable, and easy on the eyes, Dash & Albert's Diamond Rug is one of the best options on the market. In addition to being a designer-approved brand, it earned high marks from our home tester for its performance and overall feel. It's made of ultra-sturdy polypropylene, which effectively resists messes by repelling both liquids and dirt and dust.

Although we love the geometric pattern, you may find that it requires more upkeep over time to keep the white looking bright. However, we didn't notice any immediate wear to the color and suspect that it should require only one or two major cleanings per season.

Despite its durable construction, we found it to be pleasantly soft and thought it felt more like an indoor rug. We even had to double-check the label because we couldn't believe it was made of plastic and not natural fibers—but it is indeed constructed from durable polypropylene.

We also appreciated the wide range of color options for the geometric print. And though the larger sizes are somewhat pricey, you can expect this weather-ready piece to last longer than most others in its category.

Dimensions: 12 sizes available | Shape: Rectangle | Material: Polypropylene | Care: Vacuum or spot clean | Colors: 14 options available

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  • Add Flair to Your Porch or Patio This Season With An Outdoor Rug We Love (3)

  • Add Flair to Your Porch or Patio This Season With An Outdoor Rug We Love (4)

What We Like

  • Lies flat

  • Eco-friendly

  • Carrying bag included

What We Don't Like

  • Fairly thin

The Fab Habitat Reversible Rug is our best budget pick because it's an affordable option that doesn't sacrifice style or quality. It earned an almost-perfect score in our testing, and we appreciated its reversible design and how soft and comfy it feels.

Plus, the outdoor rug is incredibly convenient to maintain—not only does the plastic repel spills and dirt (rather than absorbing them), but it's also easy to wipe away messes or simply hose the rug down. The material is fast-drying, too.

Sourced from 100 percent recycled plastic, this UV-resistant polyester rug deserves some extra sustainability points. It is super lightweight and comes with a carrying bag, too—making it ideal for camping trips and other outdoor excursions.

We love that it comes in several sizes (seven, to be exact) and several fun colors and patterns. We found it nearly impossible to find a flaw in this budget-friendly rug—if pressed, we'd argue that it's fairly thin. But that's a common complaint regarding outdoor rugs and hardly worth writing home about.

Dimensions: 7 sizes available | Shape: Rectangle | Material: Polyester | Care: Hose off | Colors: 13 options available

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What We Like

  • Comes in runner, square, and round options

  • Easy to clean

  • Simple design

What We Don't Like

  • Slower to dry

Suppose you’re looking for a versatile, solid-colored option. In that case, we’re big fans of the SAFAVIEH Courtyard Jonell Indoor/Outdoor Patio Backyard Rug, available in ten colors and over 30 sizes across retailers. In addition, you can choose from different shapes, including runner, square, and round options. Talk about versatility!

During testing, this rug proved to be durable, too. It's machine-woven from polyester and polypropylene fibers, which have been treated to stand up to stains and exposure to the elements. Upon arrival, there were no loose threads or snags, and it stayed firmly in place throughout our various tests.

After spilling BBQ sauce and grape juice on the rug, we removed the stains with a brush and detergent. Leaves and other debris were easy to vacuum up. Just note that it's not the most quick-drying option on the market: After hosing the rug and leaving it to dry overnight, it was still pretty soaked with water.

Dimensions:32 sizes available |Shape: Square, round, runner | Material:Polyester, polypropylene | Care: Hose down, spot treat | Colors: 10 options available

What We Like

  • More durable than traditional jute

  • Easy to clean

  • Fade-resistant

What We Don't Like

  • Requires large washer

  • Only available in two colors

Ruggable has tons of excellent rugs—it's one of our favorite places to shop for rugs—but if we could only choose one, we'd go with the Border Braid Sand Re-Jute Rug.

Like all the brand's offerings, this one is conveniently machine washable—just make sure your washer has a big enough drum to accommodate the size you get. You can also tumble dry it, but to ensure it lies flat after washing, you might want to smooth it back out and air-dry it in the sun instead.

Unlike natural jute, this synthetic option is resistant to fraying and other wear typically seen in natural fibers. It’s handwoven from a blend of recycled polyester-polyurethane, giving it a smooth and soft feel with a versatile, bohemian style.

We found this rug incredibly smooth and soft to walk on. It cushioned our feet effectively, protecting them from rocks and other sharp objects placed underneath.

For day-to-day cleaning, shake out or sweep the rug to remove dirt, rocks, and other debris. You can pick from seven sizes, including runners and round options, in four unique colorways.

Dimensions: 5 sizes available | Shape: Rectangle | Material: Polyester, thermoplastic | Care: Machine wash | Colors: 2 options available

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What We Like

  • Vibrant, statement-making design

  • Easy to clean

  • Natural moisture resistance

What We Don't Like

  • Only one color option

The Rifle Paper Co. Monstera Cream Outdoor Rug is a design-forward option to make a statement in your outdoor seating area or other space. Made in collaboration with Loloi Rugs, it has a vivid monstera print specially treated to resist fading from the sun and continuous wear.

This rug comes in six sizes—4 feet to 10 feet long—and has been power-loomed in Turkey from durable polyester, which is then treated for mildew resistance (ideal for areas with a pool). The top is made with 100 percent wool, giving it a soft, plush feel that we love, and the wool has natural oils that make the rug more water-resistant.

The non-slip backing stayed firmly secured to the ground during testing, preventing the rug from bunching or sliding around.

Dimensions:Six sizes available |Shape: Rectangular | Material:Polypropylene | Care: Spot treat | Colors: 1 option available (additional indoor/outdoor rug styles available)

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What We Like

  • Lightweight yet durable

  • Bold, design-forward look

  • Easy to clean

What We Don't Like

  • Only one color to choose from

  • Spot clean only

An easy way to experience more value from an outdoor rug is to opt for a reversible option, like the Tillie Indoor/Outdoor Rug from Urban Outfitters. With a bold geometric print, this rug is made of 100 percent recycled plastic that is UV-, mold-, and mildew-resistant. It’s available in two different sizes: 4 by 6 feet and 6 by 9 feet, the latter of which is the size that we tested.

Despite its length, this rug is lightweight and easy to move. We appreciated that it didn’t bunch up easily during testing, and cleaning proved to be a breeze (though, per the manufacturer, this rug is spot clean-only—no hosing allowed).

We didn't love that there’s not much difference in the appearance of the two sides. This makes the reversible factor more functional and ideal for messes and stains but it didn't offer the design versatility we initially expected.

Dimensions: 2 sizes available | Shape: Rectangular | Material: Recycled plastic | Care: Spot clean | Color: 1 option available

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What We Like

  • Soft texture

  • Easy to clean

  • Available in ten colors

What We Don't Like

  • Doesn't always lie flat

In terms of appearance, the Nourison Positano Rug scored high in our testing—the flat-weave material is space-dyed, creating a striated effect typically seen in traditional yarn. We also love that you can choose from ten hues, ranging from bold statement colors to warm earthy tones.

It's made of polypropylene, a super-sturdy and weather-resistant thermoplastic ideal for outdoor use. While you might assume it has a stiff, plasticky feel, it's surprisingly soft with a texture reminiscent of naturally sourced woven textiles. This rug is super budget-friendly, too.

One potential trade-off is that this rug is on the thinner side—meaning that it dries quicker than other options, but doesn’t feel quite as comfy underfoot. We thought the texture was pleasant, but we found it uncomfortable to walk on when we placed rocks underneath it.

With that in mind, we recommend keeping it on a very even surface. On the plus side, it's easy to clean: Hose it down and let it air dry while lying flat to prevent ripples and curled corners.

Dimensions: 15 sizes available | Shape: Rectangle, circle | Material: Polypropylene | Care: Hose off | Colors: 10 options available

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What We Like

  • Durable yet soft

  • Versatile

  • Easy to clean

What We Don't Like

  • Largest size is 9 by 12 feet

The nuLOOM Wynn Rug is 100 percent polypropylene braided into an extra-strong flat weave. Designed with high-traffic indoor or outdoor areas in mind, it's ideal for families with kids and pets. In addition to being exceptionally resilient, it's remarkably soft with the flexibility of a traditional rag-braided rug.

The textured design offers an organic, down-to-earth touch to outdoor dining and sitting areas. Plus, it's available in eight colors.

It's easy to maintain too: Thanks to its water-resistant design, the Wynn can be hosed down and spot-cleaned using a synthetic carpet-cleaning solution.

Dimensions: 20 sizes available | Shape: Rectangle, oval, circle | Material: Polypropylene | Care: Hose off | Colors: 39 options available

What We Like

  • Fade-resistant

  • Reversible

  • Several sizes and colors

What We Don't Like

  • Spot-clean recommended

Consider a circular rug if you have a round outdoor dining table or want to incorporate soft curves into your seating arrangement. We like the Kaari from Colonial Mills. It comes in six colors and sizes as small as 3 to 12 feet to accommodate any outdoor gathering space.

This two-toned area rug is woven from 100 percent polypropylene, an exceptionally durable material that stands up to year-round weather. Beyond playing well with precipitation, it's resistant to sun-fading, mildew, and stains. The Kaari is reversible, too, so you can flip it over in the event of permanent stains.

Dimensions: 10 sizes available | Shape: Circle | Material: Polypropylene | Care: Spot clean | Colors: 6 options available

What We Like

  • Vintage-inspired design

  • Good for high-traffic areas

  • Easy to clean

What We Don't Like

  • Pad sold separately

You'll love the Farella Outdoor Rug from West Elm if you're typically drawn to oriental rug patterns. Inspired by the timeless beauty of Turkish textiles, it features a vibrant floral motif in a slightly weathered finish to create an unexpectedly versatile vintage appearance.

The Farella is made of 100 percent polyester to ensure weather resistance and lasting durability without sacrificing softness. Thanks to the strong weave and resilient fibers, it's ideal for high-traffic spaces and is easy to clean with a vacuum, broom, or hose. To prevent mold growth and help it dry quicker, West Elm recommends placing it over the brand's indoor/outdoor rug pad, which you'll have to buy separately.

Dimensions: 5 sizes available | Shape: Rectangle | Material: Polyester | Care: Vacuum or hose off | Color: 1 option available

Final Verdict

After extensive testing, our best overall is the Dash & Albert Geometric Flatweave Rug, which offers a versatile look and durable construction. If you're looking for something a bit more affordable, you can't go wrong with the Fab Habitat Reversible Rug, our best budget pick, which earned an almost-perfect score from our home tester.

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How We Tested the Outdoor Rugs

Our team of expert testers put 31 of the industry's top outdoor rugs to the test at The Lab in Des Moines, Iowa. We started by unboxing them and reviewing their construction and material. We noted the overall quality of the rug, looking for any visible dye variations and how well the rug laid flat.

We also assessed the texture of the rugs, feeling them both with our hands and walking on them barefoot. We even placed rocks under the rugs and noted how sharp they felt through the rug when barefoot.

To test each rug's durability, we placed a large potted plant and a patio chair on top. We then dragged the items from one end of the rug to the opposite and looked at the rug for any snags or pulls. We also stepped on the rug with muddy feet and spilled grape juice and BBQ sauce on them. We noted how easy it was to clean up each of these messes with a broom and whether a scrub brush was necessary to lift stains.

We sprayed any rugs listed as waterproof with a hose and then felt them to see if the water had dispersed evenly over the surface without soaking the entire rug.

For washable rugs, we sprayed the entire surface of the rug and then left them to dry overnight in our parking garage. We checked how dry those rugs were the next morning and also looked at how much moisture they left on the surface underneath.

Once all of our tests were complete we thought about the overall value of each rug and looked at the retailer's price. We then used these rugs at home for six months to test their long-term durability.

We spent more than a day simulating real-life scenarios in our lab to see if these rugs fit the bill. Our editors used those insights—alongside in-depth reviews from our at-home testers—to inform the final selections included on this list.

How to Choose an Outdoor Rug

Pay Attention to the Material

NYC-based interior designer Jennifer Hunter says the most important thing to consider when buying an outdoor rug is the material. "You want something that is stain- and mold-resistant, waterproof, and won't fade from direct sunlight," she said.

Most of the options we tested are made of polyester or polypropylene (a type of thermoplastic), which tends to be softer underfoot than natural fibers like jute. Plus, while waterproof options are a little harder to come by, synthetic materials offer some water resistance.

When shopping, Decorist designer Elise Payne says to think about the elements and whether the area will be covered. "I love a jute rug for outdoors, but a natural material would be better suited for a covered area, as it isn't quite as mildew-resistant as a synthetic rug," she notes. "Synthetics, on the other hand, are pretty indestructible."

Consider Required Maintenance

"The great thing about outdoor rugs is they are typically so easy to clean," says Payne. Though it depends on the material and weave, most polyester and polypropylene options can be rinsed off with a hose and air-dried in the sun.

Our best overall pick, the Dash & Albert Geometric Flatweave Rug, can easily be hosed off, but if you want it to stay looking bright, we recommend scrubbing it well once or twice a season.

Flatter weaves can also be swept, vacuumed, and even scrubbed if needed. Beyond standing up to the elements, this low-maintenance appeal is why many people use outdoor area rugs in high-traffic indoor spaces.

Measure (and Re-measure) for Size

Outdoors or inside, no matter where you place it, sizing is crucial. As with indoor area rugs, outdoor rugs should be big enough that either all furniture legs can be placed on top or just the front two. For dining areas, make sure it's large enough that the entire table and all chair legs can go on top, preferably even when pulled out.

Some outdoor rugs come in just a few select sizes, while others (like the Safavieh Courtyard Jonell Indoor/Outdoor Rug, our best colors & size options pick) come in dozens of sizes.

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FAQ

  • How do you clean an outdoor rug?

    We found the included outdoor rugs fairly easy to clean; after a quick hose down or scrub, most were as good as new. However, you'll still want to treat your chosen rug with care—particularly in wetter climates.

    "If you live somewhere where you won't be enjoying the outdoor space as much in the winter, put your rug away with other furniture/cushions to prolong its life and keep it clean during the harsher months," says Payne. In between hose-downs, you can also sweep, vacuum, and shake out your rug as needed to clean your indoor-outdoor carpet.

  • Can outdoor rugs get wet?

    Most outdoor rugs can get wet and recover without damage. But as mentioned, it really depends on the material. Polyester, polypropylene, and other thermoplastics generally hold up well in rainy climates and can often be rinsed off with a hose.

    However, they'll generally take longer to dry—during testing, most of the options stayed soaked overnight. Keeping that in mind, you may want to get a rug pad to prevent mildew growth and protect any wood porch planks underneath.

  • How do you style an outdoor rug?

    Outdoor rugs can be styled using similar concepts as indoor rugs. Use them to section off different zones, such as your firepit, table, and sitting area. Consider the colors of your house, outdoor furniture, and plants, and select a complementing hue. Then you can call back the color and texture with small accents like outdoor cushions and blankets.

    Payne recommends multi-toned outdoor rugs. "This doesn't mean it has to look colorful from afar, but if you look closer, it may actually be made up of many colors woven together," she explains. "This will help hide dirt and other things that will inevitably end up on your outdoor rug."

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Why Trust The Spruce?

Lily Sperry, a former editor at The Spruce, covered home decor from 2019 to 2023. Sperry learned from her mother's interior design expertise about decorating spaces large and small. This included how to accessorize with rugs properly. She has covered similar decor topics including the best under-cabinet lighting and the best places to buy curtains.

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