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The line between indoors and outdoors continues to blur as people take advantage of warmer temperatures, patio heaters, outdoor rugs, and the freedom to work wherever they please. More people are dining alfresco, enjoying leisure activities on the patio, and spending more time in the backyard. It’s only natural to embrace these outdoor spaces as a bonus living room.
Rugs offer a simple way to add color, style, and comfort to these open-air lounge spaces. To find solid options that can withstand extreme weather conditions and add style, we recently tested nine outdoor rugs. Our favorite was the Safavieh Courtyard Collection Indoor/Outdoor Rug. It holds up beautifully in a range of weather conditions, lies flat, and comes in over a dozen sizes and 10 color options.If you’re ready to buy one of the best outdoor rugs, keep reading for must-know shopping tips and some of the best hand-tested picks.
- BEST OVERALL: Safavieh Courtyard Collection Indoor/Outdoor Rug
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Seavish Black and White Striped Indoor/Outdoor Rug
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FLORAL: Nourison ALH05 Aloha Indoor/Outdoor Rug
↓ Jump to Review - BEST MODERN: AllModern Silva Gray Indoor/Outdoor Rug
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR CAMPING: Fab Habitat Big Sur Ombre Indoor/Outdoor Rug
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BOHEMIAN: Mistana Tomas Moroccan Indoor/Outdoor Rug
↓ Jump to Review - BEST COUNTRY: Nicole Miller Patio Country Azalea Indoor/Outdoor Rug
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR COVERED PORCHES: nuLoom Wynn Braided Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug
↓ Jump to Review - BEST ROUND: nuLoom Asha Simple Border Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug
↓ Jump to Review
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 9 |
| Time spent testing | 5 weeks |
| Tests performed | 7 |
| Price range | $30 to $220 |
Our Top Picks
Below are some of the best rugs for outdoor patio living. They’ve undergone seven tests to determine durability, comfort, stain resistance, ease of cleaning, and value. One of these may be just what you’re looking for when you start to shop for a rug.
Best Overall
Safavieh Courtyard Collection Indoor/Outdoor Rug
What We Like
- Holds up to UV rays and moisture
- Mold- and mildew-resistant
- Easy to clean
- Comes in a wide range of sizes and colors
What We Don’t Like
- Striped design won’t suit every outdoor aesthetic
Product Specs
- Material: 88 percent polypropylene, 12 percent polyester
- Sizes available: 26
- Colors: Beige/blue, beige/dark green, beige/sweet pea, black/bone, brown/bone, gold/beige, green/beige, gray/bone, navy/beige, and terra-cotta/beige
Our Ratings: Appearance 5/5; Comfort 4/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5
Safavieh’s Courtyard Collection rugs come in 26 sizes and 10 striped color combinations to suit a variety of outdoor spaces. Made from polypropylene and polyester, these outdoor rugs are power-loomed and virtually maintenance-free. They are also stain-, UV-, weather-, mold-, and mildew-resistant, making them a top pick for busy outdoor spaces.
When we received the Safavieh outdoor rug, we were immediately impressed with the quality, especially for the price. We left the rug outside on our uncovered concrete patio, and it experienced a myriad of weather conditions, including a 90 degree Fahrenheit heat wave and a thunderstorm. The rug never faded in the sun or absorbed any of the moisture from the rain. It also laid flat the entire time, which we appreciated.
To test its stain resistance, we squirted chocolate syrup on the outdoor patio rug and let it sit for 5 minutes. We then wiped off the excess with a paper towel, scrubbed with a microfiber cloth and mild soap, and rinsed the rug with a hose. It came completely clean. Although this rug can be vacuumed, we used a leaf blower to remove acorns and debris that the overhanging trees dropped. This rug proved to be not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable and easy to care for.
Get the Safavieh outdoor rug at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, or Bed Bath & Beyond.
Best Bang For The Buck
Seavish Black and White Striped Indoor/Outdoor Rug
What We Like
- Reversible indoor/outdoor rug
- Machine washable for easy cleaning
- Handwoven cotton construction
What We Don’t Like
- Not waterproof or stain-resistant
Product Specs
- Material: Cotton
- Sizes available: 8
- Colors: Black-and-white striped, black-and-white checkered
Our Ratings: Appearance 4.5/5; Comfort 5/5; Durability 3.5/5; Value 4/5
Seavish’s indoor/outdoor rug comes in a fully reversible striped or checkered pattern with the same print on both sides. Available in eight sizes, this handwoven rug is made with a unique crimping process that creates a textured appearance.
Because of its 100 percent cotton construction, this rug is not waterproof and is best suited for outdoor areas or climates that don’t get frequent heavy rainfall. We placed it under our outdoor welcome mat for a layered look in front of our entry door. While this small outdoor rug looked nice, it was only partially protected from the elements, so it got wet during storms. And although it dried quickly, the side of the rug that experienced heavy foot traffic became soiled with dirt and soon discolored.
On the upside, this rug’s cotton construction makes it one of the best machine-washable outdoor rugs for easy cleaning. You can also clean it with a vacuum and spot-treat stains with a mild detergent. We appreciated the rug’s reversibility, as we were able to flip it when it got too dirty. We think this rug is of great quality for the price, but we wouldn’t recommend putting it in an uncovered outdoor space.
Get the Seavish outdoor rug at Amazon.
Best Floral
Nourison ALH05 Aloha Indoor/Outdoor Rug
What We Like
- UV protected for fade resistance
- Water-repellent and stain-resistant
- Multiple size and color options
What We Don’t Like
- Rug pad recommended
- Took a few days to lie flat
Product Specs
- Material: Polypropylene
- Sizes available: 20
- Colors: Multicolor, natural, ivory/navy, green, blue multicolor, black/white, blue/green, green multicolor, ivory multicolor, ivory/green, ivory multicolor, navy multicolor, red multicolor, silver/gray, turquoise multicolor
Our Ratings: Appearance 4.5/5; Comfort 5/5; Durability 4.5/5; Value 5/5
Nourison’s cheery floral-patterned rug brings a bright pop of color to indoor or outdoor spaces. A UV-protected polypropylene rug, it comes in several shades and sizes, resists fading, and repels water.
Unlike some of the other rugs we tested, this one has a 3D texture that lends to a high-end feel. We put it under our patio table, and while it took a few days to flatten out at the edges, the 10-foot-6-inch-long by 7-foot-10-inch-wide size was plenty large for our patio table and four chairs to sit on with room to spare. Choosing the appropriate-size rug for your space is not difficult when you follow the rules for rugs, and this rug didn’t disappoint. The floral design brightened up our outdoor space, and the rug felt soft enough to walk on barefoot.
This large outdoor rug features a flat woven style and an easy-to-clean low pile. The manufacturer recommends vacuuming or cleaning with a damp cloth indoors or rinsing it with a hose outdoors. In addition to vacuuming, we also cleaned it outdoors with our leaf blower. To make the rug last longer, the manufacturer recommends indoor storage during extreme weather.
Get the Nourison outdoor rug on Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Wayfair, or Target.
Best Modern
AllModern Silva Gray Indoor/Outdoor Rug
What We Like
- Made of durable fade-resistant polypropylene
- High-end modern look
- Easy to clean; can wash with garden hose
What We Don’t Like
- Limited size options available
Product Specs
- Material: Polypropylene
- Sizes available: 3
- Colors: Gray, cream/taupe, navy blue, and blue/white
Our Ratings: Appearance 4.5/5; Comfort 4/5; Durability 4.6/5; Value 4.5/5
For patios with a modern style, AllModern’s gray-and-white geometric pattern adds a subtle contemporary twist. Unlike many of the other options featured on this list, this line of modern outdoor rugs comes in limited sizes and only four color options.
We tested the 7-foot-long by 5-foot-4-inch-wide version of this rug. It laid flat within a couple of days without much intervention from us. It also fared well in our stain test. The manufacturer’s instructions state to hose down the rug and line dry to clean. However, the hose wasn’t enough to remove our 3-inch-wide chocolate sauce stain, so we used mild soap and a microfiber cloth to scrub before hosing down the rug. When it dried, there were no traces of the stain remaining.
This rug is soil-, stain-, and sun-resistant and dries quickly. We left it on our patio during rainstorms, and it never experienced any damage. In addition to being a good option for patios and decks, it would also work well in high-traffic indoor areas, kids’ playrooms, or bedroom floors that you want to protect from spills.
Get the AllModern outdoor rug at Wayfair.
Best For Camping
Fab Habitat Big Sur Ombre Indoor/Outdoor Rug
What We Like
- Eco-friendly construction
- Waterproof and UV-resistant
- Comes in multiple colorways and sizes
- Very easy to clean
What We Don’t Like
- Pricey compared to similar options
- Plasticlike look and feel that not all will appreciate
Product Specs
- Material: Made from 100 percent recycled premium plastic tubes
- Sizes available: 7
- Colors: Teal, ash, candy, green, indigo, lemon and apple green, midnight, multicolor, sunset, turquoise and moss green, blue, sand and black, beige, and coral
Our Ratings: Appearance 4/5; Comfort 4/5; Durability 4.8/5; Value 5/5
If you regularly go camping or to the beach and need a plastic rug for outdoors that can withstand moisture, spills, and heavy traffic, look no further than the Fab Habitat outdoor rug. It’s low pile, versatile, waterproof, and UV- and stain-resistant. Power loomed and made from 100 percent premium recycled bottles, this rug is sustainable and eco-friendly and comes in several colors and sizes.
We spend a lot of time camping in the summer and are always on the hunt for a rug that’s easy to roll up, can be hosed off, and can withstand lots of foot traffic. When we received this rug, we knew it was just what we were looking for. It came in a convenient carrying case with a handle and elastics for keeping the rug secure. It was lightweight and easy for us to toss in the camper. We used it during three camping trips, setting it below our camper’s steps. It was rained on, covered in mud, and had more than a few tidbits of food and drink spilled on. To clean it, all we had to do was hose it off and it was back to looking like new.
We could not recommend this rug more highly to campers or frequent beachgoers. However, it is a bit expensive, and some may not appreciate the plasticlike look and feel of the rug.
Get the Fab Habitat outdoor rug at Amazon.
Best Bohemian
Mistana Tomas Moroccan Indoor/Outdoor Rug
What We Like
- Wide variety of size and shape options
- Low-pile indoor/outdoor carpet for high-traffic areas
- 4 colors available
What We Don’t Like
- Not slip-resistant; requires a rug pad
- Hard to get to lie flat
Product Specs
- Material: Polypropylene
- Sizes available: 18
- Colors: Black/off-white/charcoal, dark blue/gray, aqua/gray, blue/white
Our Ratings: Appearance 3.5/5; Comfort 3.5/5; Durability 4.5/5; Value 4/5
Give your indoor or outdoor space a bohemian look with Mistana’s artfully faded rug. Its on-trend Southwestern print comes in three classic color combinations. Shoppers may choose from 18 sizes in round, square, and rectangular shapes.
The geometric pattern and distressed design gave this rug a nice look, but we had difficulty getting it to lie flat. We placed heavy objects around the edges to train it, but it took several days to flatten out. On the upside, it was one of the easiest to clean. The manufacturer recommends vacuuming without a beater bar and spot-treating stains with water and mild soap, which worked well for us.
An ultralow 0.03-inch pile makes this rug a great choice for high-traffic indoor and outdoor areas. However, since the rug is so thin, it slips, especially if placed on slick areas such as hardwood floors. The manufacturer recommends a rug pad, which would help with this issue. As far as cheap outdoor rugs go, we think this one is a good value. It has a couple of flaws, but it provides a cost-effective way to spruce up an outdoor living space.
Get the Mistana outdoor rug at Wayfair.
Best Country
Nicole Miller Patio Country Azalea Indoor/Outdoor Rug
What We Like
- Durable polypropylene construction
- Timeless medallion design
- UV- and stain-resistant
- Dries quickly after exposure to moisture
What We Don’t Like
- Limited size and color options
Product Specs
- Material: Polypropylene
- Sizes available: 7
- Colors: Blue/white, gray/blue, gray/black, taupe/ivory, and terra-cotta/ivory
Our Ratings: Appearance 4.5/5; Comfort 4/5; Durability 4.3/5; Value 5/5
This Nicole Miller rug comes in seven sizes and five color combinations. It features a timeless medallion centerpiece that suits a number of decor schemes, including country and modern- farmhouse styles. Made from durable UV-treated polypropylene, the rug resists fading and stains and can be used indoors or outdoors.
This rug sat on our concrete porch for several weeks. Unlike some of the others we tested, this one immediately laid flat. We didn’t have to place heavy objects on it to train the edges. It also held up to rain beautifully, always drying out within a day. To clean it, we used our leaf blower, but sweeping it with a broom works, too.
Our biggest challenge was the stain test. We had a harder time getting this rug clean than most of the others, but eventually, we got all the chocolate sauce stains out of the fibers using a garden hose and mild soap. This rug offers great value for its price and won’t scratch patios or deck surfaces.
Get the Nicole Miller outdoor rug at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Wayfair, or Walmart.
Best For Covered Porches
nuLoom Wynn Braided Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug
What We Like
- Many sizes available
- Multiple color options
- Made from durable polypropylene
- Water-resistant material
What We Don’t Like
- Rug pad is recommended
- Absorbs moisture; not ideal for uncovered spaces
Product Specs
- Material: Polypropylene
- Sizes available: 26
- Colors: Tan, aqua, burgundy, charcoal, dark blue, ivory, light blue, light gray, navy, pink, yellow, salt and pepper
Our Ratings: Appearance 5/5; Comfort 4/5; Durability 3.8/5; Value 3.5/5
This braided rug from nuLoom looks elegant and stylish and has a natural aesthetic despite the synthetic polypropylene construction. A low-pile rug, it withstands high-traffic areas, making it a great choice for households with pets or young children. This rug is available in many sizes and comes in rectangular, round, oval, and square shapes for use as a runner, an accent rug, or to delineate an outdoor seating area.
When we received this rug, we noticed it felt much softer and less water-resistant than the other options we tested, although we liked how it felt. We left it on our concrete patio for several days, including during a thunderstorm. As we suspected, this rug absorbed the rain, and despite the weather being sunny and hot after the storm, it took 3 days to dry. When we moved it a week later, the concrete underneath looked slightly mildewy and dirty.
Although this rug was soft and comfy to walk on barefoot, we don’t recommend it for uncovered porches, decks, or patios. However, it would work well in a sunroom, on a covered porch, or even as an indoor rug.
Get the nuLoom Wynn outdoor rug at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Best Round
nuLoom Asha Simple Border Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug
What We Like
- Held up to extreme heat and moisture
- Can clean with hose and rug cleaner
- Round shape fits many aesthetics
What We Don’t Like
- Didn’t lie completely flat at the edges
- Manufacturer recommends using a rug pad
Product Specs
- Material: 90 percent polypropylene, 10 percent polyester
- Sizes available: 1 round size option (other sizes and shapes available)
- Colors: Light brown, light gray, dark gray, navy, green, black, brick, yellow, teal,orange
Our Ratings: Appearance 4/5; Comfort 4/5; Durability 4.8/5; Value 4.5/5
Outdoor rugs don’t only come in standard rectangle or square shapes. Round rugs, like this one from nuLoom, are a great option for smaller outdoor spaces or for creating intimate seating areas. Made from polypropylene and polyester, the nuLoom Asha indoor/outdoor patio area rug is wear- and tear-resistant, making it ideal for households with kids, pets, or constant foot traffic.
We loved the neutral light brown tone of this rug. The simple border design fit our patio aesthetic and will likely coordinate with most outdoor spaces. This rug passed our stain test with flying colors. We squirted some chocolate syrup on it and were able to easily remove it with mild soap and a garden hose. The rug also dried quickly after exposure to heavy rainfall and didn’t experience any fading.
One slight issue we had was that this rug never laid completely flat at the edges. Random spots curled under, creating small bumps. The curling was minor, but it’s still worth considering if you’re worried about potential tripping hazards. The manufacturer recommends using this rug with a rug pad for added comfort.
Get the nuLoom Asha outdoor rug at Amazon or Target.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Outdoor Rugs
Outdoor rugs should not only add style and color to your space but also withstand moisture, ultraviolet (UV) rays, and wear and tear from kids and pets. We considered these factors when researching the top rugs and choosing the best to test.
We tested all rugs for the same amount of time over a 5-week span. We placed the rugs on our uncovered concrete patio and partially covered them to see if sun exposure would cause fading. We also left the rugs out during rainstorms and noted whether they absorbed moisture and, if so, how quickly they dried out.
To test for stain resistance, we squirted chocolate sauce on each rug and used the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to try to remove the stains. Rugs were awarded a score from 0 to 5 based on appearance, comfort, durability, and value. Scores were tallied at the end of testing, and awards were given.
What to Consider When Choosing an Outdoor Rug
To perform well on decks, outdoor home offices, or open air living spaces, outdoor patio rugs need to withstand the stresses of the natural environment. Thanks to modern advances in fabrication, these textiles have a wide range of durability and design. When shopping for an outdoor rug, keep the following key features in mind.
Synthetic vs. Natural
Indoor/outdoor area rugs fall into two broad categories: synthetic and natural fibers. Synthetic fibers provide a great combination of both vibrant colors and durability. You’ll find most of these outdoor rugs are made of polypropylene. Nylon, polyester, and acrylic rank among common construction materials, too. Each brings its own set of pros and cons.
- Polypropylene, a solution-dyed fiber, doesn’t absorb liquid or stains. Indoor outdoor rugs made of 100 percent polypropylene resist mold and mildew. Additional UV treatment prevents fading due to exposure to sunlight. Users can clean these rugs easily with a hose, and bleach won’t impact the color. Some polypropylene outdoor rugs are made in part or entirely from recycled plastic bottles, which makes some of these rugs eco-friendly.
- Nylon, another resilient fiber, won’t become matted down in high-traffic areas. It’s also strong, easy to clean, colorfast, and stain-resistant. On the downside, nylon gets hot in the sun and has a significant negative impact on the environment.
- Polyester offers a number of positive attributes, including vivid colors that resist fading and can repel non-oil-based stains. However, polyester may shed, pill, or become matted down in high-traffic areas. Like nylon, polyester production takes a toll on the environment.
- Acrylic comes closest in appearance to natural fibers. It features a soft finish that feels cushiony underfoot. Acrylic absorbs and releases moisture readily, so it resists mold and mildew. The fairly colorfast textile also dyes well and resists most stains. It does, however, tend to crush and pill.
- Bamboo, sisal, hemp, jute, and seagrass rugs are made from natural, sustainable materials. Natural rugs feel soft and luxurious underfoot and, though they dye well, often come in natural hues that complement outdoor spaces. That said, they do have a few disadvantages worth noting: Rugs made with natural fibers tend to fade in direct sunlight, are generally less durable than their synthetic counterparts, and typically absorb water so they’re more susceptible to mold and mildew growth. Additionally, these rugs tend to cost more than synthetic options, too.
Construction
Produced in a variety of ways, indoor/outdoor rugs may be hand hooked, machine-made, or braided. Have a look at the differences before you make your choice:
- Hand-hooked rugs, which feature a short handmade pile, cost more than other options due to the higher-quality materials and the additional time that goes into manufacturing these types of rugs. These come in the most color and design options and range from $200 to $1,000 for a 7-foot-long by 5-foot-wide size.
- Machine-made rugs, manufactured more quickly and efficiently via power looms, come in at a lower price from $40 to $750 for a 7-foot-long by 5-foot-wide rug. To keep the price affordable for consumers, these machine-made floor coverings tend to feature less detailing and more basic materials than comparable hand-hooked rugs.
- Flatweave rugs—including the familiar flat-braided, cable-braided, corded-and-stitched, and kilim-style rugs—have no pile. Instead of tufting, manufacturers knot or weave polypropylene yarns together into a textile with less cushion to produce these outdoor rugs. Flatweave rugs typically have no backing, which makes them reversible. They come in at prices comparable to those of machine-made rugs.
Colors and Fade Resistance
Both synthetic and natural fiber outdoor rugs come in a veritable rainbow of colors and patterns. Geometrics, stripes, and medallions rank among the most popular styles. Bold florals, tropical looks, and novelty designs make a splash in the market, too. Woven patterns offer superior colorfastness and durability.
Solution-dyed rugs make some of the best outdoor upgrades for patios because manufacturers add the color to the chemicals used to create the fiber rather than adding them to the yarn afterward. This method ensures that the rug resists fading—a special concern for outdoor rugs, which may get limited shade from the sun. Solution-dyed rugs also resist stains and hold up better to cleaning compared to those colored through other methods.
FAQs
While you now know more about choosing the best area rugs for your outdoor space, you may still have questions. Read on for some commonly asked questions to see if there’s an answer to yours.
Rugs made from both natural and synthetic fibers can be used outdoors. Bamboo, sisal, hemp, jute, polypropylene, nylon, and polyester rank among the most popular materials. Wool rugs are not suitable for outdoor use.
While rugs woven from natural materials may get moldy when exposed to water, synthetic outdoor rugs for patio use resist mold and mildew.
No, not all outdoor rugs are waterproof. Waterproof outdoor rugs are generally made from synthetic fibers like polypropylene.
All outdoor rugs are designed to withstand rain, though some may dry more quickly than others depending on what material they’re woven with.
You can use a vacuum or leaf blower to remove debris from most outdoor rugs. Depending on the manufacturer’s instructions, you can remove stains by spot-cleaning or hosing off the rug.
Meet the Tester
Katie Barton has over 10 years of experience in product writing, has tested dozens of cleaning products, and has authored hundreds of articles for major media outlets. She takes an unbiased approach to product testing, using each product multiple times or for several days/weeks to determine efficacy.
Additional research provided by Donna Boyle Schwartz and Savannah Sher.
