How to Choose the Best Outdoor Patio Rugs
Find the best option for your patio, porch, or deck.
Available in every style under the sun, outdoor patio rugs offer color, protection, and personalization to your outdoor space. Read our guide for important considerations and guidance on choosing the best patio rug to meet your needs.
Key Takeaways
- Best Material: Polypropylene is the best all-around outdoor rug material due to its water resistance, UV stability, mold resistance, and affordability
- Recommended Sizes: 5' x 7' for small patios, 8' x 10' or 9' x 12' for larger outdoor areas
- Top Placement Tips: Place under furniture groupings to protect surfaces and define spaces; ensure rugs extend 2' – 3' beyond furniture on all sides
- Maintenance: Clean monthly or seasonally; hose off both sides and allow 24–48 hours to dry completely
1. Decide Where You Want Your Outdoor Rug to Go
Just like indoor area rugs, outdoor rugs are both functional and stylish – place your patio rug somewhere it serves both purposes. Adding your patio rug under a group of furniture protects the surface of your deck from being scratched and defines the area as one uniform outdoor space.
Lay it beneath a dining table or seating area where it highlights the space while catching any crumbs. You can also put patio rugs in high-traffic areas of your patio to prevent potential slips or stop shoes from tracking dirt and debris into the house.
Consider the composition of the flooring or ground below your rug too. Outdoor surfaces like concrete flooring or wood decks can be susceptible to moisture damage. Depending on your climate, rain and humidity can lead to excess moisture trapped below if the rug isn’t breathable or dried out properly. Knowing where you are going to place your rug will help you determine which material to choose.
2. Pick the Right Outdoor Rug Material
Unlike indoor rugs, outdoor rugs are generally made of long-lasting materials that will resist stains and fading while holding up against weather. The most durable outdoor rugs are typically made from synthetic materials. We've outlined the most popular options below:
Polypropylene
Best for: rainy, damp, or humid climates.
Polypropylene is the most popular outdoor rug material. It is stain-resistant, easy to clean, won't fade from sunlight, and can handle high moisture and heavy foot traffic. Polypropylene rugs provide the same feel underfoot as any natural fiber rug, but at a more affordable cost. However, their chemical makeup makes them highly flammable, so keep them away from intense heat – such as fire pits or grills.
Polyester
Best for: dry climates.
Fade-resistant and available in many colors, polyester outdoor rugs are perfect if you’re looking for a long-lasting and durable option. While they handle most stains well, oil-based stains tend to be harder to clean from this material. Therefore, we recommend avoiding dining areas for these rugs.
Nylon
Best for: high-traffic areas.
Nylon is easy to clean, stain-resistant, and won't fade. Its durability makes it perfect for high-traffic areas. However, it should not be placed in direct sunlight as the material can get hot underfoot. Consider placing a nylon patio rug under covered seating areas like gazebos.
Jute & Sisal
Best for: covered patios.
These textured natural fiber rugs are firm and affordable, making them great for outdoor use. They are biodegradable, eco-friendly, and comfortable underfoot. To prevent fading and mold or mildew growth, these rugs are ideal underneath a covered porch or patio. It’s important to regularly dry them out to prevent moisture buildup.
Tip!
Like jute and sisal, wool is another natural fiber that's easily susceptible to absorbing moisture and growing mold or mildew. Make sure to keep wool rugs on covered porches or patios and check with the manufacturer to determine if a wool rug is outdoor-suitable. When in doubt, opt for a wool-synthetic blend that combines the best of the two materials.
Start by measuring the length and width of your outdoor space, taking obstructions like columns or architectural features into account. Then, record the measurements to use as a reference when comparing patio rug size and shape options.
Size Considerations
When choosing a large outdoor rug, it should cover the majority of your deck or patio. If the rug will sit under a grouping of furniture, it should be big enough to span the front legs of all major pieces of furniture. If it's placed under an outdoor dining table, the legs of the chairs should remain on the rug when pulling the chairs out. Generally, the rug should be at least 2' wider than the table on all sides.
Here are common outdoor rug sizes:
Tip!
Check out our guide How to Choose the Best Outdoor Rug Sizes for more help choosing the right dimensions for your porch or patio.
Shape Considerations
When deciding which shape rug would look best, consider your current furniture arrangement and the size of your outdoor space. As a rule of thumb, your rug should extend 2' – 3' on all sides of your patio furniture. We also recommend matching the shape of an outdoor rug to that of your patio table. Round patio tables look nice over round or oval-shaped rugs, while outdoor seating groupings can be nicely defined by a square or rectangular rug.
4. Consider Helpful Maintenance & Cleanability Features
Though outdoor rugs are designed to withstand the elements, they do require regular cleaning to maintain vibrancy and boost longevity. A good rule of thumb is to clean your rug monthly or at the start and end of each season. While cleaning recommendations vary by manufacturer, you can usually clean your outdoor rug with a hose, scrub brush, and diluted dish soap. Here are some helpful cleaning tips:
- Remove moss and algae with diluted bleach or vinegar.
- Be sure to clean both sides, and let your rug dry in the sun.
- If you’re in a cold climate, it's important to store your rug during snowy or icy months.
- When storing your rug, roll it up – never fold.
- If you don't have space to store your rug in a dry, indoor space, roll it up and cover it in plastic under your deck or in the garage.
To limit the amount of maintenance and upkeep required, opt for machine-washable, stain-resistant, water-resistant, or anti-fatigue patio rugs that can hold up against everyday wear and tear.
Adding a rug to the porch or patio allows you to express your style and elevate your outdoor space. Experimenting with color and pattern is an easy way to level up your outdoor space.
Choosing the Right Patio Rug Color
When selecting an outdoor rug color, you should also consider your environment. Neutral outdoor rugs are great for creating a soothing foundation or balancing brightly-colored patio furniture, while boldly colored selections visually lift and energize neutral outdoor spaces. Darker colors can disguise dirt or debris caused by everyday traffic, but can be more prone to showing light-colored debris like sand.
Choosing a Rug Pattern for Your Patio
Once you've established a color for your patio rug, consider which pattern can help you achieve your preferred outdoor style.
Stripes bring a classic touch to outdoor spaces, complementing timeless aesthetics like coastal or farmhouse. Bolder geometric prints are great if you’re aiming for modern or boho style. Floral patterns are ideal for French country looks, while solid-colored outdoor rugs are a neutral choice for any patio design.
Tip!
Read our guide Patio Rug Ideas to Take Your Outdoor Space to the Next Level to find inspiration for styling your outdoor rug.
6. Set a Budget for Your Outdoor Rug
Price is another consideration you’ll have to keep in mind while browsing for a new patio rug. The cost of an outdoor rug can vary based on size and material – small accent rugs can cost as low as $15, while a large patio rug made from high-quality performance materials can cost up to $400. Many medium or large outdoor rugs in the 5' x 7' – 9' x 12' range are more likely $50 – $170.
Top Affordable Outdoor Rugs Under $150
Frequently Asked Questions
What size rug for a patio?
Go for 5' x 7' for small spaces, or pick 8' x 10' or 9' x 12' for larger outdoor areas.
What rugs are best for outdoors?
Polypropylene or polyester rugs are best for outdoor spaces because of their water-repellent and quick-drying qualities.
Are outdoor rugs waterproof?
Most outdoor rugs are water-resistant and dry quickly, but not fully waterproof. Do not place an area rug in a spot that experiences constant rain or little drainage.
How to clean an outdoor rug?
The easiest way to clean an outdoor rug is hosing off both sides with water and letting it air dry.
