The 6 Best Outdoor Rugs for Defining Patio Spaces, Tested and Reviewed

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Outdoor rugs are a fantastic way to enhance your outdoor space, providing both style and practicality. Whether you’re fortunate enough to enjoy year-round sunshine or savor the summer months, a durable, weather-resistant rug is essential for your outdoor living area, be it a compact balcony or an expansive backyard. However, not all outdoor rugs are built to last.

Mississippi-based landscape designer Brantley Snipes offers key insights into selecting the best outdoor rugs. “The most important factors are material, durability, and design. A well-made outdoor rug should be able to withstand the elements while also complementing your outdoor aesthetic,” she explains. The high-quality rugs are designed to resist fading from UV exposure, moisture from rain, and dirt buildup, making them last for years. On the other hand, poorly made rugs can deteriorate after minimal exposure to the elements, such as rain or sun.

Snipes recommends looking for rugs made from materials like polypropylene or polyester, which are durable and water-resistant. She also suggests choosing rugs with rubber or non-slip backings to prevent movement on hard surfaces.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall:
  Safavieh Courtyard Collection Accent Rug at Amazon $33
• Best Budget:
  IKEA MORUM rug at Amazon
• Best Handmade:
  Dash and Albert Herringbone Diamond Geometric Handmade Flatweave In / Outdoor Area Rug at Amazon
• Best Washable:
  Ruggable Outdoor Gingham Plaid Rug at Amazon
• Best Reversible:
  Urban Outfitters Tillie Reversible Rug at Amazon $45
• Best Braided:
  nuLOOM Wynn Braided Area Rug at Amazon $63

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Best Overall

Safavieh Courtyard Collection Accent Rug

If you’re searching for a rug that can handle heavy traffic and unpredictable weather, this is an excellent choice. We tested it on an uncovered deck during storms, with plenty of foot traffic and dirt. Even after weeks of use, it held up beautifully. The material—a mix of polyester and polypropylene—stood up to the elements without fraying or showing signs of wear. One of the best parts? It laid flat right out of the box, no curled edges or corners in sight. We didn’t need a rug pad, and it stayed in place, even without extra help.

Cleaning was a breeze—after a quick power wash, it looked as good as new. While we noticed a bit of dirt around the edges after a few weeks, regular cleaning kept it fresh. Lightweight and easy to maneuver, it’s perfect for anyone needing a durable and stylish outdoor rug that’s also low-maintenance.

Benefits:

• Stands up to rain, dirt, and heavy traffic
• Lays flat instantly
• Easy to clean and maintain with a hose
• Available in multiple shapes and sizes

Best Budget

IKEA MORUM rug

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly outdoor rug that still offers durability, this affordable option is a great pick. Its woven texture feels comfortable underfoot, even though it’s not as plush as higher-end rugs. Despite being lightweight, it stays put on your patio, so you don’t have to worry about the wind blowing it away.

While it’s sturdy enough to handle daily foot traffic, sweeping up dirt is incredibly easy—just make sure the mess is dry before cleaning to avoid deeper stains. Liquids soak into the fabric quickly, but don’t worry—most stains come out easily with a little spot cleaning. Though the rug doesn’t claim to be completely waterproof, a good hose down will clean it right up. It’s a practical, no-frills option that might not offer a lot in terms of design, but it’s perfect for those on a budget.

Benefits:

• Affordable without compromising durability
• Comfortable for bare feet
• Easy to clean with simple maintenance

Best Handmade

Dash and Albert Herringbone Diamond Geometric Handmade Flatweave Indoor / Outdoor Area Rug

This handwoven option adds an artisanal touch to any area, with a variety of colors and sizes to suit your patio or living room. Made by artisans committed to fair labor practices, it’s not only beautiful but also built to last. It resists stains, water, and fading, making it ideal for high-traffic areas or outdoor spaces where spills and weather are common. While it doesn’t go in the washing machine, most messes come out easily with a vacuum or a bit of spot cleaning. Plus, if a stubborn stain appears, you can flip the rug over—it’s double-sided!

The texture is comfortable underfoot, making it perfect for outdoor seating areas or even indoors. However, be aware that it can move around a bit on smooth surfaces while vacuuming. Still, for a handmade, high-quality rug that looks and feels great, this one’s tough to beat.

Benefits:

• Handmade with fair labor practices
• Durable enough for both indoor and outdoor use
• Easy to clean, with bleach-safe spot cleaning
• Double-sided for extended use

Best Washable

Ruggable Outdoor Gingham Plaid Rug

Looking for a rug that can handle outdoor messes and still look great? This versatile option is perfect for high-traffic areas where spills are inevitable. Made from stain, mold, and mildew-resistant material, it’s designed to keep messes from sticking in the first place. And when life happens, cleaning is a breeze—the top layer of this rug can be thrown right into the washing machine. Plus, it’s fade-resistant, so the colors will stay vibrant even in direct sunlight.

Liquids like juice or coffee easily bead up on the surface and can be wiped away with minimal effort. For deeper stains like mud, gentle spot cleaning does the trick. If you need a quick refresh, just sweep, shake, or vacuum the rug, and for more serious cleaning, throw it in the wash. The rug cover works best with its specially designed pad, which adds a bit of cushion underfoot and keeps it securely in place.

Benefits:

• Super easy to clean—just throw it in the washing machine
• Great for families and outdoor spaces with lots of foot traffic
• Fade-resistant for long-lasting color in sunny areas

Best Reversible

Urban Outfitters Tillie Reversible Rug

This reversible rug makes it easy with a bold geometric design and durable construction. Crafted from 100% recycled plastic, it’s perfect for patios, decks, or even indoor spaces. Despite constant exposure to sun, rain, and snow during testing, the rug stayed looking new without any signs of wear or fading. It’s lightweight, making it a breeze to move around or store, and the material dries quickly after a rainstorm, so you’re not left with a soggy mess underfoot.

One thing to note is that while it’s reversible, the design doesn’t change much between the two sides. So while it’s great for practicality, don’t expect two completely different looks. Cleaning was easy with just a simple brush or a light wash, though we wish it could be hosed down for a deeper clean. Despite these small drawbacks, it’s a fantastic addition to any outdoor area.

Benefits:

• Lightweight but durable for easy handling
• Quick-drying material, great for wet weather
• Resists UV rays, mold, and mildew
• Reversible for twice the use

Best Braided

nuLOOM Wynn Braided Area Rug

Looking for a rug that’s durable yet soft enough for both indoor and outdoor spaces? This braided rug offers that perfect balance. Designed for high-traffic areas, it’s made of 100% polypropylene woven into a strong, flat texture that holds up to daily wear. Despite its sturdy build, you’ll love how soft it feels underfoot—making it ideal for families with kids or pets.

We found it to be lightweight and easy to move around, though it’s best suited for flat surfaces like patios or decks. During testing, it wasn’t the quickest to dry after rain, so it’s better for areas with less moisture. The natural braided design brings a cozy, down-to-earth vibe to any outdoor or indoor space, and with 12 colors available, you can easily match your style. Plus, cleaning is a breeze—just hose it down or spot clean with a carpet solution.

Benefits:

• Soft yet durable for heavy foot traffic
• Available in a variety of colors to match any space
• Easy to clean with a hose or spot treatment

Final Verdict

After thorough testing, Safavieh Courtyard Collection Area Rug stands out as the best outdoor rug. Its durability makes it resistant to prolonged exposure to wind, rain, sun, and high foot traffic. Made from weather-resistant polypropylene, it maintains its color and texture even in harsh outdoor conditions, making it perfect for long-term use.

How we tested the best outdoor rugs

To ensure a comprehensive review, all of these rugs were tested on both a cement patio and laminate flooring indoors. We walked on the rugs with both shoes and bare feet to assess comfort, and even allowed kids to ride their bikes over them, adding an extra layer of challenge when it came to cleaning. Each rug was subjected to common household stains, including soda, grape juice, and mud. If the stains didn’t immediately roll off the fabric, they were left to set before being scrubbed out or hosed down.

In addition to stain resistance, we evaluated how easily the rugs could be swept, vacuumed, and hosed off when dealing with dry debris like leaves, flower petals, and dirt. Durability was key—we closely monitored for any snags or pulls after testing. Finally, we assessed the security and grip of each rug, checking how well they stayed in place during everyday use.

What to look for when choosing an outdoor rug

When you’re choosing an outdoor rug, here are a few friendly tips to keep in mind:

Material: Not every rug is built for outdoor life, so take a peek at what it’s made from before buying. Most outdoor rugs use synthetic materials like polypropylene, olefin, or polyester because they’re tough and can handle stains, mildew, and sunlight better than natural fibers. If you love the look of natural fibers, jute is an option, but it has a rougher feel and takes longer to dry, making it more likely to get moldy. Jute rugs are best in covered spots like porches.

Outdoor rugs usually aren’t super soft or thick. They tend to have a lower pile and feel a bit plastic-like, but that makes them great for areas with a lot of foot traffic or wet weather.

Size: Rugs come in all sizes, so make sure to measure your patio or deck before picking one. A good rule of thumb is to have at least two legs of your furniture on the rug. For outdoor couches, it’s ideal if the rug is big enough to fit the whole length of the couch.

Care: Outdoor rugs are bound to collect dirt, leaves, and whatever the wind blows their way. Regular cleaning will keep them looking fresh. Most can be swept or vacuumed, and you can spot clean spills. Some are machine-washable, but check if your washer is big enough. If not, you might need to visit a laundromat with larger machines or take it to a cleaner. Some rugs may even require professional cleaning, which can get pricey.