The 20 best outdoor rugs for your backyard or patio, according to interior designers

When shopping for an outdoor rug, you primarily want one that is durable and low-maintenance — and that all comes down to material. “The material of the rug is paramount; it should be easy to clean and highly durable to withstand outdoor conditions,” says Farrell. “Weather resistance is crucial, as indoor and outdoor rugs are designed differently; outdoor-specific rugs are better equipped to handle exposure to the elements. UV resistance is also important to prevent the rug’s colors from fading due to sun exposure.”

So, which materials achieve this? Every single designer we spoke to said the same thing: The best material for outdoor rugs is polypropylene, a synthetic plastic that can actually hold up to the elements outside.

“You want the outdoor rug to be made out of polypropylene, which is highly resistant to moisture, mildew and stains. It’s also durable and easy to clean,” Gray says.

Belt adds that man-made polypropylene is “non-absorbent and fade-resistant,” sharing that she has owned a polypropylene rug for years and loves that it’s lightweight and simple to clean. “I can easily remove stains from the rug with the hose and wipe it down with a sponge,” she says.

Synthetic materials vs. natural materials

In addition to polypropylene, designers recommend other synthetics like polyester and nylon. “These materials are resistant to mold, mildew and fading from sun exposure,” says Peterman. These qualities are important because they “ensure the rug can withstand outdoor elements and maintain its appearance and functionality over time.”

One thing to note with these synthetic materials: Since they are plastics, which are great for holding up to the elements, synthetic rugs won’t feel the same as the indoor rugs you’re used to. “Definitely don’t expect an outdoor rug to feel cozy underfoot the way an indoor rug does,” Sage says.

But synthetics aren’t the only option. “Natural materials like sisal and jute can also be used for outdoor rugs, especially in milder climates,” Farrell says. “While not as durable as synthetic options, sisal and jute provide a more natural look and feel, which can enhance the aesthetic appeal of outdoor spaces.”

Since natural rugs don’t have the same ability to withstand the elements, they’re better in covered areas. “In some situations — such as a covered porch that’s slightly more protected from the elements — a jute rug can be a more organic and natural-looking touch,” Sage says.

Be aware, however, that natural rugs will not withstand inclement weather the same way polypropylene rugs do. They require a lot more care and caution, and ultimately won’t last as long if they’re exposed to the elements. “Although natural fibers are beautiful, once they get wet, a sisal rug will stain and degrade,” Curtis says. “Therefore, natural fiber rugs require more maintenance and may not be the best choice for areas with high moisture or frequent rain.

Fibers and weave

A big factor in your outdoor rug’s material should be whether or not the rug is made with yarn-dyed fibers, Curtis advises. “These fibers are specifically designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the outdoors, such as UV exposure, moisture and varying temperatures,” she says. “Yarn-dyed fibers are colored before the yarn is woven, which ensures that the colors remain vibrant and resist fading over time. This process enhances the durability of the rug, making it a long-lasting addition to your outdoor space.”

You’ll also want to consider the weave. Most outdoor rugs are flat-weave rugs, and for good reason. “Opting for flat-weave rugs is advisable to prevent crumbs, leaves, dirt and other debris from getting trapped in the weave, making them easier to clean,” Farrell explains.

No matter what kind of rug you go with, Belt says you should “always read the fine print” — aka thoroughly vet the product description. “Some rugs look like they’re suitable for the outside but aren’t. Other rugs are only ideal for a covered porch or need to avoid direct sunlight due to fading,” she says.

Ask any interior designer, and they’ll tell you that a rug pad is crucial for use with all of your indoor rugs. Rug pads prevent your rugs from slipping and add extra cushion underfoot, which feels more comfortable and can even help your rug last longer since it prevents the fibers from being crushed. But does the same apply to outdoor rugs? Essentially, yes. The designers we spoke to said that using an outdoor rug pad is highly recommended — but it’s not necessarily that easy.

Outdoor rug pads do all the same things as indoor versions, and, as Curtis points out, “promote airflow, which helps in preventing mold and mildew buildup underneath the rug.” But there is a downside to using a rug pad outdoors. “A pad adds an extra layer that might require more maintenance, and not all pads are designed for outdoor use,” she says. “Be sure to choose a pad specifically made for outdoor conditions to ensure it complements and enhances the rug’s longevity.”

One of the perks of synthetic outdoor rugs is that they are incredibly easy to clean. As with anything, be sure to check the rug you choose for any specific care instructions. But in general, Peterman says you’ll want to shake out or sweep the rug (Farrell and Sage also suggest vacuuming!) first to remove any lingering dirt and debris. When a deep clean is necessary, simply “hose off the rug and use a mild detergent if needed,” Peterman says. “Allow it to air-dry completely to prevent mold and mildew.”

If you’re dealing with small messes, you can spot-clean your outdoor rug. “For any spots or stains, a simple solution of 1 tablespoon dishwashing soap in 1 gallon of water will do the trick,” Sage says, adding that you should “avoid harsh detergents, as they can cause the fibers to wear more quickly.”

Long-term care and storage

But there are some additional things to keep in mind — like what to do after you hose down an outdoor rug. Sage stresses the importance of letting the rug dry completely, suggesting you line-dry it or hang it over your porch railing for best results.

“Generally speaking, to extend the life of an outdoor rug you don’t want it to remain saturated with water for long periods of time — in humid climates especially, mold and odors can build up,” Sage explains. “Hanging it to dry after a rain storm is recommended; so if you live in a wet climate, this might impact the size of [the] outdoor rug you choose. That is to say, if you’re going to be moving the rug around a lot, you may not want a large size that goes completely underneath any heavy outdoor furniture.”

To really extend the life of an outdoor rug you love, Farrell recommends placing it “in covered areas such as patios or covered balconies.” She says this “helps protect them from direct exposure to harsh weather conditions, minimizing the impact of rain, sun and wind.”

Proper storage during harsh off-seasons when you won’t be using your outdoor space is key too. “Rolling up the rug and storing it during extreme weather conditions, such as heavy snow or intense sun, can extend its lifespan,” Peterman says.

We asked each designer to share their favorite places to buy outdoor rugs online, and the answers may surprise you. In addition to well-known rug brands (like?Loloi,?Annie Selke, and?Jaipur Living) and popular home stores (like?West Elm and?CB2), the experts were also impressed by more budget-friendly sources like?Amazon,?Rugs USA?and?Wayfair.

Rugs USA, Peterman says, is “known for its wide selection and competitive prices on outdoor rugs.” Belt agrees, sharing that the brand is actually one of the first places she visits when shopping for rugs online.

“Amazon is a great resource for outdoor rugs,” Sage says. “They have a wide selection and the price points are very budget-friendly; and if the rug doesn’t suit your space or you change your mind, returns are generally free or at least inexpensive.”