The best outdoor rugs can do wonders for your patio, porch, deck or balcony, transforming it into a space that feels as inviting as your actual living room. Just like indoor rugs, outdoor versions will anchor your furniture, and you can even use them to create zones, like a lounge by your favorite fire pit. “Outdoor rugs define a sense of place in more ways than one — they literally define it, but they also draw people over,” says Angela Colombo Heckler, owner of the design firm SolGrace Home. The difference is that these beauties are made from materials like polyester or polypropylene that can withstand water, dirt and sun. To find the prettiest, most durable options, I chatted with designers like Heckler and pro landscapers; I also relied on my knowledge as a home editor who has tried her fair share of outdoor and washable rugs. Let’s dig in, shall we? (And while you’re upgrading your space, check out the best outdoor sofas of 2025 and designers’ favorite patio decor under $50.)
Note: The prices below are for 4-by-6-foot or 5-by-7-foot rugs, so you can easily compare costs.
Table of contents
Best outdoor rugs of 2025
Shape: Rectangular, runner | Color options: Royal blue (shown), natural, black | Features: Washable, nonslip, stain resistant, easy care | Area rug size: 2’6″ x 7′, 2’6″ x 10′, 3′ x 5′, 5′ x 7′, 6′ x 9′, 8′ x 10′, 9′ x 12′ | Material: Recycled polyester | Thickness: 0.125″
If you ask me, Ruggable can do no wrong. These durable floor coverings promise to be stain resistant and nonslip, and in my experience, they more than live up to the hype. I’ve mostly used them indoors — I own five! — but I am confident the outdoor options would hold up well against moisture and dirt. They have a water-resistant barrier that the brand claims resists fading and mildew, plus you can toss them in the washing machine, where they clean up like a dream. (Just make sure your washer is big enough to accommodate your rug; here are the sizing guidelines.)
I recently interviewed Katie Tamony, chief marketing officer for the plant company Monrovia, about easy ways to upgrade your garden, and unsurprisingly, a Ruggable was on her list. “It’s what I use in my own yard,” she says. “They have so many options that work well for the outdoors.”
Like all the brand’s products, the outdoor versions come with a separate pad that grips onto a top layer. Patterned, colorful outdoor rugs sometimes look gimmicky, as if someone supersized a beach towel. Not the case with this pick, which has a Moroccan-inspired trellis design in a rich blue. It would add so much personality to a wood deck or stone patio.
Ruggable makes its rugs in several thicknesses, with the outdoor versions on the thin side. Though the material feels soft, it won’t be sink-your-toes-in cozy. Most shoppers don’t seem to have a problem with that, though: This rug earns a near-perfect 4.8 stars from almost 150 reviews.
Pros
- Washable
- Comes in a wide range of sizes
- Vibrant color
- Comes with a rug pad
Cons
- Top layer is on the thinner side
$229 at Ruggable
Shape: Rectangular | Color options: Beige (shown), dark gray, light gray, brown, blue | Features: Easy care, stain resistant | Area rug size: 5′ x 7′, 6′ x 9′, 8′ x 10′, 9’3″ x 12′, 10′ x 14′ | Material: Polypropylene | Thickness: 0.3″
“Solid color rugs are a great option as they allow for a lot of versatility with other furniture,” says landscape contractor and designer Sara Bendrick, who called out this affordable pick from Wayfair. And she’s right: This neutral shade is no-fail. Doesn’t it feel very summer-in-the-Hamptons chic? A tight weave helps with water resistance, and the brand says it has a UV coating to help prevent fading.
It receives raves from shoppers, to the tune of 4.6 stars from more than 1,500 reviews. Most called out the quality, especially for the price. And while the rug is very thin and flat, some fans even praised how it felt underfoot.
“Great material, it’s comfortable under my bare feet and it looks great on our patio!” wrote one casual customer.
Though Bendrick likes more vibrant colors too, she points out that rugs in tans and browns like this one “can be great at hiding debris, which can happen easily outside.” (On that note, she warns against black rugs, which can quickly start looking dirty.)
Here’s another vote for going subdued, from Jessica Nicastro, founder of Jessica Nicastro Design: “I like a neutral color just to add a layer, but not be the wow moment.”
Pros
- Moisture and stain resistant
- Lightweight
- Goes with anything
- Affordable
Cons
- Some shoppers say they couldn’t get it to lay flat
$69 at Wayfair
Shape: Rectangular, runner | Color options: Cream | Features: Easy care, machine washable | Area rug size: 2′ x 8′, 4′ x 6′, 5′ x 7’10”, 6’7″ x 9’4″, 7’5″ x 9’6″ and 1 more | Material: Polyester | Thickness: 0.25″
Not only is this rug a total bargain — aside from our budget pick, it’s one of the most affordable I’ve seen! — but it has an elegant floral-and-paisley pattern that would look right at home in an English country estate. Woven from polyester fibers, it also happens to be machine-washable: Just toss it in a gentle cycle on cold.
Colombo Heckler loves this pick for its vintage-inspired design, which she says works especially well for the outdoors “because it has a slightly faded look to begin with, so any effects from the sun won’t be super noticeable.”
It doesn’t yet have a ton of reviews on Amazon, but those who like this rug really like it: “Love this rug. Very soft, lays flat and is as described. Almost too nice for outside, but it’s under a covered porch. I might buy another one and put in my TV room,” wrote one potential repeat buyer.
Pros
- Machine washable
- Lightweight
- Affordable
Cons
- May fade in direct sun (though you may not notice!)
- Some shoppers say it takes a long time to dry
$46 at Amazon
Shape: Rectangular, runner, square, round | Color options: Green, fuchsia, yellow, teal, navy and 13 more | Features: Easy care, water resistant | Area rug size: 2’2″ x 8′, 2′ x 10′, 3’1″ x 5′, 3’11” x 6′, 5’3″ x 7’7″ and 4 more | Material: Polypropylene | Thickness: 0.19″
Looking to make your patio pop? Let me direct your attention to this cheerful outdoor rug, which comes in a rainbow of hues, including fuchsia, teal, orange and yellow. Variegated threads give it a handmade look, and the Moroccan-inspired pattern has a boho vibe I’d expect from a store like Anthropologie — but this baby is an Amazon find, and a top seller at that.
More than 4,300 shoppers have given it a five-star rating, calling out the rug’s vibrant colors and how quickly it dries. “This is exactly what I needed and all I could’ve hoped for! I have this on a cement patio and it not only looks great, but any rain or spills will go right through,” wrote one outdoorsy decorator.
Exclaimed a pleased parent, “I’m so happy with this rug! I bought it to freshen up our patio space, and it instantly gave the area a clean, modern look … The flat-weave construction feels durable yet soft underfoot — perfect for high-traffic areas. We’ve got kids and a dog, and this rug handles it all like a champ!”
Though there aren’t many complaints, the ones that are out there revolve around the rug’s size. Some shoppers say what they purchased is several inches smaller than expected, so if you need very specific dimensions, this may not be the best pick for you.
Pros
- Comes in a wide variety of colors
- Can be rinsed clean with a garden hose
- Shoppers say it dries quickly
- Affordable
Cons
- Some shoppers say it’s smaller than expected
- Not especially soft underfoot
$84 at Amazon
Shape: Rectangular, runner | Color options: Tan/ivory | Features: Easy care, water resistant | Area rug size: 2’3″ x 3’9″, 2’3″ x 10′, 3’9″ x 5’9″, 5’1″ x 7’7″, 7’8″ x 10′ and 4 more | Material: Polypropylene | Thickness: 0.125″
Lots of rug companies do collabs with designers, but few get as much love as Amber Lewis’s line for Loloi. The pro, who’s known for her California-casual style, used her collection of antique rugs and textiles as inspiration.
Both Colombo Heckler and Kallan Nelson Chavez, owner of Kallan Interiors, are fans. “One company continues to impress me with outdoor rugs, and it’s Loloi,” says Colombo Heckler, who owns several from the Amber Lewis collection. “The designs are relevant to today’s current styles and trends without being overly trendy. And the construction is really high quality.”
Stripes are always a good pick for the outdoors, but this rug takes it up a notch with a modern broken stripe. The neutral colors mean it’ll go with anything — and the fringe at the edges makes for a fun, breezy detail.
Pros
- Sophisticated geometric design
- Woven fibers don’t look plasticky
- Can be hosed off
- Comes in a wide range of sizes
Cons
- Fringe may collect dirt
- Some shoppers report fraying
$139 at Amazon
Shape: Rectangular, runner | Color options: Bluestone (shown), brown, camel, charcoal, evergreen and 2 more | Features: Easy care, nonslip, stain resistant | Area rug size: 5’11” x 4’11”, 5’11” x 6′, 5’11” x 7’2″, 5’11” x 8’1″, 5’11” x 9’1″ and 1 more | Material: Polyester | Thickness: 0.375″
Waterhog mats are designed to serve as doormats, so if you’re looking for the best outdoor rug for rain — and whatever else Mother Nature throws your way — they make a smart pick. I speak from personal experience: My waterhog mat has survived dirt, dog poop (ick, I know) and even a flood!
This oversized version features the same rubber backing and water-absorbing fibers as the doormat. In fact, L.L.Bean claims the rug’s raised border can hold up to 1.5 gallons of water per square yard. Dirt and debris easily brush off the rug, but you can hose it down for deeper cleaning.
“These waterhog doormats are virtually indestructible! I have two that still look great after TWENTY THREE years of daily use through all seasons,” raved one longtime customer. “Not one stain, no fading, no pilling, and the rubber backing has not degraded or become brittle with age. I’ve bought them as gifts and recommended them to family and friends for years because the quality simply cannot be matched!”
Just note that the sizing on these isn’t typical area-rug sizing (the biggest option measures 5’11” x 9’10”, so it’s basically a giant runner).
Pros
- Quickly absorbs excess water
- Long-lasting & extremely durable
- Nonslip
- Made from 90% recycled polyester
Cons
- May look too utilitarian
- Sizing isn’t typical area-rug sizing
$240 at L.L.Bean
Shape: Rectangular, round, square, runner | Color options: Umber (shown), Warm Gray, Pearl | Features: Easy care, stain resistant | Area rug size: Customizable | Material: Polypropylene | Thickness: 0.43″
Buying an unusually sized rug used to be extremely expensive and difficult to do if you weren’t a professional designer. Then, in 2022, three co-founders of Peloton launched Ernesta. The company, which sells directly to shoppers, lets you customize any of its 350+ rugs down to the inch.
That’s a big win if you’re trying to decorate a tricky space, but even if you’re looking for a standard-size rug, Ernesta’s offerings are worth a peek. Most of the designs come in neutral colors and tone-on-tone patterns — they’re very quiet luxury! — and the indoor/outdoor polypropylene rugs have a natural look that impressively mimics jute or sisal.
Designer Hallie Henley Sims thinks this pick, with its Greek key pattern, is so sophisticated, and she recently used it in a client’s bedroom. “We have increasingly been using polypropylene rugs for interior use as they’re bulletproof and chic!” she says.
Pros
- Size customizable to the inch
- Stain and moisture resistant
- Looks like a natural fiber
$350 at Ernesta
Factors to consider when choosing an outdoor rug
The most important things to keep in mind when shopping for an outdoor rug are material, pile (thickness) and size. Unlike with an indoor rug, you’re not necessarily looking for something to sink your toes into, says Colombo Heckler. “Shift your thinking from a rug texture to a mat texture. With an outdoor rug, you’re giving up some of that softness for durability.”
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Material: Outdoor rugs are made from all sorts of materials, but the most durable, says Cassandra Leisz, senior creative director of Ruggable, are polypropylene, polyester, nylon and natural fibers like bamboo or sisal. “We’ve found that these materials can withstand weather conditions and are resistant to fading, moisture and mold, making them perfect for outdoor use,” she explains. Designer Nicastro prefers synthetic materials because they tend to resist fading, mildew and stains — plus, these days, companies have come up with ways to give them a more natural texture and feel (just take a peek at the Loloi x Amber Lewis rug above). Though natural materials like jute and sisal are beautiful, keep in mind they likely can’t be hosed off and come in more limited colors and styles.
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Pile: This refers to the density of the fibers and determines how thick a rug is. Outdoor rugs tend to have a low pile or be flat-woven, for good reason: The tighter the weave and lower the pile, the less likely a rug will collect dirt.
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Size: Most of the experts I spoke to agreed that when it comes to rugs, the bigger, the better. “My rule of thumb is you always want to make sure the larger pieces of furniture (sofas and chairs) are either fully sitting on the rug or have their front feet on the rug,” says Nelson Chavez. Nicastro adds: “Always buy the largest rug you can afford that takes up the majority of the space.”
How we chose these outdoor rugs
I interviewed six designers and landscaping pros about their favorite outdoor rugs, including ones they’ve recommended to clients and ones they’ve used in their own homes. I reviewed each recommendation, looking at value for the price and exceptional reviews from real-life shoppers. I also did my own research, checking top sellers at various retailers and outdoor rugs other publications have covered. Finally, I relied on my expertise as a home editor with 20 years of experience covering furniture and decor. I’ve used a couple of the rug companies in this story in my own home for years. In total, I looked at more than 100 outdoor rugs — and now, I’m more than ready to update my patio!
What material is best for outdoor rugs?
As mentioned in the “factors to consider section” above, material is key when you’re shopping for outdoor rugs. Generally, synthetic materials like polyester and polypropylene will be the most durable, as they resist mildew, stains and fading, and they can usually be hosed off if they get too dirty. “We always look for something that is poly or at least majority poly,” says Nicastro. Natural materials such as jute and sisal also are tough-wearing, but can’t be easily washed. “You want to think about materials that every year you can rinse them down, so they look as good as new,” says Colombo Heckler. She also suggests checking the edges for reinforced threading to make sure they don’t fray.
Maintenance tips for outdoor rugs
Just because many outdoor rugs can technically stay outside all year long, it doesn’t mean they should. Leisz, who works at Ruggable, advises storing the brand’s rugs indoors during extreme weather to help preserve their quality — and the same is true of most any outdoor rug. “When you’re purchasing it, think, do I have a space where I can roll it up and store it?” says Colombo Heckler. “Build that into your overall budget.”
If you see dirt or dust, vacuum or sweep the rug as soon as you can. Most outdoor rugs can be spot cleaned with a mild soap; some are machine-washable. Synthetic materials like polypropylene and polyester can often be hosed off. Always check your rug’s label for cleaning recommendations. And if it gets soaked (either from cleaning or due to a storm), try to hang it over a railing to let it dry.
Meet the experts
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Sara Bendrick, landscape contractor and designer
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Hallie Henley Sims, founder, Hallie Henley Design
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Cassandra Leisz, senior creative director, Ruggable
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Kallan Nelson Chavez, owner, Kallan Interiors
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Jessica Nicastro, founder, Jessica Nicastro Design
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Katie Tamony, chief marketing officer, Monrovia
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.