Best Outdoor Rugs

How to Choose an Outdoor Rug

An outdoor rug is the easiest way to make your patio feel like an actual room. It defines the space, adds warmth underfoot, and ties your furniture together. It's interior design for people who forgot their backyard counts.

Material Matters

Polypropylene
The standard for outdoor rugs. Synthetic, weather-resistant, resists fading. Most options you'll find are polypropylene. Hose them clean, let them dry.

Plastic/Recycled Plastic
Thin, lightweight, completely waterproof. Won't hold water or mildew. Budget-friendly and eco-conscious. Less cushion underfoot.

Natural Fibers (Jute, Sisal)
Eco-friendly but weather-sensitive. Best under covered porches where they won't get soaked repeatedly. Bring inside for winter.

### Size Guide

Under dining set: Rug should extend 24" beyond the table on all sides so chairs stay on the rug when pushed back.

Under seating area: Front legs of all furniture should be on the rug minimum. Ideally, all legs are on the rug with 6-12" of rug visible around furniture.

Standard sizes: 5'x7' fits small patios; 8'x10' is the workhorse size; 9'x12' and larger for big spaces.

### Color & Pattern Reality

Light colors show dirt, dark colors show fading, patterns hide both. Geometric and medallion patterns are forgiving of outdoor life. Solid colors look great but require more cleaning to maintain.

### Drainage Tip

On solid surfaces, water needs somewhere to go. Look for rugs with drainage holes or open weave construction. Rugs that trap water underneath will mildew and damage deck surfaces.