7 Best Outdoor Rugs for a Trendy Backyard

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Best overall outdoor rug

Ruggable Outdoor Arcadia Rug

Fans of machine-washable rugs love the Ruggable outdoor Arcadia rug. Our Reader’s Digest Ruggable review left us pleasantly surprised with the the brand’s durability. Just like Ruggable indoor offerings, the outdoor rugs are meant to be thrown in the wash, meaning you’ll get endless use out of them. The outdoor version features a polyester weave that’s fade- and mold-resistant. For added cushioning and safety, it lays neatly atop an anchoring rug pad. This rug adds style to every space, from the tiniest backyards to the most expansive decks fit for watching the best backyard movies.

Pros

• Versatile indoor and outdoor rug
• Ideal for high-traffic areas
• Machine washable
• Easily detaches from the rug pad
• Made of ultra-strong polyester
• Fade- and mold-resistant
• Available in three floral colors and seven sizes

Con

• Ruggable rugs run a bit more expensive than traditional indoor and outdoor offerings

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Best budget outdoor rug

Outdoor Boho Rug 

This budget-friendly buy is one of the best outdoor rugs for spaces in need of some flair. The Nuloom boho rug, imported from Turkey, features an intricate woven design. It’s made of a natural-feeling, synthetic polypropylene blend that cleans well if you need to tackle a stain. The soft beige hues also coordinate well with nature-inspired patio decor. It’s an easy choice for minimalist decorators.

Pros

• Affordable price point
• Available in a 4-foot by 6-foot size
• Synthetic polypropylene fiber blend is easy to spot clean
• Nature-inspired motif fits several outdoor aesthetics
• Versatile indoor and outdoor use
• Ideal for semi-enclosed areas like covered porches
• Made in Turkey

Cons

• Only one color available
• Limited size offerings

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Best splurge outdoor rug

Bolé Road Stripe & Step Indoor/Outdoor Rug

Who says luxury decor has to be earth tones? This vibrant Bolé Road Strip & Step outdoor rug adds color, life and fun to mirror an expensive looking home. It’s woven with mesmerizing shades of blue, green, red and pink. With four sizes to choose from, it’s a statement piece on a patio, sunroom or deck. The design was handwoven by artisans in Ethiopia, and the craftsmanship just adds to its durability. The rug is also shed-resistant and easy to clean with a vacuum cleaner. You’ll use this beauty for years to come.

Pros

• Handwoven design adds a look of luxury
• Bold color and pattern are fun for outdoors
• Modern take on outdoor decor
• Four size options available
• Made from 100% recycled polyester material
• Easy to clean with a vacuum

Cons

• This outdoor rug is a splurge, but it’s a true statement piece
• There’s no backing and rug pads are sold separately

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Best eco-friendly outdoor rug

Pottery Barn Eco-Friendly Outdoor Rug

This vibrant Milada eco-friendly outdoor rug from Pottery Barn is made of recycled plastic bottles and looks just as good on the patio as it does in the living room. The recycled plastic (sourced from 1,560 bottles to be exact) makes it durable and weather-resistant, while the mix of neutral hues offers eye-catching appeal. It’s advised to keep this rug away from excessive moisture, so styling it in a sunroom or awning-covered area is best. These rugs also make some of the best eco-friendly gifts for new homeowners.

Pros

• Eco-friendly construction sourced from 1,560 plastic bottles
• Provides a neutral touch to any area
• Pile is less than an inch thick, making it easy to move around
• Stands up to weather and elements, thanks to plastic-based construction
• Available in six sizes

Con

• Shouldn’t be exposed to excessive moisture, such as a pool area or rainy climates

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Best outdoor rug for camping

Reversible Woven Mat

This Sand Mine reversible woven mat is ideal for outdoor adventures to the beach or camping. It’s a lightweight, woven-looking piece that mimics the look of straw. The mat, made with weather-resistant plastic fibers, rolls up into a compact bundle for easy traveling. It’s ideal for all types of RVs or as a gift for campers, and it comes in four sizes. As an Amazon best seller with more than 6,000 ratings, this outdoor rug pleases shoppers who love its versatility and portability.

“I absolutely LOVE this outdoor rug!” shares one verified Amazon purchaser, K.R.B., “The size was perfect for my outdoor patio. It covered the majority of the space I needed. The texture is also durable for outdoor elements. The rug really made my outdoor patio furniture and decor pop.”

Pros

• Rolls up into the included carrying case for easy travel
• Can be shaken, wiped or hosed down to clean
• Reversible design
• Available in multiple neutral shades and four sizes
• UV-coated to protect against fading
• Affordable price point

Con

• The lightweight construction means it needs to be anchored down so it doesn’t blow away

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Best outdoor rug from Amazon

iCustomRug Outdoor Rug

The iCustomRug outdoor rug is one of the best Amazon patio decor finds, thanks to its durable polypropylene and UV-resistant construction. It comes in 10 bold colors that add excitement to ordinary outdoor spaces. If you don’t mind a hose down, the straw-like plastic fibers are easily rinsable. Shoppers love this rug because the colors stay vibrant all summer long, the plastic material is comfortable on bare feet and it cleans more easily than some outdoor rugs. Just add it to your cart when buying patio furniture and you’re good to go.

“These rugs are so happy looking,” shares verified Amazon purchaser, Jane. “They are so very easy to keep clean and to move around. Love them!”

Pros

• Easy ordering through Amazon
• UV-resistant fabric means it doesn’t fade in the sun
• Reversible design
• Comes in 10 vibrant color options
• Available in four sizes
• Made with 100% polypropylene material
• Rolls up easily for compact storage
• Affordable price point

Con

• Very low pile, so it won’t add much cushioning or support for those who like extra padding

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Best outdoor runner rug

Salley Runner Rug

You don’t need to have a huge backyard area to decorate to your liking. If you’re working with a narrow outdoor space, consider this eye-catching Andover Mills Salley runner. Its versatile shape features a flatweave technique and polyester material that’s stain-resistant and easy to clean. The low, quarter-inch pile also makes it a trip-free addition to small outdoor living spaces.

“Perfect for my little deck!” writes Patricia, a verified Wayfair buyer. “Lays nicely, it’s very easy to sweep or shake off and it adds a little color and lots of style!”

Pros

• Runner shape fits corridors and narrow spaces
• Reversible design
• Polyester material stands up to weather and stains
• Low pile to avoid trips
• Multiple colors and sizes available
• Affordable price point

Con

• If you’re looking for a plush feel, you’ll need to buy an additional rug pad

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What to look for when buying the best outdoor rugs

“Outdoor rugs are designed to be more durable to stand up to elements like rain and dirt,” explains home design expert Breegan Jane, who has worked with Marshalls and TJ Maxx on outdoor design trends. “They’re made of thicker materials and hold up better outside than a traditional indoor rug would.” Jane also recommends looking an outdoor rug made of polyester or polypropylene. “You want to make sure it’s going to last, and these materials are strong enough to hold up well against weather, molding or staining,” she says.

How we found the best outdoor rugs

As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.  

FAQs

What type of outdoor rug is the most durable?

The most durable outdoor rugs feature weather-resistant materials such as plastic and polypropylene. Without sacrificing comfort, the latter material is offered in all sorts of fun, modern weaves that don’t necessarily look or feel like plastic. Plus, eco-enthusiasts love that these materials are often made of recycled matter.

Can outdoor rugs be left in the rain?

Outdoor rugs can be left in the rain if they’re made of weather-resistant materials. Just make sure that whatever rug pad you use is also weather-resistant. Even then, it may be best to store outdoor rugs in an organized garage area during severe weather conditions.

Can you leave outdoor rugs outside?

For the most part, yes, you can leave outdoor rugs outside. Make time to clean them regularly because they can fall victim to build up of dirt and debris. Experts suggest rolling outdoor rugs and putting them in home storage during the winter. Snow, ice and winter weather may lead to quick deterioration of the rug.

Can outdoor rugs get moldy?

Most plastic and synthetic material based outdoor rugs can withstand weather and mold. However, it’s still a good idea to regularly clean outdoor rugs along with other lawn and patio furniture. Check the fabric tag on your outdoor rug for proper care instructions. Some rugs require heavy-duty cleaning with a hose, others need to be spot-cleaned, shaken off or vacuumed.

With additional reporting by Bryce Gruber. 

Source:

• Breegan Jane, home design expert, interior designer and patio stager

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