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Home interiors tend to get a lot of love, but there’s something to be said for dressing up your backyard. The right outdoor rug will help define your entertaining space while adding texture and color to your al fresco living room. Beyond that, you’ll want to consider size, material and how well it’ll stand up to various weather conditions. We asked the pros to lay it all out for us. What to keep in mind when choosing an outdoor rug durability
Two neutral shades, a classic tone-on-tone Greek key pattern, and the ability to choose both your preferred length and width (ranging from 2-foot x 3-foot up to 23-foot x 13-foot) makes this choice pretty much custom to your outdoor seating needs. And since it’s made from fade- and water-resistant, yarn-dyed polypropylene, imported from Belgium, it’s a durable showpiece, made to withstand the wear and tear of your most high-traffic spaces.
Multiple weaves in various shades come together to create a cheerful, bold pattern. “I love the tone on this one,” says Brandfon of the piece, available in a saturated green and a beige with pops of color.
And it’s not just a pretty face. Made with phthalate-free terrastrand yarns, the carpet is sturdy, easy to clean and resistant to bacteria, mold, and mildew.
Handcrafted with ultra-durable polypropylene and UV treated to be fade-resistant, this indoor/outdoor pick gets high marks from Brandfon. A high pile and classic weave make for an elegant looking choice, but it’s designed to handle high traffic areas and the wear and tear that comes with kids and pets.
Standard vacuuming and the occasional shake out is all that’s required to keep it looking nice, but for any of life’s messier moments, the rug can be hosed down, scrubbed or even bleached.
When contemplating style, Shea suggests considering “whether or not you want the rug to blend in or be a focal point.” This blooming design is definitely the latter. Power-loomed in Turkey as part of the brand’s Rifle Paper Co. x Loloi collaboration, this 100% polyester pick pulls focus in all the best ways.
Since it’s specially treated to be UV- and mildew-resistant, it’s sure to stay vibrant for years to come. Plus, a 0.13-inch pile puts it on the lower end of the maintenance requirements, while a polypropylene backing helps keep everything in place.
It’s not hard to place what Brandfon appreciates about the New York- and Georgia-based brand. The terrastrand yarns (made with a blend of vinyl and polyester) in their outdoor rugs are the same material they use for their wipe-clean placemats, she says, “if that gives you any indication how easily they can be cleaned!”
Soap, water, and a soft sponge or cloth is enough to keep this bacteria-, mold- and mildew-resistant pick looking fresh. And in a classic geometric weave, this option has a goes-with-anything appeal.
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Warm up your patio with this plush pick. At half an inch, the polyester weave has a higher pile than most, which will add a bit of softness underfoot. The timeless, woven design is available in a stylish blue coordinates-with-everything hue that will elevate any outdoor furnishings.
Though it gives a natural fibers vibe, this pick is fully synthetic, i.e. durable enough to withstand the high traffic of your backyard space. (It’s also made from polyester created from recycled plastic bottles.) However, the brand does recommend keeping it away from excessive moisture and springing for professional cleaning as needed.
Bring a touch of paradise to your patio space with this statement-making monstera and palm leaf design. One of the brand’s best sellers, buyers rave about the comfort and overall look of this lush pick.
The most beloved feature, though, is that the floor covering—made from polyester with a polyurethane barrier—is resistant to mold, mildew, and fading, and can even be tossed in the washing machine to clean larger messes.
An attractive, textured pattern, goes-with-anything gray shade, and a stain resistant material for less than $80? It all adds up to this Home Decorators Collection pick being a real winner.
Made using a blend of polypropylene and polyester, it also delivers on durability while the longer, tufted yarns of the high-low style feel nice underfoot.
An entire rainbow of possibilities means at least one of these power loomed beauties will coordinate with your home décor. The subtle striped design, with an attractive needlepoint effect—available in sizes and shapes ranging from a 2-foot by 9-foot runner to a 6-and-a-half-foot round—really raises the bar on your style.
Machine made with 100 percent polypropylene, it’s a durable, weather-resistant pick that is easy to care for.
When you’ve got things covered, so to speak, you can indulge in a slightly more opulent rug as it won’t be exposed to all of the elements. With an interlocking diamond pattern, a textured chunky loop weave, nicely heathered yarns, and macrame fringe, this high pile option delivers on style.
Since the handwoven piece is made using 100% polyester fibers, it will hold up to busy front porch traffic and even messy footprints. While professional cleaning is recommended for stains, it can be hosed clean and hung to dry.
Since this rug will have to endure the elements, durability is tied to the material it’s made of. “For outdoor spaces, my tried and true are polypropylene, polyester, nylon, and natural fibers like jute or sisal,” explains Becky Shea, New York City-based interior designer.
Highly durable synthetic polypropylene gets high marks for being resistant to water, mold and mildew, she notes, while polyester “is another great synthetic that is fade resistant. If you’re in a really sunny spot, this is a safe choice for your home!” Nylon, another synthetic, is stain-resistant and a great choice for homes with families and pets, she says.
Natural fibers like jute and sisal score high for durability indoors, but not for outdoor rugs. “They are not nearly as weather-resistant as synthetic fibers,” she says. “I personally love the look and feel of natural to synthetic, but it does require a little more upkeep and maintenance. If time is of the essence in your life, stick with the synthetics if you want durable coupled with longevity.”
When you’re looking to fill a large expanse, don’t skimp. A good rule of thumb, says Shea, is to leave roughly two feet of space between the nearest wall and the rug, “which allows all of the furniture to sit on top of the rug.”
One exception, Shea notes, is “If your space has nice decking or pavers that you want to see, I’d consider a smaller footprint that can fit the majority of your furnishings on the rug but have chairs half on, half off, or a side table completely off the rug.”
Unless you’re the type that finds scrubbing to be relaxing, read the instructions to seek out rugs that are resistant to stains, and can be hosed off or spot-cleaned easily.
Pro tip: The lower the pile height, the lower the required maintenance. Explains Shea, “Rugs with a low pile or flat weave construction are easier to clean compared to rugs with a high pile or shaggy texture.”
Pattern and color possibilities are endless, so a good place to start, advises Shea, is to consider if you’re looking for your flooring to complement your existing décor or make a bold statement.
When in doubt, “go neutral, or pick a rug with two colors max for ultimate flexibility,” says Brooklyn-based interior designer Lexi Brandfon. “Also, keep the surroundings in mind to minimize maintenance. If your deck is dark, a dark rug won't distract the eye if it has an imperfection. If you have a lighter color area with lots of grass around or falling leaves, pulling in colors from the area will help keep the look cohesive and won't make it look messy when the elements inevitably make their way to the rug.”
We researched outdoor rugs from the most popular brands and selected options based on durability, maintenance, size options, and style. We also relied on expertise from interior designers Shea and Brandfon on how to choose the right rug for your lifestyle and outdoor space, along with their recommendations for specific rugs based on usage in their own projects.
It depends on the cleaning instructions listed on the rug, as outdoor rug materials can vary greatly. However, most can be cleaned with mild soap and water, says Brandfon, though you’ll want to follow the brand’s guidance. Notes Shea, “It all comes down to the rug you select and what the manufacturer recommends.”
The short answer: “Put your furniture on it!” suggests Brandfon. But if you’re looking for further security, “You can try rug anchors or fasteners, rug pads or rug grippers,” recommends Shea. “As with anything outside, it’s important to regularly check in on the piece and its stability, especially during more inclement weather.”
You’ve got options. “Technology has gotten really good in this respect and some outdoor rugs are made of thinly weaved PVC, which is very durable,” says Brandfon. “Polypropylene is a synthetic that also withstands the elements well.”
Shea is partial to both polypropylene, polyester (“It’s fade-resistant, so if you’re in a really sunny spot, this is a safe choice for your home!”) and nylon, “which is known for its resilience.”
Yes, but you should still use your best judgment. Synthetic materials like polypropylene, polyester, and nylon “are designed to minimize water absorption, which allows the rug to dry quicker and reduce the risk of mold and mildew,” notes Shea.
But even the most durable of rugs might fall victim to a heavy downpour. “If there’s a lot of rain coming, fold up the rug and get it inside or undercover,” suggests Shea. “If that’s not an option, as soon as the storm passes, it’s good practice to remove excess water by blotting with towels or using a wet/dry vacuum. Avoid rubbing the rug, it can actually push water deeper into the fibers.”
Once again, synthetics are your best bet. “Polypropylene and polyester are known to repel water rather than absorb it,” says Shea. Though there’s one small caveat: “Prolonged exposure to excessive moisture can still lead to mold and mildew, even if it’s resistant.” In other words, do your best to cover up your outdoor furnishings when heavy rains are in the forecast.
As with anything, this depends “on the quality of the rug you purchase, the material composition, and the level of maintenance you invest,” says Shea. Generally, if you take care of your floor covering, you’ll get a solid three to ten years out of it. Notes the pro, “Higher-quality outdoor rugs made from durable materials with flatweave compositions, such as polypropylene or polyester, tend to have a longer lifespan compared to lower-quality rugs, especially when you regularly clean it and ensure that it’s protected during inclement weather.”
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