How do you clean an outdoor rug?

According to Payne, cleaning outdoor rugs is relatively easy. "Just hose them down and let them dry in the sun every so often," she says. "And if you live somewhere where you won't be enjoying the outdoor space as much in the winter, put your rug away with other furniture/cushions to prolong its life and keep it clean during the harsher months." In between hose-downs, you can also sweep, vacuum, and shake out your rug as needed.

Can outdoor rugs get wet?

Most outdoor rugs can get wet and recover without damage. But as mentioned, it really depends on the material. Polyester, polypropylene, and other thermoplastics generally hold up well in rainy climates and can often be rinsed off with a hose. That said, you may want to get a rug pad to prevent mildew growth and protect any wood porch planks underneath.

How do you style an outdoor rug?

Outdoor rugs can be styled using similar concepts as indoor rugs. Use them to section off different zones, such as your firepit , table, and sitting area. Consider the colors of your house, outdoor furniture, and plants, and select a complementing hue. Then you can call back the color and texture with small accents like cushions and outdoor blankets. Payne recommends multi-toned outdoor rugs. "This doesn't mean it has to look colorful from afar, but if you look closer, it may actually be made up of many colors woven together," she explains. "This will help hide dirt and other things that will inevitably end up on your outdoor rug."

The 9 Best Outdoor Rugs of 2022

We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Helping section off seating areas while adding texture and interest, the right rug can do wonders in enhancing the vibe of your outdoor living space. We researched today's offerings, compiled first-hand insights from testers, and caught up with two home design specialists for pointers on selecting the perfect option.

Our number one pick is the Dash & Albert Pebble Rug, a stylist-approved piece boasting a versatile wool-like appearance and a low-maintenance design.

Scroll down for the best outdoor rugs for every budget.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Dash & Albert Geometric Diamond Rug at Wayfair

Read Review

Best Overall, Runner-Up:

Dash & Albert Pebble Natural Rug at Wayfair

Read Review

Best Budget:

Fab Habitat Reversible Rug at Amazon

Read Review

Best Washable:

Ruggable Outdoor Nomada Rug at Ruggable.com

Read Review

Best Solid:

Nourison Positano Area Rug at Amazon

Read Review

Best Striped:

CB2 Rowan Striped Outdoor Rug at CB2

Read Review

Best Braided:

nuLOOM Wynn Braided Area Rug at Amazon

Read Review

Best Traditional:

West Elm Farella Outdoor Rug at West Elm

Read Review

Best Round:

Colonial Mills Kaari Tweed Round Rug at Walmart

Read Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look for
Why Trust The Spruce

4.8

Courtesy of One Kings Lane.

View On Wayfair View On Onekingslane.com View On Perigold.com

Dash & Albert Geometric Diamond Indoor/Outdoor Rug Review

What We Like

Several colors available
Durable
Designer-recommended

What We Don't Like

Pricey

For those looking to add some pattern to their outdoor gathering space, we recommend the Diamond Rug from Dash & Albert. In addition to being a designer-approved brand, it earned a 4.8 out of 5 overall score from our home tester. She appreciated the durable, high-quality design and wide range of color options for the geometric print.

This rug is made of ultra-sturdy, water-resistant polypropylene (thermoplastic). Our tester said it feels like an indoor rug, explaining that it's remarkably soft for a synthetic textile. Though the larger sizes are somewhat pricey, you can expect this weather-ready piece to last longer than most others in its category.

Dimensions: 12 sizes available | Shape: Rectangle | Material: Polypropylene | Washable: No

"Some outdoor rugs feel more like a glorified yoga mat than an actual rug, but this one is surprisingly soft. In fact, we took a second look at the label to make sure it wasn't some kind of natural fiber or blend based on the feel alone. But no, like most outdoor rugs, it is indeed made from polypropylene fiber."—Carrie Bluth, Product Tester

Dash & Albert Geometric Diamond Indoor/Outdoor Rug — The Spruce / Carrie Bluth

Courtesy of Wayfair.

View On Wayfair View On Annieselke.com View On Onekingslane.com

What We Like

Easy to clean
Fade-resistant
Designer-recommended

What We Don't Like

Pricey
Only one color

"I love all the rugs from Annie Selke, as they have a wool-like texture and do not look like your typical outdoor rug," says interior designer Jennifer Hunter. Another option from the Dash & Albert Collection, the Pebble Rug is handcrafted by artisans using a loop-and-hook technique to create a stunning flatweave about a quarter-inch thick. This extra-tight looming method makes it not only durable but also easy to clean. Though you can't toss it in the washing machine, you can vacuum, sweep, scrub, and hose it down without worrying about damage.

The Pebble is made of 100 percent polyester sourced from recycled plastic bottles. So while it's not made of a renewable material like jute or sisal, it's undoubtedly eco-friendly. We also like that it's treated with a UV-resistant coating to prevent fading in the sunlight. This particular rug only comes in one color (a golden beige to mimic the natural hue of undyed jute). Still, there's no doubt it'll go with nearly any outdoor decor scheme. It comes in eight sizes ranging from 2 x 3 feet to 10 x 14 feet. The larger sizes are somewhat pricey, but you can count on long-lasting quality.

Dimensions: 8 sizes available | Shape: Rectangle | Material: Polyester | Washable: Hose-off

4.8

Courtesy of Amazon.

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Fabhabitat.com

Fab Habitat Reversible Rug Review

What We Like

Lays flat
Eco-friendly
Carrying bag included

What We Don't Like

Nothing

The Fab Habitat Reversible Rug earned an impressive 4.8 out of 5 overall score from our tester. She appreciated that it comes in several sizes (seven, to be exact) and lots of fun colors and patterns. Considering its budget-friendly price point, she was pleasantly surprised by how smooth the flat-weave design is and said it feels soft and comfy underfoot.

Sourced from 100 percent recycled plastic, this UV-resistant polyester rug earned extra sustainability points from our home tester. It comes with a carrying bag, too, making it a go-to for camping trips and other outdoor excursions. Though it's not machine-washable, you can hose it down as needed.

Dimensions: 7 sizes available | Shape: Rectangle | Material: Polyester | Washable: Hose-off

What Testers Say

"The Fab Habitat Reversible Rug is a dream to clean. Spills and dirt wash away easily with a damp rag or simply a spray of the hose...After multiple washes due to muddy feet, dropped cups of juice, and snack crumbs, the rug retained its vivid color and new look."—Sarah Vanbuskirk, Product Tester

Courtesy of Ruggable.

View On Ruggable.com

What We Like

Reasonably priced
Easy to clean
Fade-resistant

What We Don't Like

Doesn't always lay flat
Requires large washer

Ruggable has tons of excellent outdoor rugs, but if we could only choose one, we'd go with the Nomada. Like all the brand's offerings, this one is conveniently machine-washable—just make sure your washer has a big enough drum to accommodate the size you get. You can also tumble-dry it, but to ensure it lays flat after washing, you might want to smooth it back out and air-dry it in the sun instead.

For day-to-day cleaning, just shake it out or sweep it to get rid of dirt, rocks, and other debris. There are five sizes available, ranging from 3 x 5 feet to 9 x 12 feet, and four unique colorways. In addition to being fade-resistant, the Nomada won't harbor mold or mildew.

Dimensions: Five sizes available | Shape: Rectangle | Material: Polyester, thermoplastic | Washable: Yes

The Best Places To Buy a Rug Online

Courtesy of Amazon.

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Home Depot

What We Like

Soft texture
Easy to clean
Ten colors available

What We Don't Like

Doesn't always lay flat

We're also big fans of the Nourison Positano Rug. It's made of polypropylene, a super-sturdy and weather-resistant thermoplastic ideal for outdoor use. While you might assume it has a stiff, plasticky feel, it's actually surprisingly soft with a texture reminiscent of naturally sourced woven textiles.

The flat-weave material is space-dyed to create a striated effect seen in traditional yarn. You can choose from ten solid hues ranging from bold statement colors to warm earthy tones to everyday neutrals. This rug is also easy to clean. Just hose it down and let it air-dry while laying flat to prevent ripples and curled corners.

Dimensions: 15 sizes available | Shape: Rectangle, circle | Material: Polypropylene | Washable: Hose-off

Rowan Striped Black and White Outdoor Rug

Courtesy of CB2.

View On CB2

What We Like

Sophisticated aesthetic
Lays flat
Easy to clean

What We Don't Like

Limited sizes

You can't go wrong with a classic black-and-white striped pattern, like this sophisticated midcentury-coastal number from CB2. Designed by Studio Anansi with outdoor use in mind, it's made of polyester sourced from recycled plastic bottles. In addition to being eco-friendly, this ensures lasting durability and colorfastness with the contrasting colors.

The Rowan is surprisingly soft and luxurious for a synthetic rug. And since it has virtually no pile height, it lays flat (almost like a heavy wool blanket) and rolls up easily. This outdoor rug can be vacuumed, spot-cleaned, and hosed off as needed. We only wish it came in more sizes.

Dimensions: Four sizes available | Shape: Rectangle | Material: Polyester | Washable: Hose-off

Courtesy of Amazon.

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Lowe's

What We Like

Durable yet soft
Versatile
Easy to clean

What We Don't Like

Largest size is 5 x 8 feet

The nuLOOM Wynn Rug is made of 100 percent polypropylene and braided into an extra-strong flat weave. Designed with high-traffic indoor or outdoor areas in mind, it's ideal for families with kids and pets. In addition to being exceptionally resilient, it's remarkably soft with the flexibility of a traditional rag-braided rug.

Available in eight colors, the textured design offers an organic, down-to-earth touch to outdoor dining and sitting areas. It's easy to maintain too. Thanks to its water-resistant design, the Wynn can be hosed down and spot-cleaned as needed using a synthetic carpet-cleaning solution.

Dimensions: 16 sizes available | Shape: Rectangle, oval, circle | Material: Polypropylene | Washable: Hose-off

We Tested the Best Doormats to Keep Dirt Out

Courtesy of West Elm.

View On West Elm

What We Like

Vintage-inspired design
Good for high-traffic areas
Easy to clean

What We Don't Like

Pad sold separately

If you're drawn to traditional designs, you'll love the Farella Outdoor Rug from West Elm. Inspired by the timeless beauty of Turkish textiles, it features a vibrant floral motif in a slightly weathered finish to create an unexpectedly versatile vintage appearance.

The Farella is made of 100 percent polyester to ensure weather resistance and lasting durability without sacrificing softness. Thanks to the strong weave and resilient fibers, it's ideal for high-traffic spaces and easy to clean with a vacuum, broom, or hose. To prevent mold growth and help it dry quicker, West Elm recommends placing it over the brand's indoor/outdoor rug pad, which you'll have to buy separately.

Dimensions: 5 sizes available | Shape: Rectangle | Material: Polyester | Washable: No

We Tested 11 Rug Pads to See Which Passed the Slip Test

Kaari Tweed Indoor/Outdoor Round Area Rug

Courtesy of The Home Depot.

View On Walmart View On Home Depot View On Houzz

What We Like

Fade-resistant
Reversible
Several sizes and colors

What We Don't Like

Spot-clean recommended
Large sizes are pricey

If you have a round outdoor dining table or just want to incorporate soft curves into your seating arrangement, consider a circular rug. We like the Kaari from Colonial Mills. It comes in six colors and several sizes ranging from 3 to 10 feet in diameter to accommodate any outdoor gathering space.

This two-toned area rug is woven from 100 percent polypropylene, an exceptionally durable material that stands up to year-round weather. Beyond playing well with precipitation, it's resistant to sun-fading, mildew, and stains. The Kaari is reversible, too, so you can flip it over in the event of permanent stains.

Dimensions: 10 sizes available | Shape: Circle | Material: Polypropylene | Washable: No

The Best Indoor-Outdoor Rugs for Versatile Decorating

Final Verdict

One of our top choices for outdoor rugs is the Dash & Albert Pebble, a designer-recommended piece with a wool-like texture and an endlessly versatile aesthetic. However, if you're looking for something a bit more affordable, you can't go wrong with the Fab Habitat Reversible Rug, which earned a 4.8 out of 5 overall score from our home tester.

Material

NYC-based interior designer Jennifer Hunter says the most important thing to consider when buying an outdoor rug is the material. "You want something that is stain- and mold-resistant, waterproof, and won't fade from direct sunlight," she tells The Spruce. Most are made of polyester or polypropylene (a type of thermoplastic), and while waterproof options are a little harder to come by, these materials offer some water resistance.

Decorist designer Elise Payne says to think about the climate and whether the area will be covered. "I love a jute rug for outdoors, but a natural material would be better suited for a covered area, as it isn't quite as mildew-resistant as a synthetic rug," she notes. "Synthetics, on the other hand, are pretty indestructible."

Maintenance

"The great thing about outdoor rugs is they are typically so easy to clean," says Payne. Though it depends on the material and weave, most polyester and polypropylene options can be rinsed off with a hose and air-dried in the sun. Flatter weaves can also be swept, vacuumed, and even scrubbed if needed. Beyond standing up to the elements, this low-maintenance appeal is why many people use outdoor area rugs in high-traffic indoor spaces.

Size

Outdoors or inside, no matter where you place it, sizing is crucial. As with indoor area rugs, outdoor rugs should be big enough that either all furniture legs can be placed on top or just the front two. For dining areas, make sure it's large enough that the entire table and all chair legs can go on top, preferably even when pulled out.

FAQ

How do you clean an outdoor rug?

According to Payne, cleaning outdoor rugs is relatively easy. "Just hose them down and let them dry in the sun every so often," she says. "And if you live somewhere where you won't be enjoying the outdoor space as much in the winter, put your rug away with other furniture/cushions to prolong its life and keep it clean during the harsher months." In between hose-downs, you can also sweep, vacuum, and shake out your rug as needed.
Can outdoor rugs get wet?

Most outdoor rugs can get wet and recover without damage. But as mentioned, it really depends on the material. Polyester, polypropylene, and other thermoplastics generally hold up well in rainy climates and can often be rinsed off with a hose. That said, you may want to get a rug pad to prevent mildew growth and protect any wood porch planks underneath.
How do you style an outdoor rug?

Outdoor rugs can be styled using similar concepts as indoor rugs. Use them to section off different zones, such as your firepit, table, and sitting area. Consider the colors of your house, outdoor furniture, and plants, and select a complementing hue. Then you can call back the color and texture with small accents like cushions and outdoor blankets.
Payne recommends multi-toned outdoor rugs. "This doesn't mean it has to look colorful from afar, but if you look closer, it may actually be made up of many colors woven together," she explains. "This will help hide dirt and other things that will inevitably end up on your outdoor rug."

Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer specializing in home design, outdoor living, and textiles. For this story, she interviewed two interior designers for product recommendations and insight into the best materials, colors, and styles. She then compiled insights from our home testers and researched dozens of today's best-selling outdoor rugs.

The chosen options ultimately stood out in terms of quality, maintenance requirements, durability, size and color options, and overall value. Theresa has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019, covering furniture, decor, and cleaning products.