How to Choose the Best Outdoor Patio Rugs | Wayfair (2024)

Give your patio a whole new look. Available in every style under the sun, outdoor patio rugs offer color, protection, and personalization to your outdoor space. Before you buy, read our guide to learn more about the best materials and placement ideas.

Unlike indoor rugs, outdoor rugs are generally made of long-lasting materials that will hold up against weather and resist stains and fading. The best outdoor rugs are typically made from a synthetic material.

Polypropylene
Best for: rainy, damp, or humid climates.
Polypropylene is the most popular outdoor rug material. It is stain-resistant, easy to clean, won't fade from sunlight, and can handle high moisture and heavy foot traffic. It is strong and durable, but not at the price of comfort! These rugs provide the same feel underfoot as any natural fiber rug but at a more affordable cost. Because of their chemical makeup, however, they are highly flammable so keep them away from intense heat – such as fire pits or grills.

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Like jute and sisal, wool is another natural fiber that's easily susceptible to absorbing moisture and growing mold or mildew. Make sure to keep wool rugs on covered porches/patios and check with the manufacturer to determine if a wool rug is outdoor-suitable. When in doubt, opt for a wool-synthetic blend.

Just like indoor area rugs, outdoor rugs are both functional and stylish. Ideally, you’ll want your outdoor patio rug in a space where it can provide both. Place your rug beneath a dining table or seating area to highlight the space. It will also catch any crumbs! Another home for your outdoor patio rug is under a grouping of furniture – it will protect the surface of your deck from being scratched and will define the grouping as one uniform space. Or try a high-traffic area of your patio to make sure shoes don't carry dirt into the house.

Consider the space of your outdoor area when choosing the shape of your rug. If you choose a large outdoor rug, it should cover the majority of your deck or patio. If it will be sitting under a grouping of furniture, it should be big enough so the front legs of all major pieces of furniture are placed on the rug. If it's placed under an outdoor dining table, you should be able to pull out all the chairs and have the legs remain on the rug. Generally, the rug should be at least 2' wider than the table on all sides. Below are common sizes for outdoor rugs.

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Check out our guide on outdoor rug sizes to help you choose the right size, or reference the "Rug Size" filter to the left-hand side of the product page for more rug size options to tailor to your outdoor space.

Round patio tables look nice over round or oval-shaped rugs, while outdoor seating groupings can be nicely defined by a square or rectangular rug. Or change things up with an octagon, half-circle, novelty, or runner-style outdoor rug.

A good rule of thumb is to clean your rug as needed, monthly, and at the start and end of the season. While cleaning recommendations vary by manufacturer, you can usually clean your outdoor rug with a hose, scrub brush, and diluted dish soap. Remove moss and algae with diluted bleach or vinegar. Be sure to clean both sides, and let your rug dry in the sun. If you’re in a cold climate, it's important to store your rug during snowy or icy months. When storing your rug, roll it up – never fold. If you don't have space to store your rug in a dry, indoor space, roll it up and cover it in plastic under your deck or in the garage.

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Bring the durability of outdoor rugs indoors by using them in your kitchen, kids' room, or any area that's prone to messes.

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