Outdoor Rugs: How to Choose a Weather-Resistant Rug for Your Patio

An outdoor rug is one of the easiest ways to make a patio, deck, porch or balcony feel like an extension of your home. It defines a seating area, adds color and makes the space more comfortable underfoot. Here is what to look for.

Choose the right material

• Polypropylene: The most popular outdoor rug fiber. It resists moisture, mildew and fading, dries quickly and cleans easily with a hose.
• Polyester: Soft and colorful with good fade resistance. Best in covered areas such as porches and sunrooms.
• Natural fibers: Jute and sisal look great but absorb water, so keep them in fully covered spaces only.

Many of our rugs are labeled indoor/outdoor, which means they are made from weather-resistant fibers and also work in high-traffic indoor spaces like kitchens and mudrooms.

Size it to your furniture

Follow the same rules you would indoors. Under a dining set, the rug should extend about 24 inches beyond the table on every side so chairs stay on it. For a seating group, choose a rug large enough for at least the front legs of every chair and the sofa to rest on it. A 5x8 suits a small balcony bistro set; an 8x10 or 9x12 anchors a full conversation set.

Pick colors and patterns that hide wear

Medium tones and busy patterns hide dirt, pollen and footprints better than solid light colors. Blues, greens and earthy tones also tie a rug to the plants and landscape around it.

Care tips

• Shake out or sweep the rug regularly to remove dirt and leaves.
• Hose it down and let it dry completely, flat or hung over a railing, before putting furniture back.
• Do not leave a rug on wet ground or grass for long periods.
• In winter or long rainy seasons, roll it up and store it somewhere dry to extend its life.

Complete the space

Pair your rug with comfortable outdoor furniture and seating and browse our outdoor collection for more ideas.

Shop all outdoor rugs with free standard shipping on eligible orders over $70.

Shop the picks

• Cayman 5594K Sand/ Charcoal Area Rug: Power-loomed from 100% polypropylene with a woven polypropylene backing and a double border pattern, described as weather, water, stain and fade resistant.
• Cayman 660N9 Sand/ Charcoal Area Rug: A scalloped lattice design with a high/low texture and a low 0.2-inch cut-and-loop pile in 100% polypropylene, made for indoor or outdoor use.
• Fiji FIJ02 Beige/ Green Area Rug: A tropical palm-leaf pattern in greens, beige and ivory with a polyester pile, a non-skid rubber backing and an ultra-low 0.12-inch flat weave.
• Cayman 2063Z Blue/ Green Area Rug: Adds a pop of blue and lime green to a patio with a geometric lattice pattern in 100% polypropylene and a high/low texture.
• Cayman 001B9 Sand/ Charcoal Area Rug: A global-style floral medallion on a sand background in weather- and water-resistant 100% polypropylene that works indoors or out.

See more weather-ready fibers in polypropylene rugs, and add a door mat where the patio meets the house. Related reading: Rug Materials Explained and our rug size guide.