10 Best Outdoor Rugs of 2023, Tested & Reviewed

Jan 18, 2024

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Durable, stylish rugs and mats to spruce up your patio, deck or pool area.

The right rug can totally elevate your porch or patio, extending the cozy feel of your indoor space outward. Whether your taste is more traditional, modern or bold, there are tons of outdoor rugs to match your style and coordinate with your favorite outdoor furniture. Besides just looking great, you want an outdoor rug that's able to withstand the elements. It should resist mildew and stains, stay vibrant when exposed to the sun's UV rays and dry quickly when the weather turns wet.

To find the best outdoor rugs that are both durable and stylish, experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab put them to the test. We researched and reviewed dozens of options from popular brands before choosing 11 outdoor rugs for more thorough evaluations. Our analysts reviewed properties like size, design, color, cost, care instructions, fiber and fabric construction and noted any curling edges or pronounced waves after opening, as well as how plush the rug felt underfoot. Plus, we shared the outdoor rugs with over 20 testers who are using them in their own outdoor spaces to provide us with insight as to how well the rugs perform long-term.

Keep reading to learn all about how we choose the best outdoor rugs and for a helpful shopping guide, but first, here are our favorite outdoor rugs of 2023.

With 171 different printed patterns and colors to choose from including traditional and modern looks, there are plenty of Ruggable styles to compliment your personal taste. Plus, you can pick between seven different sizes to fit your outdoor space. Each rug is a two-layer system with a removable top cover and a rug pad that attach to each other like Velcro, and you can buy additional covers to switch out to keep things fresh.

Upon opening the rug, we were first impressed by the detailed pattern and coloring and then wowed by the material that feels smooth and soft to the touch. Although it has a short pile, it still feels plush under your feet. Just like the brand's indoor options (our best overall washable rugs), the outdoor rugs are designed to be super easy to clean; simply remove the cover, throw it in the washer, tumble dry on air fluff and place it back on the rug pad. When washing other rugs from the brand, we pros didn't note any signs of shrinkage or major changes in appearance.

But know that we found it to be a bit difficult to align the cover and the pad and recommend at least two people work together to perfectly place the cover without bumps and bubbles.

At such an affordable price, our we were pleasantly surprised by the level of quality of this outdoor rug in our testing. The geometric rug is woven with a high-low pile that creates depth and eye-catching texture. Longer tufted yarns feel plush to step on, while the darker, flatter yarns in the background lend durability and dimension. One analyst pointed out that the edges, serged to prevent fraying, laid flat quickly upon unrolling in comparison to other rugs that we evaluated.

The brand claims that the outdoor rug is stain resistant so it can tolerate everyday spills, and it can be spot cleaned as needed. When we first unwrapped this rug for evaluation, we noticed a strong chemical odor from the dyes but the smell dissipated quickly.

Known for its affordable yet quality designs, Safavieh is one of the most searched-for indoor rug brands, and its outdoor designs have also impressed us. This striped style is a lightweight and thinner option — more like a mat than a plush rug — that isn't hard to pack and move. We found in our testing that the flat weave has a surprisingly soft feel.

The brand claims that the synthetic fiber is easy to clean and can be rinsed with a hose and soapy water. Online reviewers agree that stains are simple to remove and add that the material dries quickly. When we unrolled the rug, there were pronounced waves, and the edges curled dramatically, so be sure to give it time to settle. Upon opening, we did notice some minor fraying along the back edge of the rug where it's bound together, but we were pleased with the overall quality available at such an affordable price.

This inexpensive option with over 4,000 five-star reviews on Amazon is reversible with the geometric woven pattern showing on each side. It's easy to care for, too and can be shaken out, wiped clean and laid out or hung up to dry. During our evaluations, we noted that this pick isn't as high quality as other rugs we tested. One analyst shared that it has a "plastic-like feel" and is "more of an outdoor mat than a rug" with a smooth, woven straw-like surface and no plush pile.

Online reviewers say it's perfect for packing up to take to a campsite or for a picnic at the park. The lightweight rug is less than 3 pounds and folds into a compact carrying case, so it's easy to bring with you on your next outdoor adventure. If you're worried about a bumpy appearance, be sure to remove the rug from its bag with plenty of time for the seams to fully flatten out.

The perfect combination of function and style, this rug from Allen and Roth in collaboration with Stainmaster allows you to extend the cozy look and feel of your living room into your outdoor space. Your feet will sink into the pile; it's plusher than any other outdoor rug we assessed. We were impressed by the traditional style and appreciate that it's designed with polypropylene yarns that are meant to last, repel stains and resist fading. It even comes with a three-year limited stain-resistance warranty. According to the brand, the rug can easily be sprayed down with a hose, and you're able to spot clean with detergents as needed. Because the pile is thicker, you might experience longer dry times if you leave the rug out in wet weather or choose to hose it down, but the brand claims the synthetic materials are resistant to mold and mildew.

Some online reviewers shared that the listed dimensions on the website are inconsistent with the actual dimensions of the rug they received, noting that their rugs were slightly smaller than expected, but our analysts found the sizing to be accurate. However, we did notice some loose fibers and shedding pile when evaluating the rug shortly after opening it and placing it outdoors. If you prefer a more modern look, there are over 20 different styles to choose from that are suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

Perfect for a maximalist outdoor oasis, Rifle Paper Co. and Loloi Rugs collaborated on a line of rugs intended to make a statement. In our testing, we were impressed by the silky soft feel of the polyester rug pile and noticed that it had a slight sheen that stood out in the sunlight. The printed tropical patterns are vibrant and bright, treated with a UV- and mildew-resistant finish that the brand claims should be able to withstand the elements and resist fading. When we first unwrapped the rug, we observed some fraying fibers at the edges of the rug and minor shedding but were impressed by the construction overall. It laid flat as we laid it out without major curling at the edges.

Designed for indoor and outdoor use, this rug requires more delicate care than some of the other rugs we evaluated. The brand encourages professional cleaning, but spot cleaning is appropriate as needed.

Offered in round, oval and rectangular shapes, this rug from Nuloom is available in over 30 different sizes, so there's bound to be one that fits your outdoor porch or patio. We were impressed by the appearance; the durable polypropylene rug looks and feels like it's made with natural fibers for a fraction of the price of a true natural rug. We found the multi-colored yarns and braided texture did a great job of concealing dirt and debris, and it can be shaken out or vacuumed quite easily. For larger stains, the brand recommends hosing the rug down.

Although we didn't notice any major shedding or fraying when we opened and evaluated the rug, some online reviewers share that the fibers break down and fray more after several months of use.

IKEA's Morum Rug may look basic, but it managed to stand out in our evaluations. At an affordable price, the durable outdoor rug is woven with thick polypropylene yarns that the brand claims can withstand rain, sun, snow and dirt. We found the basket weave material to be smooth and sturdy, though not plush. The rug's flatter pile should be able to withstand regular use in high-traffic areas, and if there are spills or stains, the brand and online reviewers say it can be easily cleaned with mild detergent. IKEA recommends layering a rug pad underneath, especially if you plan to place the rug over a hardwood floor because it's only serged on two sides. This means two of the ends are folded, leaving unfinished edges that could scratch the floor beneath.

If you're willing to splurge on your outdoor rug, we were blown away by this handwoven style from Pottery Barn. One analyst described it as "stunning" and we were pleased with the high-quality construction. It has a natural look but is actually made from durable recycled polyester yarns that are fibrous and soft. The rug is half an inch thick, which is thicker than other rugs we tested, so there's plenty of cushion under your feet, but it is heavy and a bit cumbersome to lift and move. When we unrolled the rug, it laid flat right away without curling. It is important to note that in our evaluations, dirt and debris clung to the material and settled into the woven design and fringe ends quickly, but the brand recommends vacuuming the rug regularly and professionally cleaning it as needed to maintain your rug.

For a more natural look, a jute rug is a durable outdoor option, and this style from Rosecliff Heights on Wayfair has over 12,000 five-star reviews from buyers who say it's great quality and looks beautiful in their outdoor spaces. When we first removed the rug from its packaging, we noted heavy shedding, which is common when opening natural jute rugs; jute fibers stuck to our clothes and formed clumps on the patio below, but you can vacuum the rug to remove loose fibers.

One analyst shared that the rug had a softer feel than other jute rugs she's tried, and she was impressed by the hand-braided design. The braided texture and the naturally multi-hued jute fibers easily concealed dirt, and although we found it to be a bit heavy to lift, the rug can be shaken to loosen debris. Our Textiles Lab experts say it's best to use this rug in a covered area hidden from wet weather because jute rugs tend to take longer to dry and are more prone to mildew than synthetic rugs.

At the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we test and review all kinds of home products including washable rugs, bath mats and, of course, outdoor rugs. We recently researched dozens of outdoor rugs from brands that have performed well in our previous evaluations or that are popular online with rave reviews from real users. We chose 11 rugs to put to the test, reviewing them in our Lab and outdoors and sharing them with consumer testers.

We evaluated each rug's color and size offerings, as well as fiber content, fabric construction and backing material to ensure that the rugs were durable enough to withstand outdoor use. We placed the rugs in an outdoor patio setting, considering how easy it was to move each rug and whether or not the rugs curled at the edges or rippled. We walked on the rugs, noting the feel of the material and cushion under our feet. We assessed if the rugs attracted dirt and debris and how easily the debris could be removed from the rug's surface.

Finally, we shared the rugs with consumer testers who are using them in their own homes and will provide us with long-term feedback about their experiences. This will give us insight into how well the rugs can withstand regular use and extended exposure to the elements.

When you're choosing a rug for your outdoor space, here are a few things to keep in mind:

✔️ Material: Not all materials are suitable for use outdoors, so it's important to review the fiber content and fabric construction of a rug before buying. Most outdoor rugs are made with synthetic fibers like polypropylene, olefin or polyester, which tend to be more durable than natural fibers. They're also more likely to resist stains, mildew and fading from UV rays. One natural fiber type used for outdoor rugs is jute, which is a coarse fiber with a textured, rustic look. It's best to place a jute rug in a covered outdoor area because it takes longer to dry than synthetic fiber types, making it more susceptible to mildew and water damage.

You'll find that most outdoor rugs aren't designed with long, plush pile. The majority of outdoor styles feature lower pile and have a coarse or smooth plastic-like feel that's suitable for high-traffic areas and wet weather.

✔️ Size: Outdoor rugs come in all shapes and sizes to complement your outdoor space. Be sure to measure your porch or patio prior to buying your rug to ensure it will fit. We recommend abiding by the same tips that you'd follow when choosing the right size rug for your living room or indoor space. Ideally, if you have outdoor furniture, at least two legs of all pieces should be on the rug, and if you have an outdoor couch, your rug should be large enough for the entire length of the couch to fit.

✔️ Care: Because outdoor rugs are likely to be exposed to dirt, leaves and other outdoor debris, it's important to regularly clean and care for your rug. Some are easier to maintain than others, so be sure to review the rug's care instructions before buying. Most outdoor rugs can be swept or vacuumed, and you can spot-clean them as needed. Others can be thrown into the washing machine, and if that's the case, check to ensure your washer is large enough to hold it. Otherwise, you may need to take your rug to a cleaner or a laundromat with an industrial-sized machine. Some brands recommend professional cleaning for their rugs, which can be costly.

Amanda Constantine joined the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2022 as a home and apparel reviews analyst, testing dozens of home products including bedding, curtains, towels and bath mats. For this article, she used her expertise and worked with Textiles Lab Executive Director Lexie Sachs to research dozens of outdoor rugs from popular brands before selecting rugs to evaluate in person and share with consumer testers.

Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.

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