Who said beautiful rugs have to be confined to indoor use? Plenty of rugs are made for the great outdoors, and can instantly liven up any backyard or garden.

But, not all patio rugs are created equal! Selecting the right one can pose some challenges. That’s where we come in.

Through in-depth research and testing, we’ve found the top outdoor rugs on the market today that you’re sure to love.

Visually stunning, durable, and functional, we know you’re going to have a hard time choosing just one!

Best Outdoor Rugs

	nuLOOM Braided Area Rug	Nourison Aloha Rug	Unique Loom Outdoor Rug
Materials:	Polypropylene	Polypropylene	Polypropylene
Dimensions:	5' x 8'	8' Round	7' x 10'
Shape:	Rectangular	Circular	Rectangular
Weave:	Braided	Shag	Shag

For more of my home and garden recommendations, have a look through these popular Outside Pursuits guide links: Patio Hammock Chairs, Outdoor Lounge Chairs, Hanging Egg Chairs.

Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Outdoor Rugs For 2021

1. nuLOOM Lefebvre Braided Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug
2. Nourison Aloha Indoor/Outdoor Floral
3. Unique Loom Outdoor Botanical Collection
4. Fab Habitat Reversible Rugs
5. Nourison Aloha Indoor/Outdoor Multicolor Area Rug
6. Sonya Indoor/Outdoor Round Reversible Braided Rug
7. Gertmenian 21359 Nautical Tropical Carpet Outdoor Patio Rug

Our reviews of the top rated outdoor rugs with our comparison table and buyers guide will help you choose the right outdoor rug for you.

Best Outdoor Rug Reviews

#1 nuLOOM Braided Area Rug

Let’s start things off with one of the best outdoor carpets currently available: the nuLOOM Braided Area Rug.

A key feature of this model is that you can use it in either indoor or outdoor scenarios.

The 5’ x 8’ size is perfect for minimizing wear and tear to flooring, creating a beautiful accent piece that will last for years to come.

Coming in 9 different colors, you get your choice of Aqua, Pink, Tan, Salt and Peppery, Light Grey, Charcoal, and more.

Each one looks incredibly modern and visually aesthetic, offering a little pop of color wherever you need it.

The braided design also lends a kind of luxurious feel to it, making it great for the patio, living room, office, or any high traffic areas.

Made from 100% polypropylene, it’s incredibly durable, which is necessary no matter where you plan on using it.

This means that it’s water-resistant, so you can have it around the pool, when it rains, etc. It’s also very easy to clean with a simple carpet cleaner.

If you have kids, pets, or a lot of guests, this is the perfect option.

#2 Nourison Aloha Floral Rug

The Nourison Aloha Floral Rug is definitely a standout item, whether you use it inside or out.

Measuring 8 feet in diameter, it’s perfect for placing under a couple of chairs to enjoy coffee or tea out on the front porch or in the garden.

The grey and blue design complements any natural environment, while still giving a bit of character to the space.

As polypropylene is so durable, relatively inexpensive, and versatile, it’s only appropriate that they use it for this rug, too.

It’s incredibly soft to the touch and looks luxurious as well, somehow managing to balance vintage charm with modern sophistication.

The intricately woven base looks and feels high-quality, made with stain-resistant fibers so you can really get the most use out of it as possible.

This low-maintenance rug is one that every home would love to have.

The polypropylene is incredibly weather-resistant, making it a viable option even for all-year use! When you need to clean dust and dirt off of it, all you have to do is hose it down!

#3 Unique Loom Outdoor Botanical Collection

For some of the best patio rugs, look no further than the Unique Loom Outdoor Botanical Collection Area Rug.

You get a huge selection of colors with this one, as well as a ton of different designs and patterns.

We’re confident that due to their varied offerings, you’re sure to find something that perfectly jives with your tastes and existing décor.

The rectangularly-shaped rug measures 7 feet by 10 feet, which is great to use as a nice tie-in indoors or to place over a patio, deck, or terrace.

Made of 100% PP, you can use them in the high traffic areas in your home. As it holds up to rough use, it’s great if you have kids and pets around.

Moreover, it is resistant to water, mold, mildew, stains, and bacteria growth. This keeps the rug in perfectly good shape, looking like the day you got it.

We also appreciated that it never shed, making maintenance much easier and less frequent.

As far as cleaning goes, you can also hose it down and wash with a gentle soap.

Once you’re finished, you just need to make sure the rug is actually this dry before you put it back or store it away.

#4 Fab Habitat Reversible Rug

We found our next product to be the best outdoor carpet for dining outside, when entertaining guests and family, barbecues, and so on.

The size is perfect for it, adding a bit of style to really get people in the mood to enjoy their meals.

Not only that, but it also works indoors, if you ever want to take it inside as well.

Coming in more minimal colors and designs, we love this one for modern, cutting-edge households and users.

What really sets this rug apart from the others we’ve covered so far, is the fact that it’s made from 100% recycled premium plastic.

This not only is a more ecofriendly option, but it is soft when stepped on yet durable enough to last throughout all kinds of weather conditions.

In addition, the plastic makes for a great mold-resistant, mildew-resistant, UV-resistant option.

The material holds color extremely well, yet will never cause damage to your lawn, concrete, decking, etc.

As you can imagine, they’re super easy to clean – even spills can simply be wiped right up.

We appreciated that the rugs are made to be reversible, so can take advantage of 2 different looks and designs!

Perhaps one design works better with your outdoor area, while the other goes more with the interior setup. It’s hard to beat this model in terms of versatility.

Should you decide you want to spend a day at the lake, beach, baseball game, or other outdoor environment, you can use the included jute carrier bag to easily transport the rug anywhere you’d like.

#5 Nourison Aloha Multicolor Rug

We have yet another Nourison rug for you, this time in a classic rectangular shape.

With 4 different color options (Multi Color, Green, Blue, or Natural) you can select from a few elegant schemes – all of which will add a sense of hominess to your backyard.

Just like most others we’ve covered so far, this rug is also comprised of 100% polypropylene. This means it’s nice and durable.

It won’t rip, tear, nor fade in heavy traffic areas like many other alternatives will.

On top of that, the flat weave style surface feels soft and cushy underfoot, making it pleasant to walk or stand on.

However, it also holds up well in the elements. We probably wouldn’t recommend leaving it out in the snow or heavy rain, but if you do so by accident it’ll be just fine.

Place it on the balcony, patio, entryway, kitchen – the choice is yours.

#6 Sonya Round Reversible Braided Rug

When looking for the best patio carpet, you want something that can work well whether indoors or outdoors. The Sonya Round Reversible Braided Rug accomplishes that quite well!

The 8-foot, round carpet evokes an authentic, traditional feel that you and everyone else in your home is sure to love.

You get your choice of 6 different jewel tones to choose from: Sand, Moss, Brown, Graphite, Denim, or Burgundy.

Measuring 8 feet in circumference, it’s the perfect size to use under a small table and a few chairs – the perfect way to bring people together and make them feel more relaxed.

With pet-friendly and child-friendly durable construction, you can count on it to hold up well against heavy traffic, pulling, and the elements.

The soft-textured PP yarns not only look elegant, but hold up easier to dirt, rain, sun, and more. The fibers allow water to drain right through, so it dries right away.

This is not only for your comfort and convenience, but also reduces the growth of mold and mildew.

Put simply, this American-made rug combines beauty and brawn perfectly!

#7 Gertmenian Outdoor Carpet

Wrapping things up, we present you with the elegant, beautiful Gertmenian Outdoor Carpet.

This large rug will surely have your guests asking where you got it! It’s great to use under patio dining sets, by the pool, and much more.

With strong-cabled yarn on high-precision Belgian looms, these were crafted with detail and quality in mind. If you’re a fan of classy and minimal designs, then you’ll love this rug.

Each design comes in a dual-tone configuration. You get an array of colorways to choose from, including: Border Aqua Blue, Silver Gray, Nut Brown, and Palm Tree.

As you can probably guess by now, this rug also is made of polypropylene. You know how durable and easy it is to clean; simply wash it off with a garden hose.

It will dry quickly as well so you can get right back to enjoying it.

Outdoor Rug Comparison Table

How to Choose the Best Outdoor Rug – Buying Guide

Now that you’ve had the chance to learn all about the best outdoor carpets, do you know which one you will be getting?

It can be difficult to make a decision, especially if you have never purchased a rug before. That is where we come in.

We’ve taken it upon ourselves to write up the comprehensive buying guide below, which will take you through each step of the decision process.

By the time you’re done, there will be no doubt which is the rug for you.

Size

When trying to figure out the right size rug for your outdoor space, you’ll want to use the same principles you would when selecting an indoor rug.

Also keep in mind the type of architecture and furniture in the area in which you’d like to place your rug.

An entryway rug, for example, is great for use in a foyer as it keeps dust and dirt from tracking into your home.

Long runner rugs are perfect for use in spaces like narrow walkways, porches, and even balconies.

Large area rugs are best suited to cover expansive areas such as in outdoor lounge and dining spaces.

Colors and Patterns

No matter whether you’re inside or outside, you obviously want your rug to go with the general theme or décor you already have going on.

Match your rug to the fabrics you have on the cushions of your furniture, of your umbrella for your patio set, the hammock on your tree, your lighting, etc.

You can also use complementary and contrasting colors to really add depth and make everything pop.

For example, if you have metal details outdoors, you may like a bright red, or perhaps silver or grey. If you have wood patio furniture, a solid color like orange or rust would look wonderful.

Materials

Material is a huge factor here, though you know that the majority of the options on our guide already come made of polypropylene.

An excellent selection for sure, recycled plastic is an excellent alternative. Keep in mind that polypropylene is also plastic!

However, it’s generally not going to be recycled. Recycled alternatives are obviously more ecofriendly, which is a win for everyone.

Who doesn’t want to make the world a healthier place for us to live in? You can also expect them to generally be less expensive.

It is stain-resistant, easy to clean, won’t fade from sunlight, and can handle high moisture and heavy foot traffic.

Shape

The most common shapes of outdoor rugs are circular and rectangular. Let’s take a look at each so you can begin to narrow down your options.

Rectangular

These are the most common of any size due to their versatility.

They come in a variety of sizes, including long runner formats. This means that they work well in just about any space.

Round

These are a bit more unique and visually attractive. They’re perfect for tying in smaller furniture sets and really enhancing their looks.

They complement furniture that also has rounded edges, offering a smooth, put-together look.

Weave

You may notice that there are different weaves with each model. Each has its own pros and cons.

Braiding

In terms of durabiity and beauty, braiding is often a popular option. Braiding comes in thick ropes, which offer a certain level of elegance that will instantly dress up your outdoor world.

Not only that, but the way it’s constructed allows for water to easily drain through while allowing the rug itself to dry very quickly.

This lowers the risk of mold growth and mildew.

Tight Weave

This is the most common kind of rug you’ll see. It’s like what you usually find in indoor rugs, with an extremely tight and durable weave.

Tight weave is soft to the touch yet still durable enough to last outdoors.

Ease of Cleaning

This kind of goes along with the other points we’ve covered so far. Polypropylene in general is actually very easy to clean.

As it is moisture-resistant, you can simply take the garden hose and wash it off!

However, some models – like those with braiding – can more easily trap dirt and things like leaves or twigs.

If you’re placing the rug in an area with a lot of trees or foliage, then you may want to opt for a model with a tight weave instead.

Gripping Power

An outdoor rug that slips and slides around will leave a mess of dirt and dust which can make it even easier to track around – kind of defeats the point, right?

To avoid all of that, opt for woven outdoor rugs that are nice and durable and provide a good amount of grip.

You can also choose to place a rug pad underneath, which will give your outdoor rug more gripping power.

Price

How much are you willing to spend on one of the best indoor outdoor carpets?

We always recommend figuring out a budget for yourself before you start shopping around, as it can be too easy to spend more than you’d originally wanted to.

No matter what your budget is, we are sure that we have at least one or two models on here that will fit into it.

However, remember not to simply take the price tag into consideration; think about how long the rug is going to last you and compare.

If the more expensive model lasts twice as long as the cheaper alternative, will you end up ultimately saving money?

FAQs About Outdoor Rugs

Q: Do outdoor rugs get moldy?

A: They definitely shouldn’t! If your outdoor rug is moldy, it’s really not made for the outdoors.

Those on our guide are resistant to mold due to the material they’re made from along with the type of construction they feature.

Q: How do I keep my outdoor rug clean?

A: It’s actually very easy. All you have to do is regularly spray it down with a garden hose to get rid of any dirt or debris that may have accumulated on it.

When you’re done, simply let it sit out in the sun to dry.

Q: How do you store outdoor rugs for winter?

A: You should keep the rug rolled up. The more sensitive side should be facing inward when you are doing so.

Use a thick curtain rod to aid in keeping the rug straight when you roll it up. Once the rug is rolled, wrap a cotton or muslin sheet around it at least once.

Q: What is the best material for an outdoor rug?

A: If it wasn’t obvious already, the answer is “polypropylene”!

It’s durable, inexpensive, resistant to moisture, mold, etc., and won’t stain or damage the ground or flooring underneath.

Tips For Choosing Outdoor Rugs

#1: Make sure it goes with the already-existing decor and furniture you have in your outdoor space.

The rug should be there to help complement and enhance the look of your environment. It shouldn’t detract from the style you already have going on, nor feel out of place.

#2: To maximize the rug’s lifespan, store it when not in use.

If you know you’re going to be away from home for a while, for example, roll it up and store it in a place out of direct sunlight or in a place that accumulates moisture.

#3: Always measure the area first.

You don’t want to fall into the trap of “eyeing” the space and thinking you know exactly how large it is –  you might end up with a rug that doesn’t fit your home!

Summary

Now you know how to go about selecting a good outdoor rug for your unique tastes.

No matter which one you choose, know that it will be one of the best options on the market today.

Thanks very much for tuning in and we shall see you again soon!

How We Researched

To come up with the top outdoor rugs, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as Home Depot, Lowes, Target and Wayfair  along with our own personal experience.

We also consulted online magazines for product research and reviews to get as much unbiased information as we could. To help weed out fake reviews we used Fakespot.com to make sure we only looked at genuine reviews.

With so much quality gear available, we had to narrow it down based on what we felt were the best options were for the price. The staff authors have a wide and varied background in yard design and home repairs.

The authors have decades of experience and are eager to share their knowledge with readers.

To help narrow down the selection we used personal experiences along with recommendations from landscapers, bloggers and contractors.

After extensive research, we came up with our list to help you choose the right one for you.

Sources