Belle Duchêne is an award-winning digital content producer and communications professor with a passion for all things lifestyle, including fashion, food, and French culture. (And wine, of course!) Her fashion career has taken her to New York, Chicago, London, and Paris. Belle strives to demonstrate her passion for self-actualization and self-creation by incorporating artistic elements into her wardrobe, home, and lifestyle. She currently owns an award-winning content creation agency and teaches at three colleges and universities. She holds BAs in French, Textiles, and Fashion, and an MA in Communications from the University of Northern Iowa.
Few decorative elements can liven up the look of your patio or deck like an indoor or outdoor rug, but choosing the best one from the many options online can seem like a risky proposition. Plus, returning a large rug can be a nightmare. Since outdoor spaces can become damp from humidity and rain and stay damp, it’s important to find an easy-to-maintain rug made from the best material for your space.
“If you have a patio, choose a quick-drying, lightweight plastic rug,” says Lindsay Neff, principal designer at Larkspur Botanicals. “Deck rot can be a problem if thick carpeting soaks the deck with moisture,” she says. “I like recycled plastic rugs because they’re stylish and eco-friendly.”
We tested 31 indoor and outdoor rugs in our lab to evaluate their appearance, texture, durability, and ease of cleaning. After lab testing, we take each rug home and test it for six months to see if the rug’s quality has changed after being exposed to various weather conditions.
To learn how we test indoor and outdoor carpets in our lab and in your home, review our testing procedures below.
This carpet does not snag or tear when cleaning or moving heavy objects on it, does not bunch up or slide underfoot, and is easy to move even by one person.
Once you have laid the rug in place, it tends to stay in place, which also means that the edges of the rug may have memory and will take some time to smooth out when you first roll it out.
If you want a lightweight yet durable rug that’s easy to move around (even if you’re working alone), the Unique Loom Outdoor Collection Indoor/Outdoor Transitional Rug is one of our favorites because it can be easily folded up and taken with you.
We also rated it as the best rug for indoor and outdoor use because of its superior quality. The fibers are less likely to snag, tear, and wear excessively when we move heavy objects like furniture and plants across them, exposing them to high surface friction.
In our lab tests, we liked that the rug stayed in place well and didn’t move or slide around underfoot, but we were pleased to find that we could move heavy objects from one side to the other without causing the rug to sag or bunch up. Keep in mind, though, that since the rug comes rolled up, it may take some time to lay flat.
Another reason this rug made our list is that it’s very easy to clean with a broom or vacuum, making it ideal for high-traffic areas prone to stains. However, we found that liquid stains (BBQ sauce and grape juice) were difficult to remove completely. Fortunately, the fibers in this rug can withstand a little physical abuse without causing any noticeable damage. When we tested this rug at home, we were able to remove a three-day-old pet stain almost completely, and we were equally pleased with how the fibers remained intact after a vigorous cleaning.
If you plan to lay this rug outdoors, please note that it may take a while to dry after rain – the rug was still wet the next day after we hosed it down.
Product Details: Sizes: Starting at 2′ x 6′ (15 sizes available) | Material: Polypropylene | Maintenance: Easily vacuum, sweep, or spray with garden hose | Overnight Dry: No | Mat Recommended: No
We weren’t able to completely remove barbecue and grape juice stains from carpet, so it may not be the best choice for dishes that go outside for washing.
Liven up any space with the Better Homes & Gardens Multi-Colored Striped Outdoor Rug, our pick for budget shoppers. The light color palette and tassels add brightness and texture to your space while remaining subtle enough not to overpower it.
Since it is ready to use, it will instantly become an addition to your outdoor space, perfect for entertaining guests or hosting a barbecue party. Immediately after rolling out, we found the rug to be smooth and without any imperfections. Even the tassels were intact as soon as you took them out of the packaging.
Made from polyester and polypropylene, this rug is durable and can withstand the elements, sun, and surface wear, as we confirmed in our testing. The rug stayed in place when we wiped our feet, and although it shifted a little when we moved chairs and pots across it, it didn’t leave any damage.
It also performed well when we swept and vacuumed it, though it can easily be sprayed with a hose to clean up spills and debris. We did have a hard time getting juices and barbecue sauce off, though, so you might want to avoid making a mess on this rug.
We recommend the Better Homes & Gardens rug for outdoor use, but since it’s available in a variety of sizes (and colors), this rug would also be great for an entryway or any other living space in your home (try using it as a kitchen rug!).
Product Details: Size: Starting at 5 x 7 feet (available in three sizes) | Material: Polyester, polypropylene | Care: Easily vacuum, sweep, or rinse with garden hose | Overnight Dry: No | Mat Recommended: No
The rug is made from recycled plastic bottles and is machine washable when it needs cleaning.
While most standard washing machines can clean this type of carpet, you should double check the drum size of the machine before purchasing.
If you’re looking for a machine washable rug that’s comfortable and eco-friendly, then you’ll want to check out this super soft rug made from recycled plastic bottles that’s easy to machine wash and tumble dry.
Available in two colors (Sand and Antique Oak), the Ruggable Border Braid Re-Jute Rug features a weave pattern that mimics the look of a hand-woven jute rug, but with a softer, easier-to-care-for surface.
This rug will pass our dust and liquid stain cleaning tests because it’s machine washable, but make sure the drum is large enough for the rug size you choose (at least 2.2 cubic feet for a 5 x 7 rug and 3.8 cubic feet for a 6 x 9 rug).
Most standard washing machines can clean this carpet. When lightly cleaned, this carpet was a little difficult to brush, but debris was easily picked up with a vacuum cleaner.
In a long-term test, we tested the rugs’ durability in the face of unexpected flooding. The rug was completely submerged in about an inch of water. After the storm, we separated the rugs from their pads and hung them up to dry. The rugs were completely dry in about a day, with no odors, stains, or other signs of flooding.
The intricate details of this rug will complement any patio, deck, or entryway. Or, if you prefer to use this rug indoors, its soft surface is ideal for the kitchen, living room, or office as it is less prone to snagging and has no loose threads. This rug comes with an outdoor-friendly backing that provides a little cushioning to keep the rug in place.
Product Details: Sizes: Starting at 3 x 5 feet (five sizes available) | Materials: Recycled polyester, polyurethane | Care: Easy to vacuum, machine washable | Overnight Dry: No | Carpet Underlay Recommended: Yes
Of all the indoor/outdoor rugs we tested, this was the only one that dried completely overnight after getting wet.
The edges are curled and need to be smoothed out a bit. Once you take the rug out of the package, it will take some time to smooth it out.
If you live in a rainy climate and plan to lay your rug in an exposed area, the best rug for indoor or outdoor use is one that dries quickly. We found that this nuLoom Diamond Trellis rug was the only one on the list that dried completely overnight after being hosed down the night before. In our long-term testing, where the rug was exposed to direct sunlight, it took about three hours to dry.
Another great feature of this rug is its latex backing, which makes the rug slightly sticky so it won’t snag on smooth surfaces. Testers found that the rug didn’t wrinkle or tangle when moving items across it or vacuuming it. This is the best quality for a dining area rug, since guests need to be able to easily move their chairs without creating a tripping hazard.
However, we did notice that the edges tend to lift up after you unroll the rug from the package; give this rug a little time to fully flatten out. The latex backing also makes this rug easy to vacuum.
Dust, crumbs, and food particles can be easily swept up and vacuumed up without causing any problems (though it should be noted that the brushes can be difficult to clean). Liquids can be gently wiped up, but we were impressed by how easily stains came off with a mild detergent and a little effort. A quick rinse with water will leave the carpet looking as good as new. At home, we also appreciate the ease of cleaning: all it takes is a hose or brush to keep the carpet looking as good as new.
Product Details: Size: Starting at 2 x 3 feet (10 sizes available) | Material: Polypropylene | Maintenance: Easily vacuum, sweep, or rinse with garden hose | Overnight Dry: Yes | Carpet Underlay Recommended: Yes
While daily vacuuming can keep your carpet looking great, stains are hard to spot, so you’ll need to invest in a professional cleaning to ensure its longevity.
The best option for a small space is a rug that fits the space. The Veranda Monstera Cream Outdoor Rug from Rifle Paper Co. is available in six sizes, from 2 feet 3 inches to 4 feet.
This vibrant botanical-print rug rolls out like a yoga mat, lays completely flat, and has a smooth texture that testers say resists scratches and tears when furniture is moved across it. The surface of this rug is soft, allowing it to not only withstand prolonged wind and rain, but also provide a comfortable walking surface when we stand and walk on it. When she placed the rug under our dark patio furniture, we loved how it brightened up her patio.
The back of the rug has a retainer that helps keep it on the surface. It didn’t slide when we wiped our feet, and it didn’t bunch up when we moved large objects across the rug. It also stayed in place when we dusted and vacuumed, making daily maintenance easy.
In our lab tests, we were unable to remove liquid stains from this wool rug, but a professional dry cleaner might be able to solve the problem. However, in our long-term testing, after months of snow, rain, sleet, and wind, the colors of the rug remained as vibrant as when we first received it. Despite the thinness of the rug, we did not notice any noticeable signs of wear.
Product Details: Sizes: Starting at 2’3″ x 4′ (six sizes available) | Material: 100% wool; polypropylene lining | Care: Spot-dry stains; professional cleaning recommended | Overnight dry: Unknown; spot clean only | Rug pad recommended: Yes
Since it’s available in 10 different colors, you’re sure to find one that matches the tone of your patio.
While this mat is waterproof, it does not dry quickly, which can be a problem if you want to place it on a wooden surface, such as a deck or gazebo.
We found the Safavieh Indoor/Outdoor Patio Rug (which comes in 10 beautiful colors) to be one of the best indoor/outdoor rugs if you want to play with color in your space without worrying about fading (though the manufacturer recommends keeping it out of direct sunlight).
Considering the colorful weave of this rug, we were surprised to see that upon inspection there were no rips or loose threads and this rug appears to be of very high quality. Even after a heavy potted plant and chairs were dragged across the rug, wear and tear did not appear to have any effect.
The carpet also passed our cleaning test with flying colors. Dust and debris can be easily swept away with a broom or vacuum cleaner. Additionally, grape juice and barbecue sauce stains can be removed with a brush and a little mild detergent. The carpets can also be cleaned with a hose, but be sure to let them dry a little before you plan to host a party. We found that after spraying the carpet the night before, it was still damp the next morning.
During long-term testing, the carpet stood up to severe weather and performed well during a hail storm. Hail scratched the paint on our deck, but when we removed the carpet, the paint underneath was unscathed. Despite the severity of the storm, there was no sign of damage to the carpet.
We brought the carpet inside during the colder months because we had two active dogs and surprisingly there was no damage to the carpet. Although the carpet will start to show some wear in high traffic areas, we believe that given its durability it will last for several more years.