A rug can make a difference in any room. From an elaborately decorated bedroom to a simple hallway runner, rugs add style, dampen echoes, and most of all, help us feel at home.
The same goes for patio spaces. With the best outdoor rugs for your deck and patio, your favorite parts of your home can spread out into a lovely outdoor garden, breezy screen porch, or charming BBQ space. Plus, a rug is a simple and removable addition. You can rotate styles with seasons, prepare for different weather, and easily keep your spaces maintained—all while keeping stylish decorations and feelings of comfort right at your feet.
What Material is Best for Outdoor Rugs?
No matter where you put a rug, it will probably endure a lot—feet, paws, dust, you name it. And if it’s outside, you know it will have to endure bad weather. Depending on where you want to put your outdoor rug, you will definitely want to consider how the weather will impact the outdoor space. You will also want to consider how the rug’s material interacts with the elements.
The most popular material for outdoor rugs is polypropylene, which is a synthetic fabric similar to plastic and nylon. Polypropylene’s biggest advantage is that its water and microbial resistant, making it more breathable than cotton. This means lower chances of mold, mildew, and stains.
That being said, you will still want to air out the rug to ensure no mold or mildew gathers—just in case! Polypropylene also makes it incredibly easy to clean the rug. You can vacuum or just hose it off and let it air out. For additional perks to consider, polypropylene doesn’t gather static electricity as easily, the color will stay vibrant through sun exposure, and it remains lightweight for easy mobility.
Plastic rugs have a lot of the same advantages as polypropylene. Water-resistance makes plastic rugs versatile and durable. With a lot of outdoor rugs, plastic tends to allow for reversibility as well. That way, if you’re in a hurry, you can get an instantly more vibrant look. It also lets the bottom side air out without a lot of effort. Another advantage of plastic is that it is slightly stronger than polypropylene. However, in many cases, it is not microbial resistant. So it may endure more activity with less wear and tear, but it will require more attention around cleanliness.
Cotton, while it is not water-resistant, offers a great outdoor material with a lot of comfort. Cotton is much softer than polypropylene and plastic. While polypropylene and plastic are fine for bare feet, cotton provides a much softer surface that isn’t as coarse on your skin. With cotton, however, you will have to be more mindful of water and humidity. If your outdoor space is not covered, you will probably want to store it away from the elements and use it for special occasions. Fortunately, cotton is also machine washable, so it really is not difficult to keep it clean and looking fresh. It is just important to keep the washing and drying a part of your routine.
Machine-woven VS Hand-woven Rugs?
While you’re researching, you will notice a few different weaving techniques that will impact which rug you choose. Most notably, a machine-woven rug will provide more intricate designs at a lower price. Hand-woven products have a more charming quality, but by the nature of their production, more intricate designs will come at a higher price.
Is it Best to Put Away Your Outdoor Rug When it Rains?
If your outdoor space is uncovered, the safest response is—yes. But with polypropylene and plastic, you have more wiggle room. You do not have to stress out if your favorite outdoor rug is getting rained on if it’s polypropylene or plastic—or even cotton! You will just want to address the moisture according to the material you choose.
Fortunately, there are plenty of lightweight products out there that make mobility and storage much less of a chore, especially with the most popular outdoor materials (polypropylene, plastic, and cotton). If you are considering pulling the rug in and out, you also have an opportunity to use a variety of styles.
Then what is the Best Outdoor Rug Material for Rain?
If you want to leave your rug outside year-round, polypropylene will be the best option for you. Once again, you will want to lift the rug off the ground and let it air out every so often to avoid any serious problems with mold, mildew, and rot. If the outdoor area is covered, your options are a bit more flexible. However, you will still want to consider humidity, which will vary by season and location. If the outdoor area is uncovered, you are definitely not limited to the more coarse synthetic materials, but just know that you will probably want to bring the rug into shelter out of the rain unless you want to wash it.
Will an Outdoor Rug Damage a Wood Deck?
Once again, this comes down to the material. Although polypropylene is coarse, it has proven time and time again that it will not scratch your deck’s surface. However, no matter what the material is, you will want to mindful of water, mildew, and rot.
Realistically your wooden deck should be treated wood, if untreated it will need treating as soon as possible. Anyways, just because your deck is built with pressure-treated lumber or some waterproof material, it does not automatically mean it is immune to water damages. Your deck will likely have no problem handling an outdoor rug and the moisture that comes with it, but to be safe from moisture damage try airing it out when possible.
A simple fix to having mold and mildew on your rug from moisture is to use a quality pressure washer. A regular hose can do the trick, but using a pressure washer will provide a much better cleaning experience.
11 Best Outdoor Rugs for Decks and Patios
1. Home Dynamix Nicole Miller Patio Country Azalea Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug 
This Home Dynamix Rug offers a stunning medallion design as part of its Nicole Miller collection. The brown, cream and beige color scheme makes it an understated and elegant addition to any number of outdoor spaces for any season. And the intricate peppering of brown throughout the base color adds depth and dimension for an inviting atmosphere.
It is woven with polypropylene, making it durable to all kinds of conditions. Resistant to damage from the sun, water, and microbes, you can have a high degree of style with a low level of maintenance. And with two different sizes, you can imagine it in different contexts in your home.
- Polypropylene
- Sizes available: 5’2″ x 7’2″ and 7’9″ x 10’2″
- Weight: 9.73 lbs. and 19.46 lbs.
2. Katherine Outdoor Contemporary Area Rug
With a highly modern aesthetic, this Katherine Outdoor rug brings an intricate and dynamic design for an exciting but subtle addition to an outdoor space. Its grey and beige color scheme makes it versatile with furniture and patio design, as well as seasonal changes. And its darker shading allows for beautiful, colored accents elsewhere in the design with items like pillows, cushions, or lamps.
Machine-woven technique with polypropylene helps provide intricate design at a relatively lower price. It also makes the outdoor rug very low maintenance. And two sizes add to the versatility of where it can be in your home.
- Polypropylene
- Machine-woven – uniform
- Safe on heated floors
- Sizes: 7’10” x 10′ and 5’3″ x 7′
- Weights: 10.89 lbs. and 4.99 lbs.
3. Unique Loom Outdoor Trellis Collection Casual Moroccan Lattice Area Rug
Unique Loom’s Outdoor Trellis Collection contains beautiful colors in a number of shapes and sizes. The trellis design can make your outdoor space pop with a combination of curves and corners that is easy on the eyes. With this particular collection, you also have access to a range of colors, including subtle beige and vibrant blues and reds. So if you love the design, you can get multiple colors and rotate through seasons or by occasion and keep the shape the same.
Polypropylene materials make the rugs easy to maintain and very flexible with location. And machine-weaving provides stunning details that give the rug depth and energy. With an extra-wide variety of shapes and sizes, you can have this design in a number of places in your home, and even achieve some consistent themes running through multiple spaces in your home.
- Polypropylene
- Machine-woven
- Multiple colors, shapes & sizes
4. Muriel Outdoor Botanical Area Rug
If you are in search of a lovely outdoor rug specifically for Spring and Summer months, the Muriel Outdoor Botanical rug may be perfect. Gentle yellows, greens, and blues play in beautiful floral patterns, giving the feelings of positivity and growth that come with plants. And with a relatively understated design, the rug will not clash with the natural lines on stone and wood.
Polypropylene makes it super easy to maintain and leave outdoors. So while it may not be the best design for fall, it can add life and vibrancy for Spring and Summer with ease and convenience.
- Polypropylene
- Machine-woven
- 7’10 x 10′
- Weight: 10.89 lbs.
5. Santex TT002 Reversible Outdoor/Indoor Plastic Rug
Santex provides an incredibly vibrant addition to an outdoor space. With a bright yellow design, the Santex Reversible is one of the best outdoor rugs to add a lot of feeling and excitement to an outdoor space. Nobody will be able to forget the first time they walk into the area with this bright rug. Along with a combination of curved and straight lines, the color adds positive energy to any space and is amazing for vibrant Spring and Summer aesthetics.
With plastic material, the rug is durable through sun, water, and stress. It is also reversible for quick and convenient cleaning. On top of that, it is relatively lightweight for easy mobility and storage.
- Plastic
- Reversible
- Won’t hurt grass or scratch deck
- 8’ x 10’
- Weight: 8.26 lbs.
6. Uphome Geometric Area Rug 3’x5’ Grey Cotton Diamond Throw Rugs
The dynamic geometric design of the Uphome Geometric Area Rug adds life and energy to any space it occupies. Two subtle shades, creme, and grey, combine for stunning patterns that you almost can’t take your eyes off of. The understated color scheme also makes the rug versatile through any season and a wide array of design schemes.
Hand-woven with a cotton blend, Uphome’s outdoor rug is gentle and adds a touch of softness. It is easy to vacuum or simply throw in the washing machine with cold water. And it is lightweight so you can move it around to different places in your home for different occasions, or easily store it away for the right time.
- Blended materials: 45% Cotton, 45% polyester, 10% viscose
- Handwoven
- 3’ x 5’
- Weight: 3.38 lbs.
7. SMM006 Reversible Outdoor/Indoor Plastic Rugs
Wow—the way the colors and shades are incorporated in this Smart Design Mat Outdoor/Indoor rug is simply stunning. With multiple color schemes offered, each one provides a different feeling and a different set of strengths. Green gives life to the room while earth tone accents temper the brightness for a rich and inviting feeling. The blue, with darker shading, cools off a room for relaxation that also comes with vibrancy. And the grey allows for a versatile and timeless excitement with subtle shades that can still give movement to a variety of outdoor spaces.
Double-woven plastic provides a very high degree of durability. And reversibility extends the vibrancy of each design. On top of that, the lightweight rug comes with a bag for extra convenient storage and transport. If you are looking for a combination of subtlety and vibrancy, this may be one of the best outdoor rugs for you.
- Plastic
- Double-woven
- Reversible
- Multiple color options
- Portable bag for storage & transport
- 8’ x 10’
- Weight: 8.01 lbs.
8. Orr Outdoor Floral Area Rug
This Orr Rug provides a unique and lovely trefoil design with understated colors that can add to a wide variety of spaces. Curved lines provide a welcoming feeling along with a mixed pile that makes the feeling of the rug a bit more energetic. The variety of straight lines and curves also ensure it does not clash with lines on tile and wood. Meanwhile, gentle blues dance with delicate red accents on a rich creme base for a dynamic energy that can go with a variety of design schemes.
Machine-woven with polypropylene, this rug is easy to maintain and versatile to put indoors and outdoors. So it can breathe life into your home through multiple seasons and multiple spaces with convenience and ease.
- Machine-woven
- Mixed pile
- Sizes: 5’ x 8’ and 8’ x 11’
9. Json Outdoor Modern Scatter Rug
Json provides a tropical feeling without drawing too much attention with this pineapple design in understated beige and creme. Without too much happening in the background, the pineapples pop out and bring those warm, beachy feelings we all know and love. The shaded color scheme also allows for incredible versatility. Without any bright colors to steal attention from elsewhere in the room, this rug can complement a huge variety of spaces and designs.
Hand-woven with recycled plastic, you can be sure this product is wholesome and will bring good feelings to your home.
- Made with recycled plastic
- Hand-woven
- Size: 4’ x 6’
10. Well Woven Siare Brown & Beige Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug
The Well Woven’s Siare rug design can elevate a room’s design with simplicity and intricacy that is hard to match. Floral patterns combine with geometric patterns for lively movement across the design that will surely spread into whatever space it occupies. And two different patterns overlaid on top of each other provide a depth that, once again, is very hard to find. A simple combination of blue and beige give it an understated charm that can complement a wide variety of designs.
- Synthetic
- Size: 5’3” x 7’3”
- Weights: 11 lbs. & 22 lbs.
- Multiple colors
11. NANTA Cotton Buffalo Plaid Check Rug
NANTA provides a black and white plaid design for a welcoming, but refined look to complement a number of different spaces. NANTA also promotes its use as a backdrop for welcome mats and other home décor, which is both exciting and functional.
Cotton provides a soft texture to contribute to the welcoming feeling from the rug. While it is slightly less convenient for uncovered outdoor spaces, it can go anywhere and add a special touch of lines and movement that come with understated plaid. On top of that, it is lightweight for easy mobility and washable for easy maintenance—simply lovely!
- Cotton
- Size: 2’3.5” x 3’7”
- Washable
- One-year warranty
Final Thoughts
Lastly, it’s important to decorate your outdoor space with either bright colors or unique designs. With this simple tip, you can truly improve your outdoor decor, you’ll start hearing the compliments right away, trust me!
I hope my list of 11 best outdoor rugs for decks and patios has helped you find what you were looking for. Thanks for stopping by my blog and don’t forget to check out some of my other “best of lists“.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.