Finishing touches make a big difference in any outdoor space, and adding a rug is often the purchase that stops consumers in their tracks. Yes, the right rug can pull the whole vibe together, but outdoor spaces aren’t all the same. Some are fully covered patios, others are open to the weather. And of course, the surfaces underneath vary too.
Choosing outdoor decor that looks good and holds up depends on where and how it will be used. We've had our own experience with rugs for our deck, but it's taught us a lot about what you need to know before you buy an outdoor carpet.
1. Start By Considering the Floor of Your Space
The surface under your rug matters more than you might think. On a smooth backyard patio or stone surface, most rugs will sit flat and stay put. But on a wooden deck, especially one with gaps or texture, you may want a heavier rug that doesn’t shift or curl at the edges.
If your outdoor patio rug will be on a concrete slab or pavers, you can go with nearly any material, though it’s still smart to look for something that resists slipping or use a rug pad. On wood, stay away from backing materials that trap moisture; that can lead to rot or discoloration over time.
2. Think About Weather Exposure
Outdoor rugs handle more abuse than indoor ones. If your outdoor living space is covered, you'll have more choices. But if your rug will be out in the open, it needs to handle rain, sun, and maybe even heavy foot traffic. That’s where recycled PET rugs shine, so we tapped Patricia Carreras-Ben-Zvi, CEO & President of NuStory to tell us more.
“At NuStory, we use PET in several of our rugs because it's a performance fiber that’s as beautiful as it is durable,” she shared. “Originally made from recycled plastic, PET is stain-resistant, fade-resistant, and quick-drying—making it an excellent choice for outdoor spaces, high-traffic areas, and even homes with pets or kids.”
PET stands for polyethylene terephthalate. It’s a plastic often used for water bottles and other containers... so instead of ending up in the ocean or a landfill, these recycled plastic bottles are turned into rugs. As far as environmental initiative are concerned, this is one that's easy to adopt.
“PET rugs are designed to withstand moisture and resist mildew, thanks to the synthetic nature of the fiber,” Carreras-Ben-Zvi explains. “They can be exposed to direct rain, but just like a water resistant jacket, they are not completely waterproof. If you are expecting a heavy downpour, we recommend pulling your rug inside or to a covered outdoor area. If your PET rug does get exposed to water, it will dry quickly compared to natural fibers.”
3. Pick the Right Size and Shape
Before you buy new outdoor pieces, measure your space and refer to size guides. A rug center piece that’s too small can look like an afterthought. One that’s too large might be hard to clean or shift around.
For outdoor dining areas, pick a rug that’s large enough for chairs to stay on the rug when pulled out (that way, your guests aren't constantly snagging chair legs on the edge of the rug). For a seating area, it’s usually best if at least the front legs of your outdoor furniture sit on the rug.
Round, rectangular, or runner, choose the shape that works with your layout, not just your personal preference for indoors.
4. Look for Features That Make Life Easier
Outdoor rugs should look good, but they also need to work hard:
- Fade resistance. Inevitably, there will be spots that get direct sun. UV-resistant fibers are a must.
- Quick-drying materials. If there’s no cover overhead in your outdoor oasis.
- Stain resistance. From water stains to food stains, choose a material that'll clean up easily with a scrub brush.
- Low-pile or flatweave construction. Yes, it'll still be comfortable underfoot.
- Ease of cleaning. PET rugs are great for this, explains Carreras-Ben-Zvi. “Because PET is a performance fiber made from recycled plastic, it naturally resists stains, moisture, and mildew. That means spills and dirt don’t sink in the way they would with more porous materials. For everyday messes, a quick shake, vacuum, or spot clean with mild soap and water usually does the trick.”
5. Choose Something That Feels Good Too
Style and comfort matter just as much as durability. PET rugs have a soft feel underfoot, unlike some older plastic-based rugs that felt stiff or scratchy and had loose fibers. And they come in a wide array of colors and patterns, so it’s easy to find one that fits your taste in patio furniture.
There’s also a story behind many of these rugs that you can feel good about. “Each NuStory rug combines the highest social + environmental standards with premium, responsibly sourced materials, handcrafted by artisan communities around the world,” noted Carreras-Ben-Zvi.
NuStory carries certifications like SA 8000, Fair Trade, GoodWeave, Woolmark, and the Responsible Wool Standard. “Sustainability has been an integral part of NuStory’s identity since the beginning,” she adds. “From powering our operations with renewable solar energy to using recycled or sustainably sourced fibers, our craftsman-to-customer story is one to feel good about.”
So, when you’re choosing a rug that matches your design preferences, remember that you’re not just picking something that looks good. Make an eco-friendly choice with sustainable materials that work hard and last long.
