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Your deck may have it all: a nice table, comfortable seats, perhaps even an umbrella. All it’s missing is a rug but, who wants to place something that will eventually get soaked in rain? Below we present you with several options that will endure any water you, or Mother Nature, can throw at them! Check out our reviews for the best outdoor rugs for rain below!
Not All Materials Will Do
Nowadays, it’s not hard to find rugs that can be placed somewhere outside of the house, made in materials that will not be affected by sunlight or wind. However, some of these materials can be less apt for regions where rain is common. Anything made from wood or plant-derived fiber, such as bamboo or jute, should be avoided, as it may stain or become slippery if it gets soaked. For the purposes of this review, we will be focusing on rugs made of synthetic materials, which are better at enduring heavy rains without change or risk to you and yours. Another perk of synthetic-made rugs is, they come in a wider variety of colors and patterns; thus, it is easier to find something that will complement your sitting area, which brings us to our next point.
The Right Rug For The Right Space
For best results, there are certain things to be taken into consideration when homing in on the best pick for a specific room, and here we’ll be breaking them down.
The Aesthetic
Color plays a part, to be certain: your rug of choice should be of a hue that matches the rest of the room, including walls, furniture and floor. Think also of the overall effect you’re seeking: you might choose a whimsical design or bold color to add cheer to the area, or pick a closer match to the main palette for a more serious effect.
But that’s not where it ends, aesthetically speaking, for another element to pay attention to is contrast. Here, you can use the texture of the rug, as well as its shape, to bring an entirely new element to the room; for example, a rougher texture can be a nice addition to an otherwise sleek, light-colored room.
The Physical
Size may seem like a trifle, but it doesn’t have to be: aside from being related to the dimensions of the space it will be placed in, it can change the spatial feeling of the entire room depending on where it is situated, its orientation relative to the chairs and tables, how many of them there are and their location relative to one another. You can, for example, subtly designate some subdivisions for people to gather and mingle, divide a large room so it won’t feel so expansive, and so on. Consider also the size of the furniture, especially if the rug will be placed directly underneath; otherwise, you risk it disappearing beneath a cushioned chair, for example.
Up to this point, it may all seem somewhat obvious, but here’s a thing you may not have thought of, and which is perfectly valid: layering, i.e. (you guessed it) stacking rugs on top of one another. It is, at the core, as simple as it sounds, though there are certain guidelines to be mindful on: the first one, which may sound fairly obvious, is do not stack rugs of different shapes; the second, do not place s thin material on top of a thicker one.
True, this can be potentially spendy, as you will need more than one rug for a single spot on the floor. To offset this, you might want to find older rugs sitting in your shed or personal warehouse, so you won’t have to buy all of them brand new.
For Safety
Rugs and smooth floors can be a risky combination; to prevent slipping, many manufacturers advise the use of gripper pads.
Best Outdoor Rugs That Hold Up in the Rain
Looking for a splash of color? A pattern? How about size? Below you may find just what you’ve been searching for.
Psst! We’ve got a guide dedicated to helping you clean your outdoor rugs!
Fab Habitat Reversible Rug
At 10 colors and 7 sizes total, with an 8th exclusively in round shape, it’s hard not to find something for your living space. Hand made entirely in recycled plastic, it’s also free of latex and any flame retardants. Cleaning it is fairly easy: all it takes is hosing it down or shaking it.
Buy on AmazonIn case you’re concerned about it fading, there is no need to worry: several customers in hotter climates have reported having it fully exposed to the sun for as long as a year, without the rug losing its color. It is even possible to walk on it barefoot, as it reportedly does not accumulate heat.
Pros:
- Durable, and heat-friendly.
Cons:
- Fairly light; breeze may easily move it around.
Lightweight Outdoor Reversible Plastic Nirvana Rug
It’s available in only one pattern, which may limit its usability depending on the feel you’re going for in your outdoors area; that said, there is a decent variety of hues to pick from, and you may find one suitable for your particular palette.
Buy on AmazonMade in recycled plastic, white is a fairly common theme across every hue choice, but it is also known to endure long exposure to the sun without changing coloration. It can stay on sun-heated surfaces, but some of the heat may be felt if standing on it barefoot.
Pros:
- Pattern likely to provide a modern look to any space.
Cons:
- Selection may feel somewhat monochromatic.
Ottomanson Sundance Collection Reversible Outdoor Area Rug
If you’re going for a heavier, more matte look, then this may be for you: made in polypropylene, it will be equally useful indoors and outdoors, and its 5-color offer should suit most room themes. Although it would still benefit from being weighted down or from the use of gripper pads to stay in place, this one is slightly heavier than other rugs, which makes it better suited for higher traffic areas.
Buy on AmazonIn terms of sizes it’s not a wide range, but it offers a decent amount of shapes and cover area for most locations and uses at home and outside; from runners to welcome mats.
Pros:
- Heavier look and feel.
Cons:
- Limited size selection.
SMM005 Reversible Indoor/Outdoor Plastic Rug
You might end up choosing this one if you’re looking for a more elaborate pattern, as the design featured here is not exactly a norm for this type of item. Perfectly capable to endure rain and sun, not only is it reversible, but the color varies depending on the side.
Buy on AmazonAs far as decorative value goes, this one might be better suited for more vibrant palettes; themes leanings towards sobriety are unlikely to benefit. It is of particular importance to measure the space it is intended to beforehand, as it comes in only one size.
Pros:
- Intricate design, uncommon for its category.
- Each side features a different color scheme.
Cons:
- Only one size and pattern available.
SAND MINE Reversible Mats
Here you may feel right at home if you favor darker colors, and the pattern it features should make it quite an eye-catching addition to your outdoors area. It’s available in 4 color choices, and 3 different sizes.
Buy on AmazonMade in polypropylene, the edging is treated with heat to prevent fraying, and the surface comes with anti-UV coating so it will not fade under the sun. The weave is made in such a way as to cause no damage to your floors or grass.
Pros:
- Specially treated edge and surface help it last longer.
Cons:
- Colors are reportedly less than vibrant.
Overall Pick: Fab Habitat Reversible Rugs
11 colors. 8 sizes. 2 shapes, rectangular and round (albeit the latter comes in only one color). It’s hard to find a more varied offering, and it’s not the only way in which these rugs bring value. They’re free of foreign elements such as latex and flame retardant, they are hailed for being resistant to fading, and one can even walk barefoot on them no matter how long they’ve been sitting under the sun.
They’re reversible, which means you get double the wear for the same price. And to top it all off, they’re made entirely from reclaimed materials. Colorful, resilient, Earth-friendly comfort, what’s not to like?