The best materials for outdoor rugs for patios and balconies or terraces are polypropylene, polyester or recycled PET as these fibers are resistant to moisture, dust and sunlight. The proper type will also rely on the size of the space, the amount of sunlight received, and the frequency of cleaning. Here's a checklist of all the things you need to know before purchasing outdoor rugs, patio rugs or balcony rugs in the UAE.

Quick Answer Table

1. Why is it important to have an outdoor rug on your patio or balcony?

An outdoor rug is more than just a way to add colour to your patio or balcony. It aids to designate the seating area, making the space feel organized and not vacant. Comfortable to walk on, particularly on tile or concrete. It also adds to the overall style of your outdoor space, rather than the furniture, like the chairs and tables, appearing disheveled.

• Define seating areas

• Add comfort and warmth

• Create more aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces

• Connect furniture visually

2. What is an Outdoor Rug?

An outdoor rug is a rug that is used outside of the house, on balconies, patios, terraces and gardens. It is constructed differently than an indoor rug, to withstand the outdoor environment.

Outdoor vs indoor construction

Outdoor rugs are typically woven with a material and process that is resistant to moisture and the sun when compared with those indoors.

Exposure to sunlight and moisture

Outdoor rugs are designed to withstand the sun and may also be exposed to water occasionally for a period of time or even frequently.

Cleaning and maintenance

Rugs in the outdoors tend to be easier to clean than rugs in the house because they get dust, sand and spills more frequently.

3. What Is the Difference Between an Indoor Rug and an Outdoor Rug?

4. Which Material is Best For Outdoor Rugs?

No single best material can be used in each application. It will depend on the amount of sunlight and rainfall on your patio or balcony, as well as how often you clean it.

• Polypropylene – One of the most popular outdoor rug materials, which is resistant to water and UV rays.

• Polyester – Soft and durable, and suitable for use outdoors.

• Recycled PET – A useful and environmental product for the outdoors made from recycled plastic.

• Jute – Is better suited to areas that are covered and indoor.

• Cotton – Comfortable, but not suitable for open burning outdoors.

• Wool – Soft, durable, but works best indoors.

• Synthetic Blends – For strength and comfort in the outdoors

• Flatwoven Materials – That are designed to be flat and dry quickly and easily, making them easy to clean.
  

5. What is the Best Material For Outdoor Rugs For the UAE Climate?

The UAE weather demands special requirements of an outdoor rug: high heat, sun, dust, sand and the occasional heavy rain. Polypropylene, polyester or recycled PET are the fibres that tend to do better with these conditions in outdoor rugs than natural fibres such as jute or wool.

• Dubai Heat – Should not become soft or broken up under high temperatures

• High Sun Exposure – Colour and fibre should not fade easily or lose strength when exposed to the sun for prolonged periods of time.

• Dust and sand –Flat and easy to shake constructions collect less dust, therefore dust and sand!

• Humidity –Materials Should Not Hold Water

• Rain –Rugs should have water permeable or dry rapidly in the event of rain.

• Balcony vs. Terrace – When choosing materials, covered balconies offer more options than uncovered terraces.

6. Are Outdoor Rugs Waterproof or Water Resistant?

Waterproof is not a feature of all outdoor rugs. Others are water resistant and can withstand splashes and minimal rain or water, but should not be left in water. You should always read the product description to know a rug is 100% waterproof.

Note the difference between waterproof and water resistant: waterproof rugs will not allow water to penetrate them at all, whereas water resistant rugs will only stop the water in a little way.

• Rain/wet Water and Spills – They are generally both able to manage some rain or spills as long as they are dried afterwards

• Drainage – Water should be able to run down through it under the rug

• Drying – Rugs need to be carefully removed and dried when they are wet.

• Mold and Mildew – Excessive moisture underneath a rug will cause mould in the long term.

7. Is It Possible to Place an Outdoor Rug on a Balcony?

Yes. Balconies are a great place to use outdoor rugs as long as you choose the right size and type to fit the space, depending on how much exposure it receives.

• Opens Balcony – Use a rain resistant, full sun rug

• Covered balcony – A covered balcony is more flexible when it comes to the material and design.

• Glass-enclosed balcony – Colours will fade through sunlight and glass, but will be less exposed to rain in a glass-enclosed balcony.

• Direct sunlight – Avoid materials that may be damaged by direct sunlight exposure, check for UV resistance.

• Exposure to Rain – Ensure that the rug can dry if it gets wet.

8. How Big of an Outdoor Rug Can I Get for a Balcony?

The size of the balcony rug will vary according to the shape of the balcony and what activities you wish to carry out on the balcony.

• Small Balcony – A small rug with a small walking space

• Narrow Balcony – Choose a runner rather than a square or round rug as it will fit better

• A Long Balcony – A longer rug or a runner along the primary walking path.

• Furniture Placement – Don't place the rug isolated on its own, but under or near your seating area

• Door Clearance – Make sure that the rug does not prevent the doors from opening easily

9. What Size Outdoor Rug Do You Need for a Patio?

The size of an outdoor patio and the number of seating or dining areas are the factors that determine patio rug sizes.

• Small Patio – One small rug will typically work here.

• Medium Patio – A rug built to the primary seating area is the greatest option

• Large Patio – May require a larger rug or multiple rugs according to layout

• Seating Zones – If there are multiple zones in the patio, each seating area can have its own rug.

10. Do All Patio Furniture Legs Need to be on the Outside Rug?

This will vary based on the rug size and the furniture design.

• All Legs – Suitable for a large rug that will accommodate the entire seating arrangement

• Front Legs – When the rug is smaller than the entire furniture scheme, a popular choice is front legs. Front legs are another popular choice when the rug is smaller than the full furniture scheme.

• Coffee Table Only Layout – in some cases, there is just a coffee table on the rug and sofa and chairs around it

11. Where to put a rug under an outdoor dining table?

The rug needs to cover the table and overhang the sides for a dining area.

• Chair Clearance – No chairs to be pulled out of the rug

• Table Size – Measure the table and leave additional space around it for the rug

• Rug Orientation – Match the shape of the rug with the shape of the table and direction of the dining area.

12. What's the Best Outdoor Rug Shape for Your Patio or Balcony?

• Rectangle – Is suitable for most patios and dining spaces

• Round – Fits round seating arrangements

• Round – Softens a space and is used with round tables.

• Oval – A more relaxed option to the rectangular design.

• Runner – Suitable for a narrow balcony or walkway

• Irregular – For odd or unusual outdoor areas

13. What is the Best Colour for an Outdoor Rug for a Balcony or Patio?

There is no one right colour, but some will be more useful outdoors as they will conceal dust and everyday marks better.

• Beige – Is a good colour choice to conceal dust

• Grey – Practical, easy to coordinate with furniture and is a great choice for a neutral color.

• Brown – Conceals dirt and blends in with the natural environment

• Blue – Colourful with a good level of usability

• Green – Pairs nicely with plants and greenery

• Bold – But can be more noticeable in black/white due to design

• Multi-colour – Good for hiding stains and everyday wear

14. What Outdoor Rug Pattern is Best?

• Geometric – Modern and versatile

• Striped – Suitable for narrow balconies and runners

• Floral – Is used to soften outdoor seating areas.

• Abstract – Which is ideal for modern outdoor furniture.

• Moroccan Style – decorative, traditional

• Traditional – Classic design for patios and terraces

• Solid – Simple and easy to match with furniture

• Vintage – Helps to create a lived in, stylish outdoor space.

15. Do Low Pile Outdoor Rugs Outlast High Pile Rugs?

• Cleaning – Low pile rugs are easier to sweep, vacuum and rinse.

• Dust –Less dust and dust sand stuck in the fibres means less dust.

• Foot Traffic – Low pile rugs will stand up better with regular use.

• Practical – Dries quickly after rain, flat construction.

16. How to Pick an Outdoor Rug for a Little Balcony?

• Measure Floor – Note the full usable floor space

• Measure Furniture – Measure the size of chairs, tables or loungers

• Rug Clearance – Ensure that a rug does not obstruct any doors

• Choose orientation – Select the shape and direction of the rug according to the layout of the balcony

17. What Kind of Outdoor Rugs Should be Used for a Large Patio?

• One Large Rug – will work if you wish for one seamless rug throughout the room

• Two Rugs – When there are two distinct areas, such as dining and lounging

• Multiple Zones – Rugs can be used in each seating or activity area.

• Walkway Runner – A runner can be added along a path between zones

18. How to Place an Outdoor Rug on Concrete?

Yes. One of the more common surfaces that outdoor rugs can be used on is concrete.

• Cleaning – Concrete can be easily cleaned under and around the rug

• Drying – Raise the rug up and down to allow the rug and the concrete to dry

• Drainage – Ensure that water does not accumulate under the vehicle

• Under Wet Rug – Do not leave under a wet rug for long periods of time under concrete

19. Will an Outdoor Rug Fit on Tiles?

Yes, provided some practical considerations are taken into account.

• Smooth Tiles – Ensure that the rug is not sliding or rolling, if it is, place it flat on the tile.

• Textured Tiles – Make sure the rug is flat and not raised at the corners

• Dried Tiles – Tiles that are wet under a rug can be slippery, so dry them up!

• Slip Concerns – If necessary, use an anti-slip solution that is suitable for outdoor use

• Door Clearance – Check if doors are still able to open and close easily

20. What is the Best Artificial Grass for a Rug?

Yes, it depends on the rug and what it will be used for.

• Benefits – Provides a marked seating space in addition to artificial grass

• Drawbacks – Can be a problem with moisture that is trapped between the rug and the grass.

• Drainage – Ensure water will get away from below

• Cleaning – Pick up the rug frequently and clean the rug and grass underneath.

21. Do you want to place an outdoor rug on a wooden deck?

Yes, but there must be a problem with airflow and moisture.

• Airflow – Water must be able to get out from under the rug.

• Moisture – Water that is trapped can have an impact on the rug and deck.

• Drainage – Do not cover areas where water collects with rugs

• Cleaning – Regularly clean rug and deck underneath with cleaning solution

22. How to Keep an Outdoor Rug from Moving?

• Proper Sizing – A well sized rug will be less apt to move

• Furniture – Furniture legs on the rug will help keep it in place.

• Outdoor Suitable Anti-Slip Solutions – Use grips or pads designed for outdoor conditions

23. How to clean an outdoor rug?

• Shake – First off loose dust and debris

• Vacuum – Pass over surface to remove smaller dirt

• Spot Clean – Wipe up and treat spills and stains as they occur

• Rinse as Needed – Some outdoor rugs may be rinsed with water as needed

• Let Dry Completely – Always allow the rug to dry thoroughly before re-hanging or storing it.

24. How Often Should You Clean an Outdoor Rug?

• Light Use – Occasional shaking and vacuuming is sufficient

• Heavy Use - Clean more frequently – the rug will look fresh.

• Dusty Areas – Rugs in dusty or sandy areas need more frequent attention

• After Rain – Inspect and dry the rug after it rains.

• Spills – Clean spills as soon as they happen to avoid stains

25. What to do if the outdoor rug gets wet in the rain?

• Allow Air to Circulate Around the Rug – Prop it up to allow air to circulate around it

• Lift From Wet Floor – Remove from wet floor

• Rinse Off Both Sides – Turn it so that both sides are exposed to dry air

• Only Store When Dry – Never fold or store a rug when damp.

26. How to stop mold and bad odours in an outdoor rug?

• Prevent moisture from accumulating in pockets – don't leave a damp rug on a damp floor for extended periods of time

• Allow Air to Circulate – Let the rug dry after rain, etc.

• Clean Floor – Keep the floor under clean as well

• Dry Thoroughly – Ensure that the rug is dry before use or storage again

27. How Long Does an Outdoor Rug Last?

The number of years is not a definite rule for all outdoor rugs. It depends on a number of factors:

• Materials – Certain materials are more resistant than others to sun and moisture.

• Construction – Tighter weaves tend to wear longer outside.

• Sun - Direct sunlight accelerates wear

• Rain or Humidity – Affected by regular exposure to rain or humidity

• Traffic – Rugs used in areas with heavy foot traffic will wear down more quickly.

• Cleaning – Regular care extends the life of the rug

• Storage – Keeping the rug in harsh weather conditions properly will help it to last longer.

28. Is It OK to Leave an Outdoor Rug Outside All Year?

• Covered Balcony – Rugs can typically be left outside for longer in covered spaces

• Open Terrace – A rug will deteriorate quicker if it is constantly exposed to the sun and rain

• Heavy Rain – If there is a prolonged period of rain, more frequent drying and checking is required.

This is because of extreme heat – long periods of heat can impact colour and fibres over time.

29. What is the Best Way to Store an Outdoor Rug?

Before storing, clean (remove dirt and dust)

• Dry – Ensure that the rug is completely dry

• Roll – Typically less damaging to the rug than folding

• Store in a Dry Place – Keep away from moisture.

Do not store dirty – dirt and moisture can give off odours or grow mould while in storage

30. How Much Do Outdoor Rugs Cost in the UAE?

Outdoor rug prices in the UAE vary by size, material and design.

These are indicative ranges only. Check the current outdoor rug prices in the UAE for up-to-date figures against the Ramsha Home catalogue.

31. Which Outdoor Rug Is Best for Your Space?

32. Have You Checked These Things Before Buying an Outdoor Rug?

• Measure space

• Measure furniture

• Check sunlight

• Check moisture

• Check drainage

• Check cleaning

• Check care instructions

Material Comparison Table

Outdoor Rug Size Guide

Note: These are starting points. Furniture layout, door clearance and usable floor area should decide the final size. For more detail, see our full rug size guide.

A Simple Design Rule to Remember

Form follows function" - Louis Sullivan

When it comes to outdoor rugs, it is important to select the rug for the space you want to use it in first, then select the look and colour.

Outdoor Rug Buying Checklist

☐ Have you measured the balcony or patio? 

☐ Have you measured the furniture? ☐ Does the rug leave enough door clearance? 

☐ Will it receive direct sunlight? ☐ Will it get wet? ☐ Can water drain underneath it? ☐ Is it easy to clean? 

☐ Is the construction suitable for outdoor use? 

☐ Is the colour practical for the location? 

☐ Is it large enough for the furniture? 

☐ Can you store it during heavy weather? 

☐ Have you checked the product care instructions?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best material for an outdoor rug? 

This will depend on the type of sunlight, moisture, cleanliness requirements, and usage of the space. Synthetic materials that can be used outdoors are often useful as they may be more practical to clean and be more suitable for outdoor use.

Is it OK to put outdoor rugs outside during the rainy season? 

There are some outdoor rugs that are capable of withstanding rain, but they still require drainage and airflow. Let wet rugs dry thoroughly and follow manufacturer's guidelines for care.

Is it possible to waterproof outdoor rugs? 

Not all outdoor rugs are waterproof. Others are waterproof or weatherproof. Always refer to product specifications.

Is it possible to put a rug outside on the balcony? 

Yes. Select the size and material based on the amount of sunlight, rain, dust, and foot traffic, as well as the balcony design.

Which is the Best Rug for a Small Balcony? 

A small, low rug or runner is typically the best choice. Take measurements of usable floor space and inspect door and furniture clearance.

How to Choose the Right Size Rug for Your Patio? 

The size will vary according to the furniture layout and available floor space. The rug should tie in with the furniture without causing clearance issues.

Should a Patio Rug come under the Furniture? 

To sit: Put at least the front legs of chairs and sofas on rug to form a connected seating.

Is an Outdoor Dining Rug Larger than the Table? 

Yes, It should extend out further than the table so that chairs will not drag on the rug if pulled out.

Is it possible to lay an outdoor rug on concrete? 

Yes, wipe down the concrete and ensure that it is dry and water will not collect under it.

Is It OK to Place an Outdoor Rug on Tiles? 

Yes. Ensure that the rug is flat and will not cause a slipping or door clearance problem.

Can You Put an Outdoor Rug on Artificial Grass? 

Yes, if the rug is used and the type. Take into account the drainage, cleaning and if the rug will be used for a long time.

Is it possible to put an outdoor rug on a wooden deck? 

Yes, as long as water is able to flow out and the rug isn't blocking water from getting trapped against the deck.

Will Outdoor Rugs Get Wet? 

Yes, if they're made that way. After getting wet, they should be dried thoroughly.

How to remove dirt from an outdoor rug? 

Vacuum or shake off loose dirt, treat stains as per care instructions, rinse if necessary and dry thoroughly.

How to prevent an outdoor rug from being blown away? 

Fit the right size, position furniture correctly and apply an outdoor approved anti-slip matting when necessary.

Will Outdoor Rugs Fade in the Sun? 

They can. To avoid fading due to long exposure to sunlight, select a product that is meant for outdoor use and move it around as needed.

Is it possible to put an indoor rug outside? 

In general, it is best to use a rug that is intended for outside use since indoor rugs might not be meant for extended sun, moisture and dirt.

How often do you clean an outdoor rug? 

Clean it based on dust, dirt and foot traffic. Areas that are busy or dusty typically need to be cleaned more often.

How to stop mold under an outside rug? 

Minimize moisture, ventilate, and clean and dry rugs.

How long will an outdoor rug last? 

No universal life span. Durability is influenced by material, construction, sunlight, moisture, traffic, cleaning and storage.

Is it a good idea to use outdoor rugs in Dubai? 

They can be, as long as the rug is compatible with the amount of exposure in the area. Material, construction and maintenance are important, due to strong sunlight, heat and dust.

Can you use jute rugs outdoors? 

Jute is typically more suitable for interior or sheltered spaces due to potential maintenance challenges from prolonged exposure to moisture. Please note: Please note the suitability of specific products before use outdoors.

What Colour is the Best for an Outdoor Rug? 

There is no one right colour. Grey, brown, beige and multi-coloured designs can work well as they may not show up as much as normal dust and marks.

Should you buy an outdoor rug? 

They can be valuable when an outdoor area is used frequently. The right rug can enhance comfort and aesthetics and delineate a seating or dining zone.

Shop Outdoor Rugs from Ramsha Home

If you're looking to purchase an outdoor rug for your patio, balcony or terrace, explore the outdoor rugs section at Ramsha Home. If you have more choices to choose from in style and colour, you can also browse through digital printed durries, woven rugs, indoor rugs, large rugs and blue rugs.

Not sure what size to order? To ensure you purchase the right rug size, measure your space with our rug size guide. These are some other guides you might want to check out: Best rugs for Dubai homes and Types of rugs and rug materials.