Outdoor Rug Size Guide: Patio & Deck Sizing

Size an outdoor rug to the furniture, not to the patio. Under a seating group, the rug should be big enough for at least the front legs of every piece to sit on it. Under a dining set, it should reach at least 24 inches past the table on every side, so chairs stay on the rug when they are pulled out. For most patios that means a 5' x 8', 8' x 10' or 9' x 12' rug.

Here is how to pick the right one.

Size the rug to the furniture group

Start by measuring the footprint of the furniture that will sit on the rug, not the whole deck. The rug defines an outdoor "room," so it should hold the group together.

Outdoor setup	Typical furniture footprint	Rug size to try
Bistro set or two chairs and a side table	about 4 to 5 ft across	5' x 8' (or 4' x 6')
Loveseat, two chairs and a coffee table	about 7 x 8 ft	8' x 10'
Sofa or sectional with chairs	about 9 x 10 ft	9' x 12'
48-inch round dining table, four chairs	48 in. + 24 in. each side = 96 in.	8' x 10'
72 x 40-inch dining table, six chairs	120 x 88 in. with chair room	9' x 12'

• Front legs on, at minimum. In a conversation area, every piece should have at least its front legs on the rug. A rug that floats in the middle with the furniture around it makes the group look scattered.
• All legs on, if you can. On a larger deck, a rug that fits all four legs of every piece reads as the most finished option.

Dining sets: the 24-inch rule

Outdoor chairs get pushed back more than indoor ones. Add at least 24 inches to the table's length and width on each side, so a chair pulled out still sits fully on the rug. A chair leg catching the rug's edge is a tripping hazard, and on a raised deck it can also tip the chair.

Leave some patio showing

A rug that runs wall to wall on a patio looks like outdoor carpet. Leave roughly 12 to 18 inches of deck or stone visible around it where you can. Keep the edge off steps and away from the main walking path to the door, where an edge is easiest to trip on.

For how the seating and dining zones fit together on a larger space, see patio layout for entertaining. On a small balcony, a 3' x 5' or 4' x 6' rug under a bistro set is usually enough — see small balcony styling.

What outdoor rugs are made of

Most outdoor rugs are woven from synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, which shed water, dry quickly and resist fading in the sun. Natural fibers such as jute and sisal hold moisture, so they belong on a covered porch rather than an open deck. "Indoor-outdoor" rugs are built to cope with both, which also makes them a practical choice for mudrooms, kitchens and entryways.

Placement, wind and care

• Covered or open. Any outdoor rug lasts longer under a roof or awning, out of constant sun and standing water.
• Keep it from lifting. The weight of furniture legs holds most rugs down; in windy spots, a rug pad rated for outdoor use or rug anchors keep the corners flat.
• Let the ground breathe. Lift the rug every few weeks so the decking or stone underneath can dry, especially after rain.
• Clean simply. Shake or sweep it, then hose it down with mild soap. Dry both sides fully before you roll it up.
• Store it for winter. In cold or wet climates, clean it, let it dry completely and store it rolled, not folded, until spring.

The indoor rules of thumb still apply to shape and proportion — our rug size guide walks through them room by room.

Shop this guide

• 5' X 8' Navy Blue And Gray Medallion Indoor Outdoor Area Rug
• 8' X 10' Teal Blue And Gray Medallion Indoor Outdoor Area Rug
• 9' X 12' Light Gray And Black Geometric Indoor Outdoor Area Rug

The short version

Size the rug to the furniture: front legs on at minimum, and 24 inches past a dining table on every side. For most patios that is a 5' x 8', 8' x 10' or 9' x 12'. Leave some deck showing, keep edges off steps and walkways, lift the rug now and then to let the ground dry, and store it clean and dry for winter.

Ready to measure your patio? Shop Outdoor Rugs and size it to the furniture first.