An outdoor rug pad keeps a rug from sliding on pavers, concrete or decking and adds a little cushion. Most rug pads on the market are made for indoor floors, so for this guide we kept only pads their makers sell for outdoor or indoor and outdoor use.
We compared those pads on material, sizing and care. Only four listings met that bar, and we would rather list a few genuine outdoor pads than pad the list. For rugs, see Best Outdoor Rugs, or browse the Outdoor Rugs category.
Our Top Picks
| Pick | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Oriental Weavers Outdoor Grip Rug Pad |
| Best Value | Slip-Stop Super Grip Outdoor Rug Pad |
| Best for Large | Style Haven All Weather Outdoor Rug Pad |
| Best for Indoor | SAFAVIEH Indoor/Outdoor Non-Slip Rug Pad |
Pros
- Sold specifically for outdoor use
- Pre-sized to sit inside the rug
- Cut to size
Cons
- Material not stated
- Thin cushion
- No rating data available to us
Oriental Weavers sells its Outdoor Grip pad for use on all outdoor surfaces to keep rugs in place. The maker says it can be cut to size, is hand washable and helps prevent scratching of floors. This listing, sold as a 5x8, measures 4 feet 8 inches by 7 feet 6 inches so it sits just inside a 5x8 rug.
The most straightforward outdoor pad.
Amazon rating: not available in our product data.
A pad that bunches up or shows at the edge can be a trip hazard. Trim it to sit inside the rug, lay it on a clean, dry surface, and check it after storms.
Pros
- Open weave allows airflow
- Made in the USA
- Many sizes
Cons
- This listing is small
- Vinyl coating; check your decking guidance
- No rating data available to us
Slip-Stop's Super Grip Outdoor pad is woven polyester scrim coated in a vinyl compound, made in the USA. Its open weave lets air pass through, and it can be trimmed to size. The maker says to place it on a clean, dry, fully cured surface, follow your flooring maker's advice, and hand wash it with mild detergent.
The breathable pad for small rugs.
Amazon rating: not available in our product data.
A pad that bunches up or shows at the edge can be a trip hazard. Trim it to sit inside the rug, lay it on a clean, dry surface, and check it after storms.
Pros
- Large size
- Sold for outdoor use
- Synthetic, will not rot
Cons
- Sparse listing detail
- Care not stated
- No rating data available to us
Style Haven sells this brown pad as an all-weather outdoor rug pad in synthetic polyester, sized 9 by 12 feet. The listing gives little else, so we cannot confirm thickness or care beyond the material and outdoor rating.
A large outdoor pad, thinly documented.
Amazon rating: not available in our product data.
A pad that bunches up or shows at the edge can be a trip hazard. Trim it to sit inside the rug, lay it on a clean, dry surface, and check it after storms.
Cons
- No rating data available to us
A needle-punched pad with a waffle backing sold for indoor and outdoor use; the maker describes its grip on hard floors.
Amazon rating: not available in our product data.
A pad that bunches up or shows at the edge can be a trip hazard. Trim it to sit inside the rug, lay it on a clean, dry surface, and check it after storms.
All Products Compared
| Product | Best For | Material | Size (maker) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oriental Weavers Outdoor Grip Rug Pad | Best Overall | Not stated | 4 ft 8 in x 7 ft 6 in |
| Slip-Stop Super Grip Outdoor Rug Pad | Best Open Weave | Vinyl-coated polyester scrim | 2 x 4 ft (larger sizes sold) |
| Style Haven All Weather Outdoor Rug Pad | Best Large | Synthetic polyester | 9 x 12 ft |
| SAFAVIEH Indoor/Outdoor Non-Slip Rug Pad | Best Indoor and Outdoor | Needle-punch fabric, waffle backing | 5 x 7 ft 6 in |
Top 3 Outdoor Rug Pads Reviewed
#1 Oriental Weavers Outdoor Grip Rug Pad: Best Overall
Why We Picked It
Oriental Weavers sells its Outdoor Grip pad for use on all outdoor surfaces to keep rugs in place. The maker says it can be cut to size, is hand washable and helps prevent scratching of floors. This listing, sold as a 5×8, measures 4 feet 8 inches by 7 feet 6 inches so it sits just inside a 5×8 rug.
Key Specifications
- Amazon rating: not available in our product data
- Size: 4 ft 8 in x 7 ft 6 in
- Thickness: 0.175 inch
- Use: all outdoor surfaces, per maker
- Care: hand wash
- Cut to size: yes
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sold specifically for outdoor use | Material not stated |
| Pre-sized to sit inside the rug | Thin cushion |
| Cut to size | No rating data available to us |
Best For
Woven outdoor rugs on pavers and concrete.
Who Should Skip It
Plastic straw rugs staked on grass, which do not need a pad.
Verdict
The most straightforward outdoor pad.
Oriental Weavers Outdoor Grip Rug Pad
#2 Slip-Stop Super Grip Outdoor Rug Pad: Best Open Weave
Why We Picked It
Slip-Stop's Super Grip Outdoor pad is woven polyester scrim coated in a vinyl compound, made in the USA. Its open weave lets air pass through, and it can be trimmed to size. The maker says to place it on a clean, dry, fully cured surface, follow your flooring maker's advice, and hand wash it with mild detergent.
Key Specifications
- Amazon rating: not available in our product data
- Size: 2 x 4 feet (other sizes sold)
- Material: vinyl-coated polyester scrim
- Made in: USA
- Care: hand wash, air-dry
- Cut to size: yes
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Open weave allows airflow | This listing is small |
| Made in the USA | Vinyl coating; check your decking guidance |
| Many sizes | No rating data available to us |
Best For
Small rugs and runners on porches.
Who Should Skip It
Decks whose maker cautions against vinyl or rubber mats.
Verdict
The breathable pad for small rugs.
Slip-Stop Super Grip Outdoor Rug Pad
#3 Style Haven All Weather Outdoor Rug Pad: Best Large
Why We Picked It
Style Haven sells this brown pad as an all-weather outdoor rug pad in synthetic polyester, sized 9 by 12 feet. The listing gives little else, so we cannot confirm thickness or care beyond the material and outdoor rating.
Key Specifications
- Amazon rating: not available in our product data
- Size: 9 x 12 feet
- Material: synthetic polyester
- Use: all weather, per maker
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large size | Sparse listing detail |
| Sold for outdoor use | Care not stated |
| Synthetic, will not rot | No rating data available to us |
Best For
Large woven rugs on patios.
Who Should Skip It
Anyone who wants full specs before buying.
Verdict
A large outdoor pad, thinly documented.
Style Haven All Weather Outdoor Rug Pad
Also on Our List
- SAFAVIEH Indoor/Outdoor Non-Slip Rug Pad (Best Indoor and Outdoor): A needle-punched pad with a waffle backing sold for indoor and outdoor use; the maker describes its grip on hard floors.
How to Choose an Outdoor Rug Pad
Outdoor or Indoor Pad
Indoor felt and rubber pads can trap water and break down outside. Choose a pad sold for outdoor use.
Sizing
Pads should sit slightly inside the rug edge so they do not show. Oriental Weavers and Slip-Stop can be trimmed to fit.
Decks
Some decking makers caution against vinyl or rubber mats. Check your decking care guide before laying a pad on a deck.
Drying
Lift the rug and pad after heavy rain so both dry.
Trips and Slips
A pad that bunches up or shows at the edge can be a trip hazard. Trim it to sit inside the rug, lay it on a clean, dry surface, and check it after storms.
How We Evaluate Outdoor Rug Pads
For this guide we compared listings on size, material, construction, backing and the maker's care instructions, and checked each listing's stated dimensions against its title. We read each maker's specifications and care notes, and looked at each listing's rating count and star spread where our product data had one. Most listings in this guide had no rating data in our product feed, so ratings did not decide the order. We did not handle or measure these products ourselves, every figure comes from the maker's listing, and we never repeat a weather or durability claim as our own.
Variants of one listing count as a single product, and we would rather list a few strong picks than pad the list. Our full process is on the How We Review page.
FAQ
Do outdoor rugs need a pad?
Rugs without backing can slide on smooth surfaces. Plastic rugs staked on grass usually do not need one.
Can I use an indoor rug pad outside?
Indoor pads are not made for rain and sun. Use one sold for outdoor use.
How big should a rug pad be?
Slightly smaller than the rug on each side so the edge stays hidden.
Final Verdict
Oriental Weavers' Outdoor Grip pad is our top pick, sold for all outdoor surfaces and pre-sized to sit inside a 5×8 rug. Slip-Stop's open-weave vinyl pad breathes and is made in the USA.
Style Haven covers large 9×12 rugs, and SAFAVIEH's needle-punched pad is sold for indoor and outdoor use.
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