An outdoor runner covers a narrow path: along a porch, beside an outdoor kitchen or down a walkway between doors. Because people walk on it constantly, a runner needs to lie flat and stay put more than a large area rug does.
We compared runners sold for indoor and outdoor use on length, backing, material and care. For area rugs, see Best Outdoor Rugs, or browse the Outdoor Rugs category.
Our Top Picks
| Pick | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | SAFAVIEH Courtyard 2'3" x 8' Runner |
| Best for Flat Weave | Gertmenian Classic Flatweave 2×6 Runner |
| Best for Non-Slip | koloko 2×8 Outdoor Runner Rug |
| Best for Bordered | nuLOOM Asha 2×8 Indoor Outdoor Runner |
| Best Value | JONATHAN Y Dover 2×8 Runner |
| Also Considered | Runner Rug 2 ft x 8 ft Indoor/Outdoor Low Profile |
Pros
- Classic woven look
- Slightly wider than 2-foot runners
- Indoor and outdoor
Cons
- No backing; add a pad on smooth floors
- Maker suggests storing it when not in use
- No rating data available to us
SAFAVIEH's Courtyard runner is machine-woven from synthetic fibers that the maker says resist stains, weather and UV, with a non-shedding quarter-inch pile in natural and black. SAFAVIEH recommends vacuuming and rinsing with soapy water and a garden hose, and storing it away when not in use outdoors.
The most balanced runner here.
Amazon rating: not available in our product data.
A runner that curls or slides on a walkway is a trip hazard. Keep the edges flat, use a backing or pad on smooth floors, and dry the runner and the floor under it after rain. Bring light runners in before storms.
Pros
- Quick-drying olefin
- Thin flat weave
- Listed for deck and poolside
Cons
- Shorter than 8-foot runners
- No backing
- No rating data available to us
Gertmenian's runner is woven on Belgian looms from 100% tri-color polypropylene (olefin) yarns that the maker says are quick-drying and UV-treated. It has a 0.2-inch pile and a simple black and tan border, and Gertmenian says to wash it off with a garden hose and lay it flat to dry.
The fast-drying, thin runner.
Amazon rating: not available in our product data.
A runner that curls or slides on a walkway is a trip hazard. Keep the edges flat, use a backing or pad on smooth floors, and dry the runner and the floor under it after rain. Bring light runners in before storms.
Pros
- Grippy backing
- Custom lengths available
- Machine washable
Cons
- Polyester, not polypropylene
- Backing can hold moisture on decks
- No rating data available to us
koloko's runner is high-density polyester with a 0.25-inch pile and a TPR rubber backing that grips the floor. koloko sells it in custom lengths and says it can be swept, vacuumed or machine washed cold with mild detergent.
The runner that stays put.
Amazon rating: not available in our product data.
A runner that curls or slides on a walkway is a trip hazard. Keep the edges flat, use a backing or pad on smooth floors, and dry the runner and the floor under it after rain. Bring light runners in before storms.
Cons
- No rating data available to us
A power-loomed runner of 90% polypropylene and 10% polyester, made in India, in light brown with a border.
Amazon rating: not available in our product data.
A runner that curls or slides on a walkway is a trip hazard. Keep the edges flat, use a backing or pad on smooth floors, and dry the runner and the floor under it after rain. Bring light runners in before storms.
Cons
- No rating data available to us
A beige and cream polypropylene runner with a 0.23-inch pile; the maker recommends a rug pad.
Amazon rating: not available in our product data.
A runner that curls or slides on a walkway is a trip hazard. Keep the edges flat, use a backing or pad on smooth floors, and dry the runner and the floor under it after rain. Bring light runners in before storms.
Cons
- No rating data available to us
A gray striped polyester runner with rubber backing; the maker says not to machine wash it.
Amazon rating: not available in our product data.
A runner that curls or slides on a walkway is a trip hazard. Keep the edges flat, use a backing or pad on smooth floors, and dry the runner and the floor under it after rain. Bring light runners in before storms.
All Products Compared
| Product | Best For | Size (maker) | Backing |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAFAVIEH Courtyard 2'3" x 8' Runner | Best Overall | 2 ft 3 in x 8 ft | None listed |
| Gertmenian Classic Flatweave 2×6 Runner | Best Flat Weave | 2 ft 2 in x 6 ft | None listed |
| koloko 2×8 Outdoor Runner Rug | Best Non-Slip | 2 x 8 ft | TPR rubber |
| nuLOOM Asha 2×8 Indoor Outdoor Runner | Best Bordered | 2 x 8 ft | None listed |
| JONATHAN Y Dover 2×8 Runner | Best Neutral | 2 ft x 7 ft 10 in | None, pad recommended |
| ZGR 2×8 Indoor Outdoor Runner | Best Custom Length | 2 x 8 ft | Rubber |
Top 3 Outdoor Runner Rugs Reviewed
#1 SAFAVIEH Courtyard 2'3" x 8' Runner: Best Overall
Why We Picked It
SAFAVIEH's Courtyard runner is machine-woven from synthetic fibers that the maker says resist stains, weather and UV, with a non-shedding quarter-inch pile in natural and black. SAFAVIEH recommends vacuuming and rinsing with soapy water and a garden hose, and storing it away when not in use outdoors.
Key Specifications
- Amazon rating: not available in our product data
- Size: 2 ft 3 in x 8 ft
- Pile: 0.25 inch
- Material: synthetic fibers
- Care: vacuum, soapy water and hose
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Classic woven look | No backing; add a pad on smooth floors |
| Slightly wider than 2-foot runners | Maker suggests storing it when not in use |
| Indoor and outdoor | No rating data available to us |
Best For
Covered porches and outdoor kitchens.
Who Should Skip It
Anyone who wants a runner to leave out all year.
Verdict
The most balanced runner here.
SAFAVIEH Courtyard 2'3" x 8' Runner
#2 Gertmenian Classic Flatweave 2×6 Runner: Best Flat Weave
Why We Picked It
Gertmenian's runner is woven on Belgian looms from 100% tri-color polypropylene (olefin) yarns that the maker says are quick-drying and UV-treated. It has a 0.2-inch pile and a simple black and tan border, and Gertmenian says to wash it off with a garden hose and lay it flat to dry.
Key Specifications
- Amazon rating: not available in our product data
- Size: 2 ft 2 in x 6 ft
- Pile: 0.2 inch
- Material: 100% polypropylene (olefin)
- Care: hose off, dry flat
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quick-drying olefin | Shorter than 8-foot runners |
| Thin flat weave | No backing |
| Listed for deck and poolside | No rating data available to us |
Best For
Damp spots like poolside paths, where quick drying matters.
Who Should Skip It
Long hallways or porches that need 8 feet or more.
Verdict
The fast-drying, thin runner.
Gertmenian Classic Flatweave 2×6 Runner
#3 koloko 2×8 Outdoor Runner Rug: Best Non-Slip
Why We Picked It
koloko's runner is high-density polyester with a 0.25-inch pile and a TPR rubber backing that grips the floor. koloko sells it in custom lengths and says it can be swept, vacuumed or machine washed cold with mild detergent.
Key Specifications
- Amazon rating: not available in our product data
- Size: 2 x 8 feet
- Pile: 0.25 inch
- Material: polyester
- Backing: TPR rubber
- Care: machine wash cold
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Grippy backing | Polyester, not polypropylene |
| Custom lengths available | Backing can hold moisture on decks |
| Machine washable | No rating data available to us |
Best For
Smooth porch floors and entries where runners slide.
Who Should Skip It
Decks where your decking maker cautions against rubber-backed mats.
Verdict
The runner that stays put.
Also on Our List
- nuLOOM Asha 2×8 Indoor Outdoor Runner (Best Bordered): A power-loomed runner of 90% polypropylene and 10% polyester, made in India, in light brown with a border.
- JONATHAN Y Dover 2×8 Runner (Best Neutral): A beige and cream polypropylene runner with a 0.23-inch pile; the maker recommends a rug pad.
- ZGR 2×8 Indoor Outdoor Runner (Best Custom Length): A gray striped polyester runner with rubber backing; the maker says not to machine wash it.
How to Choose an Outdoor Runner Rug
Length and Width
Measure the path and leave a few inches of floor showing on each side. Most runners are about 2 feet wide; SAFAVIEH and Gertmenian are slightly wider.
Backing
koloko and ZGR have rubber backings that grip. SAFAVIEH, Gertmenian, nuLOOM and JONATHAN Y have none, so add an outdoor rug pad on smooth floors.
Material
Polypropylene dries fast and resists fading. Polyester runners are often softer and machine washable but can hold more water.
Care
Follow the label: some runners are hosed off, some machine washed, and rubber-backed ZGR should not go in the machine.
Trips and Slips
A runner that curls or slides on a walkway is a trip hazard. Keep the edges flat, use a backing or pad on smooth floors, and dry the runner and the floor under it after rain. Bring light runners in before storms.
How We Evaluate Outdoor Runner Rugs
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
How long should an outdoor runner be?
Long enough to cover the walking path with a little floor showing at each end. Measure first, since lengths vary.
Can a runner go on steps?
Runners are made for flat floors. Do not lay one loose over stairs.
Do rubber-backed runners damage decks?
Some decking makers caution against rubber-backed mats. Check your decking care guide before using one.
Final Verdict
SAFAVIEH's Courtyard runner is our top pick for covered porches and outdoor kitchens. Gertmenian's olefin flat weave dries fastest, and koloko's rubber backing keeps it in place.
nuLOOM and JONATHAN Y offer bordered and neutral woven looks, and ZGR comes in custom lengths.
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