Is Costco's Cheapest Outdoor Rug Worth Its Budget-Friendly Price Tag?

We all know that outdoor rugs are one of the easiest ways to perk up a patio. But finding one that's affordable, durable, and stylish at the same time? That's the real challenge. Cue Costco's Nourison Veranda Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug, Bismarchia. Starting at just $34.99, it's the kind of deal that makes you pause — especially when similar options at Costco typically retail for $80 or more. Naturally, we took a closer look to find out if it's worth its budget-friendly price tag. The answer is complicated. On one hand, reviews say that it delivers big on quality and style. On the other, it doesn't really live up to the "outdoor-friendly" label when exposed to the elements. 

Here's a quick rundown. There are three sizes to choose from, including a narrow 2-feet-1-inch by 6-feet runner, a medium option at 5-feet-3-inches by 7-feet-3-inches, and a large 6-feet by 9-feet version. They're each made from polypropylene, which according to Cotsco's description, can handle everything from stains to paws to a whole lot of foot traffic. Design-wise, the rug sports a leafy fern pattern in a gray and cream color palette, best described as stylish without being too loud.

To the delight of many, the price isn't its only attractive feature. The Nourison rug is surprisingly soft underfoot, too. You'd think that, being machine-made with synthetic fibers, it would feel plasticky. But nope. "This outdoor rug looks substantial, more like fabric and not like plastic," one satisfied customer reported. Another one wrote, "We used this rug under some outdoor furniture. [It] softens the space and is comfortable to the touch." All this is to say: the quality doesn't disappoint for the price.

Moving on to versatility, this rug complements just about any style. We're seeing it paired with both classic rattan pieces and modern aluminum sets — plus, it could also serve as a grounding backdrop for colorful furnishings. We especially like that the high-low woven pile gives it a much more elevated feel than your average budget rug (you know — those flat and shiny plastic designs that make patios look outdated).

Many reviewers also appreciate how easy the fabric is to clean. One notes that you could "blow it off with a blower" when it needs a quick refresh, or vacuum the surface for a deeper clean. Other options include spot-cleaning or even rinsing it with a hose.

While the 4.7 out of 5 stars rating might sparkle, the Nourison rug isn't without its flaws. Its durability, in particular, has raised eyebrows. For one, it isn't as fade-resistant as you would expect for an outdoor rug. "Loved the look and feel of the outdoor rug. Unfortunately, it is the Nevada hot sun and [the rug] faded after a month," a 3-star review reads. But that's not all. The rug can also take a while (read: several days) to dry out when drenched by rain. One shopper even ended up returning it for that very reason. As such, you're better off using it under a covered patio or porch, or storing your outdoor rug during winter and rainy days if it's in an uncovered area.

Another drawback? "It shows every little bit of dirt that blows on it," as one reviewer puts it, adding that "the white parts are now an ugly color." Yup, despite being easy to clean, this light-colored floor covering can look dirty fast. So beware if you have kids or pets, since you'll likely be reaching for the vacuum or hose more often. Then again, at this price point, a bit of extra TLC does seem like a fair trade-off.