Can Hemp and Jute Rugs Be Used Outside?

By Ryan Shoun | Founder, Ochoco Rugs Perth | 14 Years Industry Experience

Hemp and jute rugs are often chosen for their natural texture and relaxed aesthetic, which makes them appealing for outdoor-style spaces. They can be used outdoors—but only in covered, protected environments. They are not designed for full exposure to rain, sun, or moisture. If you’re considering using a natural fibre rug outdoors, the key is understanding where it works—and where it doesn’t.

For more natural fibre maintenance advice, material comparisons, and practical buying guides, explore our Hemp & Jute Rug Guides.

Where Hemp and Jute Rugs Work Outdoors?

In covered, low-exposure outdoor areas.

These rugs can work well in spaces such as:

• Covered patios
• Alfresco areas
• Enclosed balconies
• Verandas with overhead protection

They are best suited to environments that feel “outdoor” but are still shielded from direct weather. If the area is exposed to rain, heavy humidity, or direct sun for long periods, these rugs will not hold up over time.

Why Hemp and Jute Are Not True Outdoor Rugs

Unlike synthetic outdoor rugs, hemp and jute are natural fibres that are more sensitive to moisture and environmental exposure.

They are:

• Absorbent → can retain moisture, which may lead to staining, fibre weakening, or mould if not dried properly 
• Less resistant to UV exposure → may fade and lose colour in direct sunlight
• More prone to wear when exposed to the elements

This means they don’t perform the same way as materials designed specifically for outdoor use.

For a deeper look at long-term wear, moisture sensitivity, and lifespan expectations, read Are Hemp & Jute Rugs Durable?

Where Hemp and Jute Rugs Work Best Outdoors

Hemp and jute rugs can still be a strong choice in the right setting.

They work best in:

• Covered outdoor entertaining areas
• Spaces with minimal direct sun or rain
• Low to moderate traffic zones
• Areas where visual styling is the priority and the rug is not exposed to harsh conditions or constant wear

In these environments, they provide a softer, more natural alternative to synthetic outdoor rugs. To explore available styles, browse our hemp and jute rugs collection.

How They Compare to Outdoor-Specific Rugs

If you’re deciding between natural fibres and a true outdoor rug, the difference comes down to performance.

Hemp and jute rugs:

• Offer a more organic, textured look
• Feel softer and more natural underfoot
• Require more care and protection

Outdoor-specific rugs (such as UV resistant polypropylene):

• Are designed for full exposure to weather
• Resist moisture, mould, and fading
• Require minimal maintenance

If durability and low maintenance are your priority, outdoor-specific rugs are the better option—such as UV resistant polypropylene outdoor rugs designed for full exposure.

Maintenance Considerations for Outdoor Use

If you choose to use a hemp or jute rug outdoors, maintenance becomes more important.

You’ll need to:

• Keep the rug in a covered area
• Avoid direct exposure to rain or excessive moisture
• Allow the rug to dry fully if it becomes damp
• Clean spills promptly to prevent staining or fibre damage

Even with care, these rugs will typically show wear faster outdoors than they would inside.

For proper maintenance methods and moisture-safe cleaning, see our guide on How to Clean Hemp & Jute Rugs.

Choosing Between Hemp and Jute for Outdoor Spaces

If you are using a natural fibre rug in a covered outdoor area, the choice between hemp and jute still matters.

Choose hemp if:

• The area gets more foot traffic
• You want a rug that holds its structure better over time
• Durability is more important than softness

Choose jute if:

• The space is more relaxed and low-use
• Comfort underfoot is a priority
• You prefer a softer, more casual finish

Hemp and Jute Rugs in Perth Outdoor Living

In Perth homes, outdoor living spaces are often designed as extensions of the interior—covered, styled, and used regularly.

In these settings, hemp and jute rugs can work well:

• They complement neutral palettes and natural materials
• They soften hard surfaces like concrete or tile
• They help create a more cohesive indoor-outdoor feel

Perth’s strong sun and dry climate can accelerate fading and wear if rugs are placed in exposed areas, making covered placement even more important.

Final Thoughts

Hemp and jute rugs can be used outdoors—but only in covered spaces with minimal exposure. They offer a natural, textured look, but require more care and will wear faster than outdoor-specific rugs.

They offer a natural, textured alternative to synthetic outdoor rugs, but come with trade-offs:

• More maintenance
• Less resistance to moisture and sun
• Faster wear over time

If you’re styling a covered outdoor area and prioritising aesthetics, they can be a strong choice.
If you need durability and low maintenance, a purpose-built outdoor rug will perform better.

Our Hemp and Jute rug collections are designed for indoor and covered outdoor spaces where texture, warmth, and natural character are prioritised over full weather resistance.

Ryan Shoun is the founder of Ochoco Rugs Perth, with 7 years specialising in rugs and a further 7 years in home furniture and homewares. He personally sources and imports Ochoco's Afghan Kilim and Hand-Knotted Wool collections, and every product on the Ochoco website is individually selected by him. Read Ryan's full bio