The short answer is yes, Ruggable is worth it for people who prioritize convenience and washability over everything else. Their two-part, machine-washable system offers great value for busy households, pet owners, and parents who need an easy-to-clean solution for high-spill areas.
However, Ruggable is not designed to be an heirloom rug. Its quality is suitable for everyday use but doesn't compare to the plush feel or longevity of traditional wool or hand-knotted rugs. Think of it as a practical, stylish, mid-range choice that solves a specific problem - dirty rugs.
How Is Ruggable's Quality?
Ruggable’s quality is defined by its functionality rather than luxury materials or artisanal craftsmanship. Here's a breakdown of what to expect:
- Construction: Every rug has two parts: a low-pile, machine-woven polyester top layer where the design is printed, and a synthetic, rubber-like non-slip rug pad. The two pieces connect with a Velcro-like grip, allowing you to easily peel off the top layer for washing.
- Materials: The rug cover is 100% polyester, which is inherently stain-resistant and durable enough for residential foot traffic. The backing is a synthetic material that provides grip and a waterproof barrier, though it can degrade over time with improper care (e.g., high heat in the dryer).
- Durability: With proper care, a Ruggable rug should last several years in a typical household. The printed designs hold their color well through multiple washes. However, in very high-traffic areas, the pile can flatten, and signs of wear may appear sooner than with a dense wool rug.
- Common Complaints: Customer feedback sometimes points to three main issues: the corners can curl up, the top layer may shift or bunch up slightly on the pad over time, and the synthetic texture feels thinner and less plush than a traditional area rug.
Is Ruggable Good Value for the Price?
Ruggable offers solid value by blending modern design trends with unparalleled convenience at a competitive mid-range price.
Price Positioning
Ruggable rugs typically range from $100 for a small 3'x5' rug to over $400 for a large 8'x10', with a popular 5’x7’ size costing around $200-$250. This is significantly cheaper than a traditional wool rug of the same size, which can easily cost $400-$1,000+. While more expensive than some budget synthetic rugs from big-box stores, its price is justified by its unique washable feature.
What You're Paying For
You’re paying for the two-part system and the convenience it provides. The cost covers the intellectual property, digital printing technology, and a direct-to-consumer model that delivers stylish, trend-forward designs without traditional retail markup. You are not paying for premium natural fibers or hand-knotting craftsmanship.
Where You Get Good Value
- Homes with Pets and Kids: The ability to wash away spills, dirt, and pet accidents is a game-changer and saves money on professional cleaning fees.
- High-Spill Areas: Ideal for use under dining tables, in entryways, or in kitchens where spills are frequent.
- Renters or Decor Changers: An affordable way to add style to a space without committing to an expensive, long-term rug. You can even buy a new top cover to change styles while keeping your pad.
Where You Don't Get Good Value
- If You Want a Luxurious Feel: The low-pile polyester construction does not provide the thick, plush softness of a wool or high-end shag rug.
- As an "Heirloom" Piece: These rugs are not built to be passed down through generations. They are functional home goods with a defined lifespan.
- For the Purist Decorator: If you value natural fibers, hand-woven texture, and traditional craftsmanship, a Ruggable will likely feel and look too synthetic or mass-produced.
Ruggable Quality by Category
While the underlying two-part system is the same, Ruggable offers different textures and materials suited for different needs.
Classic Low-Pile Rugs
This is the standard Ruggable offering. Made of woven polyester, these low-profile rugs are sleek, easy to vacuum, and fit perfectly under furniture or in high-traffic zones like hallways. They are the easiest to fit into a home washing machine and offer the widest variety of patterns. They are a practical choice, though not particularly soft or cozy underfoot.
Plush & Shag Rugs
For those wanting more softness, Ruggable's plush and shag collections use a higher pile made from the same synthetic materials. They are significantly cozier but may be more challenging to fit in smaller washing machines. While still washable, the higher pile can show traffic patterns more easily and may be harder to spot clean.
Outdoor Rugs
Built with UV- and water-resistant polyester, Ruggable’s outdoor rugs are made to withstand the elements without fading or promoting mildew. They maintain the signature two-part system, making it easy to hose off the top layer or bring it inside for a machine wash. This category offers great utility for patios, decks, and balconies.
Our Verdict: Is Ruggable Worth It?
Ruggable is a legitimately innovative product that offers excellent value for the right customer. If your primary concerns are easy maintenance, stain resistance, and affordability in a stylish package, it is absolutely worth the price. It solves a real-world problem for millions of households with pets, children, or messy adults.
Quality Grade: B
Ruggable earns a B for its smart engineering and reliable performance within its intended use case. The materials are appropriate for the price and function, the print quality is consistent, and the washable system works as advertised. It's a well-executed product but does not use premium materials, so it can't achieve a higher grade reserved for rugs with superior texture and longevity.
Value Grade: B
The price-to-convenience ratio is excellent. For a few hundred dollars, you get a stylish rug that can be fully refreshed at home, saving hundreds in professional cleaning costs over its lifetime. The ability to buy new tops separately further enhances its value. However, because it's a synthetic product with a multi-year (not multi-generational) lifespan, its value is practical, not an investment.
More Quality Brands Like Ruggable
While Ruggable excels at full-rug washability, if you prioritize other features like customization, natural fibers, or budget, these brands are worth exploring:
Flor
Flor offers another modular solution with its "carpet tiles." You create a custom-sized rug out of individual squares, which can be easily removed for spot-cleaning or replaced if permanently damaged. This is great for custom layouts and repairing small areas without replacing the entire rug.
Shop now at flor.com
Rugs USA
If budget is your top priority, Rugs USA is an online powerhouse offering thousands of trendy, machine-made rugs at prices often lower than Ruggable. While most are not machine-washable, you can get a similar look for less if you're willing to sacrifice the convenience.
Shop now at rugsusa.com
Pottery Barn
If you love the idea of a quality rug but crave natural fibers, Pottery Barn specializes in hand-tufted and hand-knotted wool rugs (~$400-$1200 for a 5x7). The quality and longevity are far superior to Ruggable, but they require professional cleaning and more careful maintenance.
Shop now at potterybarn.com
West Elm
For modern and mid-century aesthetic lovers, West Elm offers a wide range of stylish rugs, many made from wool or sustainable fibers like jute. Their prices are generally higher than Ruggable, but they provide a more textured and high-end feel for shoppers focused more on design than washability.
Shop now at westelm.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Ruggable rugs feel thin?
Yes, compared to a traditional wool or shag rug, a Ruggable rug cover feels noticeably thin. The total height with the rug pad is about one-third of an inch thick. While they offer cushioned pads for more comfort, you shouldn't expect a deep, plush feeling underfoot.
Does the top layer of a Ruggable rug stay in place?
For the most part, yes. The Velcro-like grip holds it securely for everyday use. However, some customers report that with heavy foot traffic, furniture movement, or strong vacuum cleaners, the top layer can sometimes shift slightly, or the corners can bunch up, requiring occasional readjustment.
Can you vacuum a Ruggable rug?
Yes, Ruggable rugs can be vacuumed. It is recommended to use a low-suction setting and avoid using a beater bar, as the aggressive rotation can pull at the fibers and potentially cause the top layer to shift or separate from the rug pad.
How long do Ruggable rugs really last?
With proper care, a Ruggable should last between 3-5 years in a household with moderate traffic. The lifespan depends heavily on use - a rug in a high-traffic entryway with multiple pets will wear out faster than one in a low-traffic guest bedroom.
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