Under foot

Outdoor carpets have long been more crunchy than cozy -- especially to bare feet. But now designers and manufacturers are embracing color and pattern, and turning all-weather fibers into fuzzy felt and more comfortable yarns that can be tufted, knit and braided. The result: rugs that not only resist fading and can be cleaned with a garden hose, but also emulate the sophisticated designs you might see indoors.

-- David A. Keeps