Best Outdoor Carpet

Adding outdoor carpet to your patio or screened in porch can add to its comfort level. Most outdoor carpets are made from synthetic fibers like polypropylene or olefin material. There are such things as natural fiber for indoor outdoor carpet, specifically hessian, or jute. When looking for outdoor carpeting, you're going to have three different types to choose from and they differ in mainly the way they're constructed. They are loop, punch, grass, and needle. You can probably guess what grass outdoor carpet looks like... but it also comes in other colors like blue for around pools or many other colors.

There are many uses for outdoor carpeting, especially these days with the new types of synthetic materials we're seeing in all areas of flooring. Many people use it around their pool, hot tub, or screened in porches or any outdoor areas where marine carpet would make sense. Most people, (previously self included) when thinking of traditional types of carpet used for outdoor areas, think of the simple fake green plastic or blue colored grass. This isn't the case at all when it comes to your only options of carpeting your outdoor areas. There are some amazing carpets that are made just for indoor outdoor use and can add some real class and amazing aesthetics to any type of outdoor area exposed to the elements.

Let's look at the different types of outdoor carpet. First there is what is known as the Marine outdoor carpeting. This is the carpet most often thought of when mentioning outdoor carpet. The word marine to me just conjures up old memories of hanging around the marina as a kid and the ragged looking green carpet covering the docks. Well, that's pretty much the same stuff. It does come in many different colors however. This carpet is mostly used where there will be a lot of moisture or even possibly standing water. As with most carpeting jobs, the type of carpet you'll want to install depends on the problem or experience you’re trying to solve or provide. Grade, pile, and backing will all depend on the location and exposure the outdoor carpet will have to the elements. Marine carpet is designed specifically to keep the water in as opposed to run off. This is why you often seen it on boats. Even though you most typically see this type of carpet in green, it is available in other colors and patterns.

The next type of outside carpet to look at is olefin. Olefin, also known as polypropylene, is made from a synthetic resin. Olefin's best qualities are its fade and mold resistant qualities along with its ability to resist dirt and stains. It's also very fast drying which is why it's often used as outdoor carpet. Olefin is available in pile, cut, or loop types and used for outdoor carpet solutions in marine, industrial outdoor, or residential projects.

Another type of outdoor carpet is grass carpet. Grass carpet is made of neutral or green fibers much like turf that resembles grass. This type is usually more resistant to fading and staining. This type is often seen in putting golf greens in people’s back yards, as outdoor carpeting for porches,  as flooring in sheds or other outdoor areas or patios. Marine carpet is most generally cut to fit and glued down to the service. the grass type comes in outdoor carpet tiles that you peel and stick to the surface. Proper preparation of the surfaces is always essential to insure the outdoor carpeting stays adhered and in place; especially since these can sometimes be high traffic area. Some of these grass type tiles do not have the marine backing so they're best used in areas out of the direct elements. If using outside directly under the rain or in wet areas, make sure they have marine backing.

No matter what you're indoor outdoor carpet needs are, check out our buy outdoor carpet page or visit your local carpet retailer and ask them about their outdoor carpeting options and be ready to make any drab outdoor area seem more cozy and comfortable!

If you’ve been looking to revamp you deck for a while, you may be excited (or maybe not even considered) using outdoor carpeting for decks as an alternative for outdoor decor. You’ll want to do a bit of research before heading out and buying the first carpet you land your eyes on. For example, I was thinking about the advantages of using outdoor carpet on my deck, things like:

1. The add to the beauty of your outdoor living space and just enhance the decor

2. They provide warmth during those cold summer months when you can’t go outside without your shoes or socks

3.  The provide a protective portion of the floor where children can play

What I learned is that the distinct difference in normal indoor carpeting and outdoor carpeting for decks is the ability of the outdoor carpets to withstand all weather while still managing to enhance the overall look. Pretty basic and common sense stuff right? But also consider that your outdoor carpet will be exposed to UV rays, a high amount of human traffic and if your deck isn’t enclosed, some rain may even seep through. You may figure that you save more money like me… if I buy something that will serve me longer and costs a bit more initially than if I buy something cheap that will have to be replaced after a short period of use.

But purchasing and installing the carpet is just one part, what about the maintenance routine for outdoor carpeting for decks? With the large volume of traffic which I get from guests and family, I knew that I would need to work out a simple yet effective cleaning regiment to keep the carpet looking its best. I also took the environment into consideration. How dusty is it? How often does it rain/flood? Most outdoor carpeting can usually be cleaned by just hosing it off and then leaving it out to dry. It is important that you thoroughly dry out the outdoor carpet to avoid having mildew form or the development of rot and an unpleasant smell.

Two options I found online on Amazon are:

1. Outdoor Area Rug 4 x 6 Reversible & Waterproof

If you’re looking to just cover a small area, then a rug may be your best bet. At an amazing bargain I found for only $49.99, this carpet spells out versatility. It can be used both indoors and outdoors and allows for one to reverse it so you can use it longer between washes. It is waterproof and allows water to seep through it and evaporate so I wasn’t worried about rotting my deck. Apart from that, it is also mildew proof and very easy to wash. Truly a great acquisition!

2. 6 Foot by (up to 40 feet) long Green – Outdoor Decking Carpet

This is the green outdoor carpet everyone is used to seeing. Although this product is green, it comes in many other sizes but is still fairly affordable. Also, as carpet is pretty heavy to ship, Amazon is always nice because a lot of these products come with free shipping. Check out ALL OUTDOOR CARPET FOR DECKS HERE!