When installing outdoor carpeting, there's some things you'll want to take into consideration. You'll need to determine what type of surface you'll be covering up and additionally, what type of outdoor carpeting you're going to want to install.

Outdoor carpeting works great for most boats, around pools, garages, gazebos, or just about anything that could benefit from a carpeted surface that may be exposed to the elements. Prior to deciding on what type of carpet you choose for your outdoor area, do some research as to the durability and its ability to stand up to the elements. For example, some outdoor carpeting may fade if exposed to daily sunlight directly.

If looking at Olefin or Polypropylene for your outdoor carpeting, make sure it's been chemically treated to resist damage by the sun. Olefin or Polypropylene fibered carpet will break down in the sun if not treated properly and need to be replaced. Also think about what is going to be used around the carpeting. For example, if you're carpeting around a pool or drainage area, make sure the outdoor carpeting you choose can stand up to chlorine or water constantly running off of it.

Like with any purchase, outdoor carpet is no different. Having the right expectations is the only way to be fully satisfied. It pays to do your research. If you install carpet around or on your deck, which is partially under the roof line where it get's shade on half the covered area. And the half that is exposed to the sun fades over time... well, it's going to look terrible and you're going to be unsatisfied obviously. So choose a carpet that is chemcially treated to stand up to sun exposure. With that said, there are few outdoor carpeting, if any, that will stand the test of time in the sun forever. So remember that even the most expensive outdoor products eventually show results of constant exposure to the elements.

One great choice for outdoor carpeting is Olefin, which you'll find in many berber typed carpets. Olefin is stain resistant and stands up great to normal wear and tear. Olefin is also considered colorfast since the fiber has the color added during production. Additionally, it stands up very well to midew, mold, and moisture over time compared to other materials.

The best idea is to simply visit a local carpet retailer and take home some outdoor carpeting samples to take home and see what looks good. In some cases, carpet remnants may be available in the outdoor carpet you could use.

check out the rest of the videos in this series here.

Working with outdoor carpeting, many installers will have left overs, or you might find odds and ends at your local home store like Lowes or Home Depot. However, there’s something to think about when considering outdoor carpet remnants. I bring this up because I’ve gotten several requests lately asking specifically for ways to find cheap outdoor carpet remnants. But honestly, the price is so relative, check out our Buy Outdoor Carpet page and you’ll see why. With other types of carpets, remnants would be a great idea, however, that is not so much the case when carpeting an outside area. Sure you can find great deals on remnants, especially with inside carpeting but there’s a reason why. There are literally thousands of makes and types of indoor carpet that can range anywhere from a few dollars to $50 or more a square foot - not to mention installation. That makes the case where finding some high value and quality carpet at remnant pricing is a great deal, considering your willing to find it and take the time on either installing it yourself or hiring a professional to install it. Many outdoor carpets these days (like outdoor carpet tiles) come with adhesive backing that makes installation a cinch. Which is while the tile or squares option is so popular now, you don’t have to hire a professional, like with the TrafficMaster brand that can be found at most Home Depots.

Outdoor carpeting almost always comes in 6’ widths by the length you determine, whereas indoor carpet rolls generally come in 12’ widths. So naturally you may get some 12’ width remnants that you can piece together. Which is what we actually did with our basement. We got a great deal on some olefin remnants and was able to carpet our entire basement on the real cheap with minimal seams. Unless you’re looking to carpet an outdoor area with a highly durable olefin for outdoor, remnants are probably not your best bet. With that said however, you can use olefin outdoors if it’s been treated. Treated olefin is resistant to sun damage and will hold up but does not have the marine backing like other outdoor carpets made specially for outside use. Now this may be the way to go of you’re looking for outdoor carpet remnants (the treated olefin route) however you’re still looking at paying comparable prices if you consider the price of some olefin plus the adhesive or carpet glue you’ll need for securing it to say concrete outdoors. The case is then you’re not getting the unique qualities of the marine backing that comes with carpeting made specifically for outdoors.

Finding indoor outdoor carpet remnants for something like a garage or or screened in porch area would work great for that. In this case, finding some outdoor remnants that don’t have the marine backing would work great. Plus you may be able to find them in 12’ widths. Again, this would even be considered highly durable indoor olefin carpet much like you see in offices. You can find these remnants at most carpet retailers or even local home stores (usually bound and stuck in a box at the end of the carpet section). So check out our options to Buy Outdoor Carpet and keep in mind that finding remnants may still be an option by using high traffic or durable indoor carpet in an outside area if you’re wanting remnants. Keep in mind also if the carpet is going to get wet, you may have to replace it after a few seasons so paying a little extra to get the marine backing specific to outdoor carpeting may be the best way to go.

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!