If you’re thinking about adding carpet to an outdoor area, don’t think you have to use the ugly blue or marine carpet you generally see around and on boat docks. There are more options than you think and you may even find something quite stylish.
What most people don’t consider is that indoor outdoor carpet is mostly made up of the same fiber as indoor carpeting made for high traffic or stain resistant areas. Such carpets use a synthetic fiber known as polypropylene or olefin because of its high endurance, stain resistance, and ability to hold up under harsh conditions. Moreover, by looking at olefin, you’ll find you can get just about any style, color, or pattern you want for carpeting your outdoor areas.
One thing to keep in mind however is the possibility of standing water. If that is the case, your best outdoor carpet may still be the traditional marine carpet due to its rubber backing and ability to hold water. But there is good news; you can find marine carpeting in other colors besides blue and green. Although they don’t come in too many (if any) patterns, you can find some great neutral colors such as gray, light blue, and even some browns.
In regards to installation, you basically have two options and types of installations. Like traditional indoor carpet, you can purchase outdoor carpeting in rolls and glue it down just like normal carpet with few seams. The downside to this however, is that if an area gets worn or faded, you have to rip up the entire area and replace it. That is where outdoor carpet tiles are really nice. Although you have more seams, you can easily pull up a square and replace it. Most carpet tiles come with adhesive backing which makes them easy to peel and stick wherever you want. Like any flooring however, you’ll want a surface that is clean and as smooth and level as possible for the best possible adhesive surface.