Outdoor carpets tend to be cheaper and easier to maintain than indoor carpet, mostly due to the fact that outdoor carpets are usually made from synthetic materials which are much less expensive than the natural materials typically used for indoors carpet floors.
Indoor–outdoor carpet costs from to $3.50 per square foot. To carpet an average 12-foot-by-12-foot room, expect to pay around $275 for materials. You will want to order at least 10% overage for trim and installation purposes.
Can Indoor rugs be used outside? No, indoor rugs are not made to withstand the elements – rain and sun – of the outdoors. The sun can fade them. The rain can cause watermarks and the fibers to disintegrate.
The outdoor materials are made from a material that is tough and can withstand the various elements that Mother Nature throws at them. Indoor rugs are made from a softer material, and this is because they are mostly kept away from the harsh elements outside the house.
They are usually expected to last for five to ten years. Rugs with tighter weaves tend to last longer. An outdoor rug can be an attractive addition to any patio or deck area. There are many styles and materials available that will complement the decor of your home environment.
Water-resistant and UV-stable, outdoor carpet is made with materials that can withstand anything Mother Nature throws at it. Its low-pile or densely woven synthetic or natural fibers help repel dirt and water and resist mold and mildew.
Use warm water and mild dish soap or detergent depending on what is applicable for your indoor or outdoor rug. After sweeping the top and bottom of your rug, use a garden hose set to the highest pressure to remove the stubborn dirt clinging to your rug. Mix water with mild soap and use it on the stains on your carpet.
So, while rain, snow, dirt and sun wears on the rest of your deck, surface underneath the rug can have a cleaner colour. Also, note that an outdoor rug can be quite slippery in its texture. So, to keep it in place, a rug underlay with anti-slip can be necessary.
A majority of indoor-outdoor rugs are made of synthetic materials like polyester and polypropylene. These materials are very durable and stain-resistant, and they also come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. And many polypropylene rugs are also UV resistant, so their colors don't fade in the sunlight.
The carpeting installs quickly on a variety of clean, flat surfaces using carpet adhesive or double-sided tape. However, you cannot install indoor/outdoor carpeting directly on dirt because the adhesive won't harden on surfaces containing debris.
Indoor/outdoor carpet, on the other hand, is specifically treated to stand up to sun and rain. Usually made of olefin/polypropylene – which helps give it it's high durability and stain resistance – the carpet is dyed so it's resistant to the sun's UV rays.
Many customers ask if they feel scratchy and unpleasant. While this may have been the consensus a few years ago, many indoor/outdoor rugs are made to feel very pleasant underfoot. Sometimes they may have to be “broken-in”, but will feel even softer over time.
Fibers that hold onto and absorb moisture are far more likely to develop mold and mildew when exposed to outdoor elements. Wool, for example, is a beautiful and soft fiber for indoor rugs, but is too sensitive to moisture to be used outdoors.
Durability: Outdoor carpet is one of the toughest materials out there. It's built to handle the elements and high traffic. It's water-resistant, mold and mildew resistant, and UV stable.
Most indoor/outdoor carpets are mold and mildew resistant, but mold and mildew can still pop up. It typically depends on the type of carpet backing you have. If you are going to purchase indoor/outdoor carpet and install it in an area that is typically wet, you will need to buy marine carpet backing.
If your outdoor rug gets wet, it will most likely mildew and create unhealthy conditions which could potentially cause a mold to grow. Your outdoor rug can also be ruined by mildew which would then call for a replacement.
Outdoor rugs are made to withstand lots of traffic and rough conditions, making them an excellent choice for homes with kids and pets. They are also moisture-resistant, which means using an outdoor rug in moisture-prone areas such as the basement, laundry room and bathroom are smart solutions to prevent mold or mildew.
Will an outdoor rug damage a wood deck? Yes and no. Most outdoor rugs made of synthetic fibers or polypropylene are perfect for outdoor conditions and will keep your deck in good shape. However, using other outdoor carpet materials can gradually damage your deck and patio.
Dry The Rug In Sunlight To Prevent Mold
They are easy to clean and resists mold. To ensure that your area rug stays free of mold growth after washing, hang it over a porch railing in the sunlight. If you don't have a railing, lay the rug out in the sun to dry and flip it over to make sure both sides dry thoroughly.
Outdoor rugs are manufactured in a way that can survive through any season and withstand rain, hailstorm, snow, or scorching sun and can be left outside all year round.
A patio or driveway outside with good drainage is a great place to start. Make sure the rug can lay flat on the ground. Outdoor cleaning is the only place to clean your rug. Pressure Washer – Almost any pressure washer will work, the important selection is the type of tip you use.
It will stay put with a quality rug pad. Rug pads provide comfort. Most outdoor rugs are fairly thin so adding a pad helps to make them more comfortable to walk on. Look for a thick rug pad to give yourself an extra soft surface to walk on.
Almost all outdoor rugs are made of synthetic materials which are not as absorbent as natural materials. This means that outdoor rugs of synthetic material dry quickly and are fairly resistant to dirt and stains.
Polypropylene rugs (also known as olefin rugs) have a natural-fiber appearance, but unlike most natural fibers, they are able to absorb water. This makes them well-suited for the outdoors and areas like the bathroom or basement; polypropylene rugs will not grow mold or mildew when exposed to water.