Most carpet for outdoors is going to be low pile or Berber carpet. This is because Berber and other low pile carpets can handle wear and tear and dirt much better than, say, a frieze style carpet.
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.
However, if we take into consideration that outdoor carpet flooring experiences increased stress, both from nature and everyday use, the lifespan of indoor and outdoor carpets is about the same—15-25 years if properly maintained.
However, you cannot install indoor/outdoor carpeting directly on dirt because the adhesive won't harden on surfaces containing debris. The carpeting will also roll up and cause you to possibly trip on dirt floors.
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.
You can put an outdoor rug on a concrete patio without damaging either the rug or the concrete, provided you seal the concrete first and fix the rug down with flooring tape or adhesive. Patio rugs are usually made of polypropylene so are water, mold, mildew, and UV resistant.
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.
While indoor/outdoor carpet (also known as marine-backed carpet) looks similar to commercial carpet, there are actually some pretty key differences.
Outdoor rugs are designed to be outside all year round and can withstand sun, rain, sleet, and snow.
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.
Can Indoor Ruggables Be Used Outside? Yes, it's OK to bring Ruggable rugs outdoors. Also, it is possible to machine-wash Ruggable rugs because they are made of a rigid material that still has a nice woven texture.
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.
Another nice benefit to Indoor-Outdoor carpet? Padding is not required during installation, which helps provide some cost savings. If you're planning to install it in an enclosed outdoor space, it's recommended that you skip the padding entirely.
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.
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.
Placing just any outdoor rug material may end up damaging your wood deck in several ways. It can stain, rot, cause mold or mildew growth and scratches to your wood deck which is costly to replace.
Things You'll Need
Grass carpeting can be used on any outdoor area not exposed to weather, and plush carpeting can be used on covered decks. Choose a carpet that is comfortable to your feet, stain resistant and able to withstand rain. Buy a style that complements the aesthetics of your home's interior or outdoor theme.
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.
What is Olefin Carpet? Olefin is a synthetic (manufactured) material. It's also known as polypropylene, a type of thermoplastic used to make a wide range of household products, medical devices and more. Because it's derived from plastic, olefin carpet is best installed in places with the potential for water damage.
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.