by Marilisa Sachteleben

Created on: June 13, 2008   Last Updated: June 18, 2008

When I think of outdoor carpet, I have to chuckle. It takes me back to the early 1970's and the early days of outdoor carpeting. 'Astro turf', an artificial grass, was immensely popular. Astro turf was a radioactive green color. It felt like walking on a carpet of hairbrushes in your bare feet. This was the era of another carpet product also, commonly known as indoor/outdoor carpet. This carpet was green, cheap and cheaply made. Indoor/Outdoor carpet felt very like walking on a nail file.

The outdoor carpet we know now is better. At least it comes in other colors besides lime Lifesaver green. Today's outdoor carpeting and outdoor rugs are much sturdier than the carpet of yesterday. When I found some large outdoor carpet rugs, I thought I'd discovered the ideal solution to the constant maintenance that my wood deck requires. Alas my ever pragmatic husband reminded me that wood rots when moisture is trapped. Most outdoor carpet is entirely acrylic. It traps water on untreated or unpainted wood decks and will rot them.

Outdoor carpet does work well on the new wood deck alternatives. These are composite decks that look like real wood, but are made from recycled wood and plastic waste. Outdoor carpet is also useful for the boat dock and in the boat. It's very useful on cement around a play area or beside the pool, too Let's face it, despite posted signs, swimmers will run around the pool and on decks. Outdoor carpet reduces the risk of falling. It provides a non-slip surface. Outdoor carpet causes less injury when people do fall.

Outdoor carpeting begins at around $8.00 per yard. There are ribbed loop, cut loop, cut velour, sisal or grass look and even some textured carpet styles. Installation prices begin at around $125 minimum rate with $4 for each additional yard and $12-$15 for each step that carpet is installed on.

You don't need to have outdoor carpet installed professionally, however. All you need is some good seam adhesive, adhesive solvent, a straight edge or ruler, adhesive spreader, double stick carpet tape and sharp scissors. Begin by measuring and cutting the carpet. Remember, 'measure twice, cut once.' Apply carpet tape in strips, on the underside. Spread adhesive along the edges. Stick to a clean, dry surface. Be sure the seams stick tightly to avoid them pulling up. Wipe up the adhesive. Smooth away the wrinkles and bubbles carefully also. When you cover a step, bump or crack pull the carpet snug. With fewer seams, the carpeted area will be safer and look nicer.

Outdoor carpet comes in a large variety of color choices. There are neutral tones to match a wood tone deck. You can find gray and black for pool side or concrete covering. If you want the outside of your home to feel like the inside, you can find all sorts of textured outdoor carpet and rugs for your porch or deck. For the boat dock, pool or boat, you may want the bright blue. And of course, golfers and those who are tired of mowing grass will want that neon green astro turf. Don't be alarmed it's still available!

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