by Melissa J Luther

Created on: June 14, 2008   Last Updated: January 09, 2012

If the words "outdoor carpet" have you thinking Astro-turf, it's time to think again. Most carpets that you would put inside your house are available in an outdoor version, including plush and Berbers. While still not as luxurious as indoor carpets, they offer comfort and convenience for your outdoor living space.

What are the most common styles of outdoor carpet?

The artificial grass carpets are certainly still available, but come in many colors other than green. Most outdoor carpets come in shades that complement and blend into the outdoors. This includes browns, greens and blues. Although some brighter colors are available, outdoor carpets are mostly intended to look natural.

• Loop: Artificial grass is actually a form of cut loop carpet. These carpets are made of fibers tightly woven into a mesh backing. The loops can be cut, or left alone.

• Flat woven: In this type of carpet, the fibers are compressed as they are woven into the mesh backing. This makes a durable carpet that is also very stain and mildew resistant.

• Needlepunch: These carpets are not woven. Instead, synthetic fibers are placed into a liquid latex bath, which, when dry, forms a super-durable backing. These carpets are especially resistant to damage.

Any of these styles also come with a marine backing. Marine-backed carpets are manufactured for use on boats and other very wet environments. Because of this, they are a great choice for any completely exposed outdoor area, especially around pools and open decks.

What are outdoor carpets made of?

While some outdoor carpets are made of natural fibers, most commonly jute, synthetics are more durable. Natural fiber will rot quickly and most likely need replacing every year.

Types of synthetic carpet fiber:

• Polypropylene (Olefin): Polypropylene fibers are very popular for outdoor carpets. This carpet is durable and colorfast because the color is added into the fiber during manufacturing. It is also stain resistant and easy to clean. It is mildew resistant, and with a marine backing it's perfect for completely exposed outdoor areas. This is also a relatively low-cost carpet.

• Nylon: Nylon fibers are durable and resistant to crushing. Nylon carpets keep their "new" look better than the others, but need to be treated for stain resistance. Nylon fibers also fade easily in sunlight. These fibers come in both low- and high-density, and the fiber used affects the cost of the carpet.

• Polyester:

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