June 5, 2009
Choosing The Correct Indoor Outdoor Carpet
Indoor outdoor carpet is a type of carpet. It is resilient enough to survive things like harsh weather, moisture, and chemicals. This is why people like to use it around pools, walk ways, decks, patios, play rooms and porches. This carpet doesn’t tend to be as expensive.
Olefin is the best material for indoor outdoor carpet. Olefin carpet is generally treated to be stain and moisture resistant. Most carpets are treated to protect against fading and damage from pool chemicals. The additional chemicals the manufactures use prolong the carpets life. Manufactures do recommend treating your carpet every few years to maintain the resistance otherwise it will break down over time.
The thicker the carpet the higher the quality tends to be. Higher quality indoor outdoor carpet usually has marina backing. This is especially important if you plan to use your carpet in areas where it will be exposed to moisture. It is the backing that stops problems mold and mildew.
You can find Indoor outdoor carpet in a large variety of colors, although green brown grey and black seems to be the color of choice.
Many use outdoor plush carpets for areas that are completely covered. This is because plus carpet tends to fade in the sun. It looks and feels different than the other carpets. If you are using plush carpet in high traffic areas you need a thicker carpet.
Another type of indoor outdoor carpet is astro turf. It is the green stuff you see on golf courses. There are three type’s Polypropylene, polyethylene, and nylon. The first polyethylene is a soft material often used for play areas. Polypropylene is least expensive. It is used in golf course. Nylon works well in playgrounds and putting greens.
Sometimes people use Outdoor carpet runners to protect their indoor carpet. They are pieces of indoor outdoor carpet usually 5/16″ thick and are often placed in entrance ways. The ideal runner has backing to prevent falls and to keep it in place. It should be chemical treated to prevent moisture and stains.
Be sure to compare carpet thickness and backing before purchasing carpet. The thicker carpet will last longer and is used more in areas with high activities. Be sure to include a moisture barrier to your carpet if there is the slightest chance it will get wet. This will save you from the hassle of mold and mildew.
Filed under Garden Furniture by Zak Stanislawski