How To Select Indoor-Outdoor Carpet
Gone are the days when your only choice for outdoor carpeting was cheap looking grassy green stuff. I remember the salesman saying "You can choose any color you want, as long as it's green." Nowadays outdoor carpet comes in a wide variety of both colors and styles. There are so many types available that it helps to be informed before making a selection.
Whether it's for your deck, the patio, or for around your pool, you need to be familiar with the main types of outdoor carpeting currently available. Most outdoor carpet is made from Olefin (Polypropylene). While not being a very good choice for indoor carpet due to Olefins rough texture, it is an excellent fiber for application outdoors. Olefin is both stain and moisture resistant. Most outdoor carpet made from Olefin is UV resistant as well which helps the carpet retain its colors.
There are several different grades of outdoor carpeting available. The cheapest (economy grade) is the classic grassy green looking stuff that I mentioned earlier. Economy grade outdoor carpet is suitable for application underneath covered outdoor areas such as patios. It's also the cheapest outdoor carpet.
High grade grass carpet is a step up from the economy grade and can be applied in fully exposed outdoor areas. We highly recommend selecting a high grade grass carpet with a marine backing if the area you'll be installing it in will receive even moderate amounts of moisture. Even if it doesn't rain very much in your part of the world, take into consideration the amount of humidity and general dampness in your area.
For a different look in outdoor carpeting, plush carpet is available. Most outdoor plush carpeting should be installed in covered areas only. For fully exposed areas use a high grade grass carpet with a marine backing. Outdoor plush carpet not only looks different, it feels different when walked upon. Mid grade plush carpet is suitable for application in covered outdoor areas receiving low foot traffic. For higher traffic areas use a high grade plush carpet.
Judge indoor-outdoor carpet the same way you'd judge normal carpet. Look at the density, the backing, etc.. Dig your fingers into the carpet, pushing through to the backing. How easy is it to push through? A denser carpet will last longer and be more comfortable to walk upon. Is the carpet UV resistant? Does it have a moisture resistant marine backing? These are all things to consider when purchasing outdoor carpeting. Generally the price will increase with added density, height, and other options.
Shop around, be informed, and don't try to save a few bucks by skimping on outdoor carpet with a moisture barrier unless you're 100% certain that you won't need it.
Eric Dillon is the editor of http://www.How-To-Clean-Carpet.com
For additional information on How To Choose Carpet please visit our website.
Article Source: www.ArticleFog.com.
Related articles
|
