Updated on Jun. 23, 2025
Outdoor carpet installation can add inviting color and character to your patio or deck. Here's what you need to know about this outdoor living trend.
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Long considered carpeting’s least attractive form, outdoor carpet has made great leaps forward in quality and style over the past few years. Durable and low-maintenance, this soft floor covering is an easy way to add a cozy feel to your patio or deck.
“An outdoor rug will help your outdoor spaces feel more like an extension of your home,” advises interior designer and HGTV host Arlene Gibbs.
If you’re considering outdoor carpet installation for your outdoor living space, here’s what you need to know:
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Outdoor carpet installation can be an excellent choice for your home. It will enhance both the functionality and aesthetic beauty of your outdoor spaces. “The pros of outdoor carpet far outweigh the cons in my book,” says Gibbs. Here are a few factors to consider if you’re thinking about buying outdoor carpet:
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. However, “outdoor rugs made of natural fibers like seagrass are not as strong as their synthetic counterparts and could have issues with mold,” Gibbs says.
There are many types of the best outdoor carpeting available. Most outdoor carpet is low-pile loop (or Berber carpet), cut and loop patterned or flat woven. All handle the wear and tear of weather and foot traffic better than plush or deep-pile carpet types. For completely exposed areas or high-humidity climates, choose a carpet with all-weather marine backing to resist moisture.
You can install outdoor carpet on any hard, flat surface from wood to concrete, although some surfaces may need weathering from 30 to 60 days first. The straightforward installation requires a few basic tools, a rented 100-lb. roller and special adhesive or double-sided carpet tape. An intermediate-level DIYer can do it in a day. Some plank carpets and carpet squares come with a self-adhesive backing, making them even easier to install.
Otherwise, consider that professional installation costs an average of $400 to $600 for a 300-sq.-ft. patio or deck.
If you are looking for DIY outdoor carpet installation tips, you are at the right place. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
Step 1: You should first start with the surface. Clean the surface first.
Step 2: Make sure the surface is dry and smooth so that the adhesive sticks properly.
Step 3: You can install outdoor carpet on any hard, flat surface from wood to concrete, although some surfaces may need weathering for 30 to 60 days first.
Step 4: Then select the appropriate abrasives for outdoor carpets. Use a notched trowel for the process. Carefully lay the carpet.
Step 5: You should use a carpet roller to press down the carpet. It will eliminate all the air pockets.
Maintaining waterproof outdoor carpet and easy carpet cleaning are two of the biggest selling points of outdoor carpeting. These carpets are resistant, but food and beverages often leave stains, so spot-clean larger spills immediately.
Note: Set up grills or smokers away from the carpet as flying embers melt holes in the synthetic fibers. Standing water can damage even the most water-resistant carpets; use a push broom to remove puddles after a heavy rainfall.
For mud or stains, mix dish detergent with lukewarm water. Scrub with a brush or push broom, then use a sponge or garden hose to rinse the suds. If you are cleaning an outdoor rug, hang it in the sun after a rainstorm or hose rinse until fully dry.
Arlene Gibbs owns Arlene Gibbs Décor in Rome, Italy. She earned her undergraduate degree from Syracuse University and is a successful decorator and writer.
You should use a high-quality outdoor carpet adhesive for your outdoor carpets. It is necessary to choose the best one during the installation. The adhesive must be strong and long-lasting. The best quality adhesives are typically waterproof and UV-resistant. If you use these adhesives, your carpet will stay securely in place even in harsh weather conditions.
You can install your outdoor carpet on uneven surfaces. However, it is recommended that you level your outdoor surface as much as possible. Uneven surfaces may damage your carpet, lift the carpet, and cause leakage problems. Especially for a wooden deck, you have to weather it for 30 to 60 days.
It is necessary to maintain your outdoor carpets in rainy areas. You should check the drainage system of your house. Make sure your carpets are not absorbing water from anywhere. After heavy rainfall, always use a push broom to clear the water. If your carpet is already water-resistant, you don’t need to worry too much.
