Outdoor living is something beyond simple gardens with chairs or patios. Nowadays, homeowners are trying to create comfortable, stylish, and functional outdoor spaces that create the same feeling as indoor spaces. Carpeting outdoor spaces is a smart and great idea that helps have a soft and durable surface for foot comfort while entertaining or relaxing. In this article, you will read a full guide about the benefits of carpeting your outdoor spaces, important factors to consider when choosing carpets for your outdoor area, and the best carpet material for this aim.
Why choose outdoor carpets?
Outdoor carpets are excellent for improving patios, poolside, backyard relaxation zones, and sunrooms. They provide a comfortable surface for underfoot while adding a touch of elegance and protecting the area’s flooring. The outdoor carpets are made of synthetic fibers to withstand different conditions such as UV rays, moisture, and heavy foot traffic. These types of carpets benefit from weather-resistant materials, so they are highly durable and can withstand high foot traffic like kids’ play, outdoor gatherings, or even BBQs.
Essential features of outdoor carpets for Australian homes
Outdoor carpets are designed to withstand different Australian weather changes and lifestyles. However, it is important to know the key features of the best outdoor carpet when looking for a suitable choice for upgrading the outdoor section or creating a cozy outdoor space at your home. Here are some essential features that help you find the best carpet choice for your space easier:
- Weather resistance: Modern carpets resist water, mold, and mildew. Therefore, they can be easily used in places with high humidity levels.
- UV protection: Outdoor carpets made from synthetic fibres are resistant to sun exposure and can keep their vibrant colour for years without fading.
- Durability: Outdoor carpets are designed to withstand high foot traffic whether it is poolside or a high-traffic backyard.
- Ease of cleaning: Many outdoor carpets can be cleaned with pure water or even bleaching, so it is completely easy to maintain.
Why polypropylene (olefin) is the best choice for outdoor carpets?
Propylene also known as olefin is the most common material that is used for outdoor carpets due to its specific characteristics and key features that have been earlier mentioned in this article. Here are some benefits of olefin outdoor carpets:
- UV stabilization: Polypropylene carpets are 100% UV-stabilized and fade-resistant against sunlight.
- Waterproof backing: Most of the olefin carpets have resin and gel foam backings which make them waterproof. They are ideal for areas around water (like pools) or humid spaces.
- Stain resistance: Polypropylene carpets are stain-resistant, so they are perfect for outdoor gatherings where there is always the possibility of drink or food stains to happen.
- Sanitation: Olefin carpets are so easy to clean (even with simple water) and they are a hygienic option for families with kids.
- Safety: Polypropylene carpets are perfect for areas like around swimming pools as they can reduce the possibility of slipping and increase a safe surface for barefoot.
Types of outdoor carpets
Besides the material of the outdoor carpets which is better to be polypropylene, the type of carpets is also important. Each type of carpet is designed with specific features to answer different needs, from high-traffic areas to humid environments. Here are the main types of outdoor carpets and their benefits.
1. Flat-woven carpets
Flat-woven carpets are made from 100% polypropylene on the back and surface. The flat-woven carpets are:
- Durable for high foot traffic.
- Resistant to fading.
- Stylish with different patterns and textures to fulfill every interest and outdoor decor.
2. Marine carpets
Marine carpets are specifically designed to be used in damp environments. They are ideal for water-prone areas like poolsides. The marine carpets have:
- Waterproof resin and gel foam backings.
- High durability against high-moisture environments, such as pools.
- Resistance to water damage, mold, and mildew.
Factors to consider when choosing the right outdoor carpet
When choosing the best outdoor carpet among various products, it is important to consider some essential factors with which you can have a better and more successful outdoor carpet choice.
- Location: The first and most important note to consider is the place where you plan to use the outdoor carpet. For places that are prone to moisture and water, it is better to select marine carpets.
- Usage: It is also critical to consider the average activities that are going to be done at the outdoor space. If it is going to be a playground for kids or a place with high foot traffic, it is better to look for products with higher durability against wear and tear.
- Style: As there is a wide range of outdoor carpet models, look for the carpet color and style that best suits your home and furniture design.
- Maintenance: Ensure the outdoor carpet product that you choose is easy enough to clean regularly and does not have a special maintenance routine.
- Safety: Look for anti-slips carpets if you plan to carpet a wet outdoor area like the surrounding area of a swimming pool.
Maintenance tips for outdoor carpets
After selecting and flooring your outdoor space with a suitable carpet, it is time to know more about their maintenance. Keep in mind that:
- You need to regularly clean the carpet to remove dirt and small stains.
- If there are big and tough stains on the outdoor carpets that cannot be removed and cleaned easily, you can look for a bleach or mild cleaning product to remove hard stains.
- If you do not use the carpet in a specific period of time or weather condition, it is better to keep the carpet in a dry area to prolong its lifetime.
- Check the signs of wear, or dirt regularly, especially after extreme weather conditions.
Conclusion
Outdoor carpets are a practical and stylish solution to create a cozy outdoor space at your property. However, it is important to know some details and features of a suitable outdoor carpet such as material or maintenance. In this situation, it is always best to consult a flooring expert for a professional product selection and installation consultation. MA Flooring in Melbourne is a carpet installer and wholesaler that offers different flooring services such as laminate flooring or engineered timber installation. You can contact our flooring experts for more details.