Ways to Install Outdoor Carpeting

Non-Permanent Installation

• The simplest way to install outdoor carpeting is by performing a non-permanent or dry installation, which essentially entails carpet being laid down as is. This method of installation requires no glue, although it may utilize double-sided tape. According to Carpets-Guide.com, it is beneficial to make sure the outside surface where the carpet is going to be laid is thoroughly clean and clear of debris. Solvents--which can be purchased from hardware stores--can be applied to a rag or mop and used to scrub away oils and dirt. This will help prevent mildew from forming beneath the carpet and help prevent the carpet from rotting. Using a double-sided tape when installing outdoor carpet will help keep the carpet's edges from popping up. You should apply the tape after putting the carpet in place. Simply roll up the edges and apply strips of tape, with no more than 2 feet of space between strips. Double-sided tape will provide some level of adhesion, while still allowing for the carpet to be easily pulled up if necessary, such as for storing it in the winter or replacing it.

Permanent Installation

• Installing an outdoor carpet permanently requires the use of waterproof glue. Often the reverse side of outdoor carpeting is made of a specialized material that is specifically designed for adhering to this glue. According to Carpets-Guide.com, these types of outdoor carpets can be glued directly to concrete and other surfaces, while other types of carpet will require you to put a layer of padding between the carpet and the outdoor surface. It is crucial that you clean and thoroughly dry the surface that will be carpeted or the glue may have difficulty adhering. You should apply the glue--after the carpeting has been positioned in its preferred location--by folding over one side of the carpeting to the middle, and spreading the glue on the reverse side with a paint scraper or other tool that has a wide flat surface. You can then fold the carpeting back into place, smooth out any bumps and repeat the process for the other side. To ensure that permanently installed outdoor carpeting is laid perfectly flat, go over it with a carpet roller after it is glued down. Carpet rollers are long-handled tools with heavy rolling mechanisms at one end. They can be purchased from hardware stores or rented.