Consider These Downsides Before Choosing Indoor/outdoor Carpet For Your Patio

Whether you're planning on designing a patio or want to remodel a patio floor only, budget can be a key factor. If you cannot afford the expense of new concrete, stone tiles, or wood, you might consider indoor/outdoor carpeting as a more budget-friendly option. This hybrid flooring material may be used indoors, but is durable enough for placement outdoors, too. Compared with carpeting that is exclusive for indoor spaces, indoor/outdoor carpets are made with synthetic fibers that are designed to hold up better against moisture, UV rays, and typical wear-and-tear. With all that said, this doesn't mean that indoor/outdoor carpeting is completely immune to the elements. Some of the greatest downsides to indoor/outdoor carpeting are its need for regular maintenance and possible health and environmental dangers.

The first consideration for a new indoor/outdoor carpet is the care involved. On the whole, patio carpeting is considered pretty low-maintenance, but this doesn't mean the material won't require some upkeep from time to time. As with any carpeting you have inside your home, an indoor/outdoor carpet requires regular vacuuming or sweeping to help remove dirt, debris, and allergens. You may even need to hose down outdoor carpeting in cases where mud or other caked-on debris accumulate. While largely stain-resistant, indoor/outdoor carpets are not completely immune to all types of stains, so you will need to address these promptly to prevent permanent discoloration. All of these steps are important to ensure your patio carpet doesn't become disgusting and require a replacement too soon.

Overall, indoor/outdoor carpeting can be a great choice for allergy sufferers in your family. Still, these benefits can only go so far with proper maintenance. One of the biggest downsides of an indoor/outdoor carpet is its risk for mildew and mold growth. Your patio floor may be particularly vulnerable to these health dangers if rain, snow, or other sources of moisture soak the carpeting and it does not adequately dry. Installing padding underneath the carpet can prevent mold from ruining your patio floors while also keeping your family safe. Still, when compared with other patio flooring options, carpeting may be the least hygienic from a mold standpoint.

Also, if you're looking for more eco-friendly flooring for your patio, an indoor/outdoor carpet may not necessarily be your best option. Since the carpet is designed to withstand outdoor elements, the flooring is made with synthetic fibers. The good news is some companies have recognized that most indoor/outdoor carpets are not biodegradable and have changed their manufacturing processes to include recycled materials, such as water bottles. However, many rugs and carpets are not made with recycled materials. Before buying a carpet for your patio, you may consider checking with the manufacturer to see if the material is recyclable, and exactly what it is made of.