How To Install Outdoor Carpet

 Remember the 1970s when the only choice available in indoor -
outdoor carpet was that wonderful [not] golf course green turf.
It's no wonder that the word outdoor carpet sends shudders down
a person's spine. But those days are gone. 

 Today there are a wide selection of both colors and textures
from the very plush to the basic. You can even choose varying
grades of carpet. So all that's left to know is how to install
outdoor carpet. 

 Before we get into how to install outdoor carpet let's have a
look at the tools you'll need.  50 lb Carpet Roller -
optional but well worth the rental fee because of the nice tight
seal it provides. 

 Utility Knife - make sure the blade is sharp 

 Straight Edge 

 Adhesive Spreader 

 Scissors 

 Tape Measure  You will require the following
materials  Double faced carpet tape 

 Adhesive 

 Adhesive solvent [mild] 

 Seam Adhesive 

 Solvent To Ensure The Surface is Clean  

Some things you should be aware of.   If you are
buying outdoor carpet that is going to be prone to dampness or
serious wetness be sure the carpet has an all weather marine
backing that is resistant to moisture. 

 Outdoor carpet can be purchased in either 6 foot or 12 foot
widths. 

 Sundecks or areas that get a large amount of sun should be
installed using a quality outdoor carpet adhesive to ensure
there are no problems with rot or mildew. 

 Adhesives are flammable so do not use around open flames,
cigarettes, pilot lights, or any other source of flame.  

Now to the main attraction, how to install outdoor carpet
 

1. Prepare your surface

 

 Make sure you have properly prepared your surface by using a
solvent to remove all grime and dirt. Let it dry out completely
before installing the carpet. The best conditions for installing
your carpet are in a humidity range from 10% to 65%, and
temperatures between 55 F and 95 F.

 

 2. Unroll

 

 Unroll the carpet in the location where you are going to
install it. Let is sit for an hour or two to allow for expansion.

 

 3. Tape room

 

 Take your two sided double tape and place the tape around the
outer edge of the room on the sub floor. Make sure there is no
more than a 2 foot spacing between each strip of tape. Leave the
protective paper on the top side of the tape so as not to loose
the adhesion.

 

 4. Center It

 

 Next center the carpet in the room. Position it so the edges
are able to curl up against the wall. Allow at least 3" on each
side. You can trim excess away later.

 

 5. Cut A Ways

 

 Trim around protrusion and outside corner edges by making a
vertical slice down the carpet. Remember cutting a corner
correctly makes installing your carpet much easier.

 

 6. Inside Corners

 

 To fit your carpet on inside corners you need to do a V cut
where it over laps. Move slow and carefully when making these
cuts so that you do not cut too far. 

 

 7. Seams

 

 If your room needs to be seamed be sure you have the pile
running in the same direction so that the seam is the least
noticeable. You should overlap from 2 to 3 inches.

 

 To make a double cut seam take your straight edge and utility
knife and cut through both layers at exactly the same time using
the tools together.

 

 8. Wall To Center

 

 Start against the wall and then fold the carpet back half way
but don't move the half that still down.

 

 9. Apply Adhesive

 

 If you are doing a permanent installation this is when you will
use your adhesive [make sure the room is well ventilated]. Take
a notched spreader, apply adhesive, and then apply the adhesive
to the sub floor. Follow instructions on the adhesive.

 

 10. Unroll

 

 Now slowly roll the carpet you rolled back earlier back into
place. Smooth out any bumps and make sure you've got it lined up
properly. If you were careful rolling it back all should be fine.

 

 11. Repeat

 

 Repeat the entire process above for the other side of the room
now.

 

 12. Carpet Roller

 

 Now take your carpet roller [if you rented one] and run it
across the entire carpet to get the adhesive to properly adhere
all over the carpet. 

 

 13. Trim

 

 Now is the time to use that sharp utility knife and trim away
the excess on the edges around the outside of the room. Now is
the time to clip any threads you see as well so that they don't
start to unravel.

 

 14. Clean Up

 

 Clean away any excessive adhesive using a mild solvent. Follow
the instructions provided by the manufacturer. 

 

 15. Connect The Dots

 

 Or in this case connect the rooms. If you are laying outdoor
carpet in more than one room use metal binder strips to cover
the join.  

 That's it! If you followed these how to install outdoor carpet
steps you should be an outdoor carpet layer pro by now! And
think of all the money you saved not having to call in the pros.
So what's your next project?

 



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John Murray makes it easy to go through the carpet buying
process and provides tips to keep your carpet lasting long. To
learn more and receive your free mini-course visit the carpet
rugs website