Having outdoor carpet for decks may not be your first instinct when setting up your outdoor living area. However, outdoor carpeting has many benefits and perks, along with being a fashionable and functional item for your deck. They are slip resistant, keep your feet protected, and lend style to your outdoor living space.
Curious what the best outdoor carpet for decks might be? We’ve compiled an informative guide with all the information you might need about outdoor carpeting and rugs. Whether you have a wooden deck, a composite deck, or simply a cement patio, we have details for you!
What is Outdoor Carpet?
Outdoor carpet is exactly what it sounds like, and is different from indoor carpet in many ways. Outdoor carpeting is usually made out of a low pile material that resists mold, mildew, and other things from getting trapped inside of it.
Outdoor carpeting is made to resist harsh weather conditions, such as rain and snow. It is also usually UV-resistant and fade resistant so that you can leave your rug outside season after season. These rugs are often made of highly synthetic materials, or all natural materials, such as jute.
How Do You Install Outdoor Carpet on Decks?
One of the best things about outdoor carpeting is that you don’t really need to take the time to install it. Much like a rug in your living room or inside your home, you can simply lay down outdoor carpeting on your deck or patio.
You can also purchase rug adhesive or durable double sided sticking tape to fix your rug to your deck. Make sure that the adhesive you purchase works with whatever material you are trying to attach to, such as wood, cement, or composite decking.
Can You Use Outdoor Carpet on a Wooden Deck?
Yes, you can use outdoor carpet on a wooden deck. However, it is important to pay attention to your rug and deck after it rains. And outdoor carpet can resist mold and mildew pretty easily, but moisture often gets trapped underneath outdoor carpeting and against your wooden deck.
While all wooden decks should be sealed against moisture, the seals can be tested if moisture gets trapped between your carpet and decking. I recommend pulling up the carpeting and allowing the deck surface to dry between rainy seasons.
Many outdoor carpet users prefer to use their rugs on composite or concrete patios. If you are using your outdoor carpeting on a wooden deck, you should consider rolling it up and storing it for the winter months. This will extend the life of both your rug and your deck.
What Material is Best for Outdoor Carpets?
Some of the best materials for outdoor carpets include all-weather polypropylene and polyester fiber. These materials are used in many of our rug options, listed below. Polypropylene will dry faster, making it a better choice for your deck.
There are also many natural products used for outdoor carpets, such as coconut fibers or jute. If you are comfortable with a more natural looking carpet, there’s no doubt one available for you. There’s one on our list, in fact!
It is best to avoid traditional carpeting material, as these are not designed for outdoor use. They are more likely to mold and can’t hold up to season after season of use.
3 Best Outdoor Carpet Options
Ready to view some of our top choices for the best outdoor carpet options? Let’s go over the pros and cons of some of these outdoor carpets now.
1. House, Home and More Indoor-Outdoor Double-Ribbed Carpet 
This outdoor carpet from House, Home and More is ideal for outdoor use. It is made of durable synthetic materials, and will resist most all weather conditions. However, it only comes in one color, which may put a damper on your outdoor décor.
Despite this lack of style, it is perfect for slippery decks. It is skid resistant and UV-resistant as well, durable enough for a busy household full of kids and pets. Plus, it comes in 12 different sizes to fit any outdoor area!
This rug is also easy to clean, and you can use either a leaf blower or a hose to clear off any debris. It traps a decent amount of dirt, which keeps the dirt out of your home.
2. Happybuy Boat Carpet
Available in six colors and eight different sizes, this outdoor carpet from Happybuy Boat is an ideal solution for your backyard patio. It is made of a high-quality synthetic material and the rug itself isn’t very thick, which means you are less likely to trip over it.
UV-resistant and waterproof, this carpet may be ideal for wooden decks as it will prevent water from leaking through. It is easy to clean non-slip, so it is ideal for many different patios and deck situations.
3. No Slip Ice and Snow Carpet (Winter Option)
If you’re looking for an all-natural way to prevent ice and snow from building up on your outdoor deck or patio, check out this carpet from ZeeDix. Made of all natural coconut shell fibers, these carpets are ideal for slippery stairways and outdoor living areas.
There’s no need to install these with any adhesive or complicated methods. Simply lay them down on your outdoor patio and make sure they have been adequately compressed before you test them in snowy weather or winter conditions. They are naturally moisture resistant, making them ideal for outdoor living areas.
Alternatives to Outdoor Carpet
If outdoor carpeting isn’t quite what you’re looking for, here are some alternative options for your outdoor deck or patio. These may be a bit more stylish and more in line with your current outdoor living area!
Use Artificial Grass as an Outdoor Carpet!
Did you know that you can use artificial grass as outdoor carpeting? Synthetic grass is gaining popularity for many reasons, mainly for its affordability and environmental friendliness. It’s breathable, versatile, and looks great! Buy some on Amazon here, available in hundreds of sizes.
Artificial grass is useful if you are looking for a low maintenance natural look to your backyard living area. Your pets and kids will no doubt enjoy it, and you will lend a unique look and feel to your patio or deck. It’s definitely something to look into, whether or not you have a real lawn!
Buy an Outdoor Rug!
Believe it or not, there is a difference between outdoor rugs and carpets. Most outdoor carpeting is rolled up and is more for slip resistance than style or exterior design. If you buy an outdoor rug however, you’re investing in a stylish piece for your deck or patio while still gaining a water resistant rug.
Outdoor rugs are waterproof, very low cost, and look the best! They are available in a wide variety of sizes and colors as well. Check out our best outdoor rugs for decks and patios by clicking here. You should also consider reading our “Can Outdoor Rugs Get Wet Guide” by clicking here.
Outdoor Carpet FAQs
Still have questions about outdoor carpeting? Read our handy FAQ guide to learn more.
Can You Use Indoor Carpet Outdoors?
You can use indoor carpet outdoors, but it is not recommended. Most indoor carpeting absorbs liquid and moisture, which will lead to a very moldy rug on your deck or patio. Bugs and other pests are also more likely to live in indoor carpeting given its high pile material.
Most carpets and rugs will be labeled whether or not they are for indoor or outdoor use. Mold and mildew can spread very easily through carpet fibers, which is why choosing an outdoor rug for outdoor use is necessary.
There are some outdoor rugs that can mold or mildew, even if they are labeled as outdoor use. If you are worried about ruining your new carpet or rugs, it is recommended that you thoroughly dry it and roll it up for storage during the winter months. This may be necessary if you live in a particularly wet location.
How to Remove Outdoor Carpet Glue?
If you have recently removed outdoor carpeting that has been stuck down with durable glue or adhesive, you may be wondering how to remove the residue. The steps can vary depending on whether or not you have a wood, composite, or concrete deck.
For concrete decks, you can make up a simple mixture of boiling water and soap, preferably laundry detergent. Pour this mixture over your glue residue and allow it to sit. Take a wire scrub brush or another type of powerful scrubber to the glue and remove it.
Both concrete and composite decks can be power washed as well, and this should be the next step you take after trying the laundry soap and water method. Sometimes carpet glue residue is difficult to remove, so pressure washing can assist with this process.
You should avoid power washing your wooden deck, as you will potentially damage the wood. You can remove outdoor carpet glue from your wooden deck using the laundry soap and boiling water process. You may also consider a commercial grade glue remover for your wooden deck, as many scrub brushes or power washing methods will damage the wood.
Soaking the glue residue on your wooden deck is always a good idea, and you can do this with laundry soap and water or white vinegar. You should try to get the glue as soft as possible before using a putty knife or scraper to scrape the residue off.
Does Black Outdoor Carpet Get Hot in the Sun?
Yes, black outdoor carpet does get hot in the sun. Given the color of it, it is safe to say that black rugs or carpeting can get uncomfortably warm in the summertime. If you live in a very hot and sunny location, you may consider purchasing outdoor carpeting or rugs that are light in color. No one wants to burn their bare feet on black outdoor carpeting!
How Do You Clean Outdoor Carpet?
One of the benefits of outdoor carpet or rugs is that they are fairly easy to clean. You should clean your outdoor carpet to avoid any pests or bugs living in it, as well as for the safety of any bare feet that may be walking upon it.
You can clean your outdoor carpet using a water and vinegar mixture, as well as any commercial grade carpet cleaning products. These can be especially useful if you plan on spot treating any severe stains. You can also use a mixture of hot water and laundry detergent, as this method will smell a bit better than water and vinegar.
The most important part about cleaning your outdoor carpeting or rug is allowing ample time for it to dry out. While most outdoor carpets and rugs are water resistant and mold or mildew resistant, you should still make sure that your carpet is dry on both sides before letting it rest on top of your deck again. This helps extend the life of both your carpet and your deck.
Final Thoughts
Choosing to install an outdoor carpet on your deck or patio can be a real game-changer for your outdoor living space. Whether you are doing it for safety, style, or something else, choosing an outdoor carpet or rug and knowing how to care for it can make your outdoor living space feel more like home.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.