Outdoor carpet choices, styles and applications have become almost overwhelming, and the builder or homeowner is faced with a far more difficult choice than at the times when there were only a few options.

There are different types of carpets for all kind of specialized uses and situations, and depending on where outside your house you want to put it, there are more choices.

Still, one of the most important and primary considerations is the amount of dampness that the carpet will be subject to. This will be a primary determinant of the underlying needed quality, and therefore of cost.

The majority of outdoor carpet is made from Olefin While not being the best choice for indoor carpets due to the material's jagged texture, it is a great filament for outdoor carpeting. Olefin is very resistant to stains, moisture, and sunlight. The latter characteristic means that your carpet's colors won't fade.

The simplest version of this kind of carpet that you will find is the Astroturf-like grassy material, well-known from stadiums and such. The basic artificial grass types are a little threadbare, and only good for areas that are not subject to heavy use.

On the other hand, thicker and better quality grass style outdoor carpet can be laid down almost anywhere, and is also much more resistant to heavy traffic. Generally speaking, it is a better and more long-lived option.

The other big family of outdoor carpets is based on imitating indoor styles, but adding waterproofing. The materials are mostly synthetic, but plant-based or woolen outdoor carpets also exist. Most have a water-repellent backing and are treated to be highly mold-resistant.

To a certain extent, you can judge outdoor carpets according to similar criteria than for indoor carpet. For instance, look at the density, check the backing, the trimming and finishing, and so on.

Always check the backing of the carpet, as this is the main element that blocks moisture from seeping up the ground and that ensures that the outdoor carpet will have a long life.

Look at the offers of more than one seller and don't skim on a bit of money going for the cheaper option as it will last much less and leave you with the need to replace that outdoor carpet.