How to Install Outdoor Carpet on a Deck

Installing outdoor carpet on your deck can provide a comfortable, slip-resistant, and attractive surface for outdoor living and entertaining. While it may seem intimidating, installing outdoor carpet on a deck is a doable DIY project if you have some basic carpentry skills and follow key preparation and installation steps.

Introduction to Installing Outdoor Carpet on Decks

Outdoor carpeting is a versatile and affordable way to finish a deck surface. It comes in a wide variety of colors, textures, and patterns to complement your home’s exterior. Outdoor carpet offers many benefits compared to bare wood or composite decking:

Comfortable underfoot. Outdoor carpet provides a soft, padded surface that is gentle on feet when walking barefoot. This is especially nice for kids playing on the deck.
Slip resistance. Outdoor carpeting has a grippy texture to prevent slips and falls when the deck is wet from rain or early morning dew. This is a safety feature families with young children will appreciate.
Sound dampening. Carpet will muffle the echoes from walking across an empty deck platform. This can make entertaining more pleasant by reducing noise.
Insulation. Carpet provides a thermal barrier separating the decking boards from your feet. This makes the deck surface feel warmer.
Aesthetics. Outdoor carpeting comes in colorful patterns and textures that can complement your home’s exterior color scheme. It hides flaws and stains on weathered deck boards.
Affordable option. Outdoor carpet is a budget-friendly way to refresh your existing deck compared to the cost of replacing deck boards or refinishing the deck wood.

Installing it does take some DIY skills in carpentry and working with deck construction materials. But the carpet can be removed later if desired, restoring your deck back to its original condition. Follow the steps below to learn proper methods for preparing your deck and installing outdoor carpeting.

Planning and Preparing for Carpet Installation

Installing outdoor carpet well requires careful planning and preparation. Rushing into the installation without proper planning often leads to carpet failures and headaches down the road. Follow these tips when planning your outdoor carpet deck project:

Choose an Appropriate Outdoor Carpet Material

Several types of outdoor carpeting are available:

Polypropylene – This synthetic turf carpet is a very popular choice. It is stain and fade resistant. The woven backing allows water drainage. Polypropylene outdoor carpet is strong and durable. It comes in vast color and pattern choices.
Olefin – Another synthetic carpet fiber that is colorfast and stain-resistant like polypropylene. Olefin has good durability for outdoor use.
Polyethylene – This is an artificial grass carpet made from recycled plastic bottles. It has excellent drainage and is fade resistant. Polyethylene outdoor turf is generally less expensive than other options.
Nylon – One of the strongest synthetic fibers that is stain-resistant and colorfast. However, nylon will fade faster than polypropylene when exposed to sunlight. It’s best used in shaded locations.
Natural Fibers – Outdoor carpets are available in natural fibers like jute, sisal, coir, and seagrass. However, these degrade faster than synthetics. Natural fiber carpets work best in covered locations protected from rain and sun.

Make sure to select an outdoor carpet style rated for exterior use. Indoor-only carpeting will quickly fail outside. Measure the total square footage of your deck to determine how much carpeting is required.

Inspect and Repair the Deck

Before installation, examine the deck thoroughly looking for any needed repairs. Here are key things to check:

Loose, cracked, warped, or rotten deck boards. Replace or fasten these boards prior to carpet installation.
Make sure deck railings, posts, and stairs are secure.
Look for protruding nails, screws, or splinters that could damage the carpet. Hammer these down or remove them.
Verify the joists, beams, and substructure under the decking are solid and level. Make any needed structural repairs.
Ensure decking boards are properly gapped for drainage. Adjust gap spacing if needed.
Check for wobbly handrails and secure as needed.
Inspect deck flashing around the house for water leaks. Reseal as necessary.
Power wash the deck to remove dirt, mildew, and old deck coating that could prevent carpet adhesion.

Completing repairs prolongs the life of your new outdoor carpet. Take time to thoroughly inspect and fix any issues beforehand.

Purchase Proper Materials and Tools

These items are needed for a proper outdoor carpet deck installation:

Outdoor carpet adhesive – Use an exterior-rated adhesive for pressure-sensitive carpet designed for outdoor installations. Adhesive choices include tapes, rolled glues, liquid trowel-on adhesives, or adhesive pre-applied to the carpet backing.
Seam tape – Outdoor rated tape to seal seams between carpet rolls. Seam tape with adhesive on both sides is best.
Utility knife and spare blades – For cutting carpet. A hooked blade works well.
Measuring tape
Chalk line and chalk
Hammer and pry bar – For removing old carpet if present
J-roller or weighted floor roller
Push broom or outdoor vacuum – To clean debris prior to install
Gloves and knee pads
Caulk gun if installing liquid adhesive

Shop for materials at home improvement stores or carpet specialty retailers. Buy all needed supplies before starting.

Schedule Installation Based on Weather

Install outdoor carpet on a dry, sunny day when no rain is expected for 48 hours after completion. Dampness will prevent adhesives from properly bonding and curing. Check the weather forecast and avoid installation if heavy rain, snow, or storms are predicted. High humidity also slows adhesive curing. Schedule your project during dry, low humidity conditions.

Acclimate the Carpet

Upon purchasing outdoor carpet, unroll it and lay it out flat on the deck for 24-48 hours prior to installation. This allows it to adjust to the temperature and moisture conditions. Acclimation prevents shrinkage or expansion after the carpet is fully secured down. Place heavy objects around the edges so it lays flat while acclimating.

With proper planning and preparation, you’re ready to move on to the carpet installation steps.

This covers the key installation procedures for adhering outdoor carpet to decking boards. Follow these steps in sequence for best results:

Step 1 – Thoroughly Clean the Deck

Sweep off dirt and debris with an outdoor broom. Use a pressure washer set to under 2000 psi to clean off the decking boards. Let the deck fully dry out for 48 hours after washing. Verify noPooling or standing water remains before moving forward.

Step 2 – Layout the Carpet and Cut to Size

Roll out and unroll the carpet across the deck surface. Pull it tight and square to minimize any wrinkles. Allow excess to overhang the edges. Use chalk to mark trim lines flush with the deck perimeter. Cut the carpet to size with utility knife or hook blade. Seal the edges with seam tape to prevent fraying.

Make relief cuts at corners and projections rather than wrapping carpet around these tightly. Leave some excess material at stairs to be trimmed flush later.

Step 3 – Apply the Adhesive

Follow the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions for proper application. Here are some general guidelines when adhering outdoor carpet to a deck:

For trowel-on liquid adhesive, use a notched trowel to spread it evenly across the deck avoiding lumps and puddles. Work in sections applying adhesive no larger than can be covered before the glue dries.
Always wear gloves when handling adhesive.
If using adhesive-backed carpet, peel away the release paper to expose the sticky surface.
For pressure-sensitive carpet tapes, press the adhesive firmly against the deck surface.
Apply a seam tape adhesive to any seams between carpet rolls.

Step 4 – Roll Out the Carpet

Once adhesive is down, carefully unroll the carpet onto the deck. Press it slowly into the adhesive to bond the backing while removing any air pockets or wrinkles. Use a carpet kicker tool to stretch the carpet tight if needed. For professional results:

Roll widthwise first to adhere the center, then roll lengthwise.
Place some boards under the carpet edge to prevent adhesion until the center is bonded down. Then remove the boards to complete bonding the edges.
Use a hand roller or weighted floor roller to firmly press the entire surface into the adhesive. Roll across width first, then length.
Pay special attention to bond seams tightly.
At edges, trim off any excess carpet after bonding to the deck.

Step 5 – Complete Final Trimming

Once fully adhered, complete final trimming at deck edges and around posts or corners. Use a sharp utility knife on a 45-degree angle to cut the carpet for a neat finish. Avoid pulling or tearing the carpet excess. Seal all trimmed edges with outdoor-rated seam tape.

At stair edges, carefully cut carpet flush without exposing any decking. Secure stair edge trim if needed to prevent tearing over time.

Step 6 – Allow Adhesive to Fully Cure

Follow the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions for full curing time prior to use of the carpet. Typically this is 24-48 hours. Avoid dragging furniture or walking across the carpet during this time. Keep pets or children off the deck until fully cured.

Tips for Seamless Outdoor Carpet Installation

Properly installing seams is crucial for an appealing, long lasting outdoor carpet deck. Here are some professional tips:

Whenever possible, run the length of the carpet perpendicular to the deck boards to minimize seams.
Try to purchase carpet rolls wide enough to cover the full width of the deck to avoid cross-seams.
Align adjacent carpet rolls so the patterns match evenly across the seam.
Never join seams over deck board gaps or low decking areas.
Use seam tape adhesive on both joining edges, not just one. Apply tape to the carpet backing, not the deck.
After taping seams, roll over them firmly with a seam roller to fully bond the tape.
For best durability, avoid seams in high foot traffic areas when possible.
Try to keep seams 6 inches away from deck board edges and gaps.

Taking extra care with seams creates a professional looking installation free of future seam failures.

What to Use for Stairs and Steps

Outdoor carpeting can also be installed on exterior wood or composite stairs and steps. Here are tips for carpeting stairs:

Use a dense low-pile outdoor carpet rated for stairs. Taller carpet piles easily catch heels when ascending.
Only install carpet on steps themselves, not the stair risers.
Thoroughly clean and allow stairs to dry fully before adhesive application.
Apply a quality outdoor stair tape fully across each step tread for durability. Smooth out any air bubbles after application.
At the nose of each step, wrap carpet over and under, adhering it to the tread below. Use seam tape on the underlip for strength.
For landings or step platforms, install as normal deck carpeting, keeping seams 6 inches away from step edges.
Take extra care when trimming carpet edges on stair bullnoses. Avoid any carpet overhang.
Go slow and don’t rush the stair carpeting installation. Measure twice and cut once.

Proper installation of outdoor carpeting transforms wooden or composite stairs into comfortable, slip-resistant staircases that are safer for the whole family to use.

Long-Term Care and Maintenance

While outdoor carpet is durable, ongoing care and maintenance are needed to keep it looking good. Here are recommendations for long-term deck carpet care:

Routinely vacuum using an outdoor vacuum to remove dirt, leaves, pollen, and debris. Spot clean any spills quickly.
Wash occasionally with an outdoor carpet cleaner using low pressure. Allow to fully dry.
In snow regions, promptly remove snow buildup during winter to avoid excessive moisture damage. Use a stiff brush rather than high pressure.
Rotate or move patio furniture occasionally to prevent indented impressions in the carpet pile.
Re-stretch or re-secure sections that become loose or raised over time.
Avoid using bleach or oil-based cleaners which may discolor the carpet fibers.
Consider removal and thorough cleaning at least once per year. Allow the decking below to fully dry before reinstalling the carpet.
Replace the carpet once it becomes excessively worn, stained, or begins to disintegrate. Different outdoor carpet styles have varying life expectancies.

With proper installation techniques and routine care, outdoor carpeting is an easy and cost-effective way to upgrade the look, feel, and functionality of your deck or stairs. The ability to remove it in the future also makes carpeting a flexible and lower commitment option compared to permanent deck resurfacing methods. If refreshing your existing deck, consider installing outdoor carpet as an affordable makeover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install outdoor carpet myself?

Yes. Installing outdoor carpet is a DIY friendly project for a homeowner with basic skills in deck construction, carpentry, and working with adhesives. Handy homeowners should be able to install deck carpeting successfully after reading instructions and watching tutorial videos. More complex designs or very large decks may benefit from hiring a professional installer.

How long does outdoor carpet last on a deck?

With proper installation and maintenance, you can expect outdoor carpet to last 4-8 years typically. Higher quality carpet with strong UV inhibitors will last towards the upper end of this range. Location also impacts longevity. Carpet in full sun or fluctuating moisture fades quicker. Rotate rugs occasionally to even wear. Plan to replace the carpet once it shows significant wear, staining or damage.

Should decking be sealed before carpet installation?

Sealing is not mandatory but can provide added protection from moisture damage especially if adhering carpet to older weathered deck boards. Use an exterior wood or composite deck sealer compatible with carpet adhesives. Allow sealer to fully cure per the manufacturer’s directions before applying carpet.

What about drainage with outdoor carpet?

Outdoor carpet won’t cause drainage issues if the decking beneath has proper joist and board spacing creating drainage channels. Use permeable outdoor carpet styles and make relief cuts at decking edge gaps. This allows water to pass through the carpet and drain freely off the deck. Avoid non-breathable plastic backed or urethane coated options.

Can I install outdoor carpet over old deck carpet?

It’s best to fully remove old carpeting prior to installing new outdoor carpet. However, you can install over a single existing layer of well-bonded carpet if needed. Thoroughly clean and use a heavy duty adhesive like epoxy. Ensure the combined thickness does not create tripping hazards at transitions.

How do I reconnect outdoor carpet that loosened?

Check for dampness or worn adhesive. Completely remove the affected section. Allow decking below to dry fully. Use an adhesive repair kit or liquid adhesive to re-adhere the carpet. Weight it down until the adhesive cures. If needed, replace deteriorated seam tape to prevent further loosening.

Conclusion

Installing outdoor carpet is an approachable project for do-it-yourselfers to upgrade their exterior living space affordably. With proper planning, deck preparation, quality materials, and careful installation, outdoor carpeting can provide years of comfortable barefoot living atop your deck. Always follow manufacturer’s instructions closely. And don’t rush the job – good prep work and patience create durable results. Soon you’ll be enjoying your stylish new carpeted deck for all sorts of outdoor fun.