How to Buy Outdoor Carpet

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Are you looking to jazz up outdoor areas of your home? From porches and patios to walkways, many kinds of small areas beyond your front door can benefit from a little outdoor carpeting. When selecting and buying your online carpeting, it's best to think several years ahead, and go to the store or online site prepared. Read on to learn how to buy outdoor carpet.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step1

Before you decide to buy, consider whether the elements might make outdoor carpeting impractical. Part of this is thinking about getting carpet with better drainage for rain, or figuring out how the walkway will look in the middle of an ice storm.

Step2

Measure the area yourself to know just how many square feet you need, and in which shape. Although many local retailers will measure for you, consumer sites warn that some are not above over-adding and pocketing the remainder. Plus, if you're buying online, you'll need the measurements to seal the deal.

Step3

Look for durability. Find outdoor carpet that will stand up to wildlife and weather. Although retailers offer "plush" carpet for the outdoors, it can turn into a headache, even if the area is covered. Mildew can also be a problem. Try to pick a light, tight-weave, hardy variety.

Step4

Shop online for best prices. Big retail sites like Nextag have varieties of outdoor carpet available. You can also try specialty sites like Outdoor Carpet for a wide selection.

Step5

Arrange delivery. Whether you're going through an online site or a traditional retailer, you'll want to find out how to get the carpet to you and how to install it. Most online stores have shipping information on the site and in local shops, reps can tell you what their delivery schedule is.