Time for an Update
Indoor/outdoor carpeting and rugs have come a long way in the last five years. In no particular order here are features that you will recognize immediately.
- Texture and feel - more and more like conventional carpet. They are softer and more like fabric than plastic. In some instances they are softer than non-indoor/outdoor carpet.
- Colors and patterns - way more options along with more opportunities for customization.
- More water and UV resistant - with the reminder that we live in Florida where the sun and salty humidity are indomitable over time.
- Endless options - material and color choices are more numerous.
Designers Are Putting Indoor/outdoor in More Places
Under dining tables, in children play areas, covered outdoor spaces, stairs, to mention a few.
More Stain and UV Resistant - More Solution Dyed
More and more products are solution dyed. This means that the solution that makes the yarn is colored as opposed to dying the surface of the yarn.
It's more resistant to stains and UV discoloration. We emphasize that we live in Florida where the sun and humidity always win in the long run.
But solution dyed fabric is more resistant to Florida than any other option.
Texture
You must come in and feel the samples. It's the only way to truly get to know this improved feature.
Some of these products have such a traditional feel that one is hard pressed to tell the difference between older carpets and new indoor/outdoor.
The indoor/outdoor sisal lookalike is actually softer than natural sisal and may be preferable to some of you even if you are not seeking flood protection.
L.I.O.N
Luxury Indoor/Outdoor Nylon is like regular nylon carpet and has stain and UV resistant features. It can be installed inside with a pad for a luxurious feel. This product is available exclusively from Stanton.
SPA
The SPA program from is a great example. It offers bold attention getting colors along with the benefits of indoor/ carpet. Custom colors are becoming more and more of a thing. The SPA program is available from Stark Studio Rugs.
Technical Must-knows
Rolls are getting wider
Years ago indoor/outdoor carpet was available only in 13 ft rolls. Since seaming polypropylene (the material of most indoor/outdoor carpet) is all but impossible to do well, it limited the available carpet or rug sizes.
Rolls are getting wider today. We are seeing them as wide as 16 ft.
Still not practical to seam
Most indoor/outdoor installations are fabricated rugs.This is also an advantage if the rug must be taken up to be cleaned.
Pads impractical outside
If they get wet, they will deteriorate quickly. We don't recommend them outdoors
Solution Dying
Florida is Florida. Solution dying is a great leap forward in color fastness, but is not immortal.
Questions? Ask!
Will it work for my client?
What is the likelihood of rough treatment or even a flood?
You can hose it down and hang it out to dry in the sun. But is that practical?
Analyze the space. What staining or flooding risks are there? Would life be better for the homeowner with super stain resistant flood protection?
If the answer is yes, it's time to dive into endless possibilities of today's indoor/outdoor carpet.
Come in and see for yourself! You'll have questions. We have answers.