Carpeting can make decks, patios more enjoyable
Q. I like to walk outdoors in my bare feet. The concrete patio and wood deck surfaces are old and rough. Is there any type of soft carpeting or other covering which will withstand the weather?
A. Concrete and wood decking are not only hard on the bottoms of feet, but they can also get hot in the sun, making these surfaces even more irritating on which to walk. Covering the surfaces with some type of more comfortable material can also protect the surface of a wooden deck from the damaging effects of the sun.
There are a number of materials you can use to cover the surfaces depending upon the appearance and feel you desire. One material to use is an Astro Turf-type covering used on some sporting fields. It is usually placed over concrete, so it would work for your patio. It will also make the patio blend in better with adjacent landscaping.
Another commercial covering to try is the green grass carpeting used at miniature golf courses. This will work equally well on the wood deck or the concrete patio. Since it was developed for outdoor use and much foot traffic, it resists the sun's damaging rays and the abuse from feet.
This type of grass carpeting is made from polypropylene plastic fibers. This plastic is excellent for outdoor use because it does not absorb water and it can be tinted with bright pigments. Nylon carpeting tends to hold some water, but it is more crush resistant to maintain its thickness.
Once you select the type and texture of outdoor carpeting, you must choose a color. Lighter colors with a subdued tint reflect light well and give the area a more open feel. Choosing cool colors make the floor appear to recede, creating a sense of more depth. Whatever color you select, make sure the pigments and the base materials include ultraviolet light inhibitors.
Standard indoor/outdoor carpeting is available in many quality grades. In addition to the price, the thickness of the carpeting is often a good indicator of its quality. Carpeting with an all-weather, marine-type of backing will be the most moisture and mildew resistant.
If your patio or deck are on the exact same level as an adjacent floor indoors, consider running the same indoor/outdoor carpeting into the house for a few feet. This creates a visual link between the two areas and provides durable carpeting where your children's dirty shoes first enter the house from outdoors.
The majority of this carpeting is sold in rolls that are 6 or 12 feet wide. When determining how much carpeting to purchase, add in the width of seam overlap if you need several pieces. Always run the seams parallel to the light source so they are less apparent. Also, try to locate the seams in lower traffic areas.
The carpeting can be attached to the deck or patio with adhesive, double-sided tape or just loose. For outdoor use, where children will be running over it, it is best to use adhesive to make sure it stays in place. The packaging for the carpeting you select should indicate the recommended type of adhesive for the backing material. Always install carpeting on a dry sunny day for faster drying time of the adhesive.
• Send questions to Ms. Builder, c/o Daily Herald, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244, or visit dulley.com/msbuilder.
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