Before laying your carpet you should prepare the surface. When laying indoor-outdoor carpet you can adhere it to the surface or just lay it down. You can adhere it using double-sided tape, carpet adhesive, or carpet tacks depending on the surface. The main thing you need to be sure of is that the area you are applying the carpet to is dry, clean, and not rough. If you are applying over wood decks it will be beneficial to the life of the deck and carpet if you use an outdoor sealer before laying the carpet.
Following is a list of preparation doβs for different surfaces:
β’ Plywood β clean, dry, apply sealer
β’ Painted or varnished/waxed wood β clean, dry, sand, apply sealer
β’ Swimming pool decks β clean and dry
β’ Asphalt β clean and dry
β’ Concrete β clean and dry
β’ Marble/ceramic/stone/brick β clean and dry
Indoor-outdoor carpet usually comes in six foot and twelve foot widths. Do not try to save a few pennies by getting the exact measurement. Get a little extra in case your tape was off or the tape in the store was off. You can take away from but cannot add to without seaming. It is a good idea to add at least six inches to width and length so when trimming or cutting corners you donβt end up with gaps.
Be sure to always use a quality brand adhesive. Depending upon where your carpet it laid using a good adhesive will help cut down on mildew problems and curling. If the carpet curls up because of poor adherence it can get moisture underneath causing mildew problems and eventually the rest of the carpet will come loose.
It is very easy to install indoor-outdoor carpet once your surface is prepared. Generally speaking do not install if the temperature is below 50 F and when it is warmer than 90 F. It is also good to install when the humidity is low.
Before you put down adhesive or tape unroll the carpet in the area where it will be installed and let it lay for an hour or so. If you are laying the carpet in an area that has cutouts then find another space large enough for the carpet to lay flat before installation.
When using double-sided tape place it around the outside edge of the area using a wider strip at the corners and put strips every two feet from edge to edge. Make sure you do not take both sides of the paper off. Once the tape is in place lay the carpet down centered in the area letting the carpet curl up against the wall. Roll half the carpet back up and remove the paper from the tape and carefully roll the carpet back into place being sure to smooth out all wrinkles or buckles. Repeat for rest of carpet.
If you are using adhesive use a notched spreader to apply to the surface. Always follow the instructions on the can or bottle as to application process. Roll the carpet halfway up and apply the adhesive to the surface. Then slowly roll the carpet back down smoothing out the bumps and wrinkles as you go. Repeat the process for remaining carpet.
Use of a carpet roller will help to guarantee a secure application with both tape and adhesive. You can rent carpet rollers from rental stores and some carpet stores will even let you use a carpet roller if you purchased your carpet there.
Always make sure to clip off any raveled ends to keep them from unraveling any more. Be sure to use seam adhesive if you have to seam pieces together. Also use metal binder strips on stairs or where two different surfaces meet.
