There was a time when carpets were used only indoors to improve the beauty of a place and get the maximum underfoot comfort. But now, these floor covers are not only used indoors. You can also install them in outdoor areas like terraces, balconies, entrances, gardens, and many others. The beautifully designed outdoor carpets make your exteriors inviting and functional. Commonly, people think that outdoor and indoor carpets are the same thing. But this is not true. Both of these carpet types are used to cover the floor, but they are different from each other in various aspects.
To clear this confusion, this blog is a detailed guide on outdoor carpets vs. indoor carpets: What’s the difference? So, without any delay, let’s start reading.
Top Differences Between Outdoor and Indoor Carpets
When you plan to buy carpets online or from a shop, you must know the differences between indoor and outdoor floor coverings to make an informed decision. For our readers, below are the detailed descriptions of the differences between these two carpets.
1. Materials Of the Carpets
The most common difference among these two floor covers is that they are designed from different materials. The choice of materials depends on the needs of the space. For instance, if we talk about indoor living room carpets, then they are specifically installed for the comfort and beauty of the place. So, they are commonly manufactured by using soft materials. Some of the commonly used materials include nylon, wool, olefins, polyester, and more. All of these fabrics are delicate, so they do not withstand harsh outdoor weather conditions. Besides all that, if you leave these floor covers in the harsh sunlight for a longer duration, then their color will fade away in a very minimal time.
On the other hand, for the outdoor floor covers, weather-resistant synthetic fabrics are being used. Some widely used fabric options include acrylic, polypropylene, triexta, and more. Besides all that, these fabrics have high knot density to withstand high foot traffic. The use of UV-resistant dye keeps them vibrant for many years. To deal with the humidity of the surroundings, the materials used for these carpets are mild and mildew resistant.
2. Design and Texture Differences
The thing that makes these carpets different from each other is their designs and texture. The indoor carpets are mostly available in both high-pile and low-pile textures. So you can choose the one you like and looks best in your home. The bedroom carpets commonly have floral, geometrical, and abstract patterns. Moreover, you can buy them in almost every color scheme, from light to dark hues to complement every interior.
When we talk about outdoor carpets, it usually comes with very basic patterns like polka dots, flower bunches, etc. Besides all that, these outdoor floor covers have low-piles that prevent water and dust from collecting inside the fibers. Moreover, they are mostly available in dark colors to conceal the stains.
3. Lifespan and Durability
The third and key difference between indoor and outdoor floor coverings is lifespan and durability. Mostly, outdoor floor coverings are highly durable and have a longer lifespan. With their weather-resistant materials and sturdy build, they can last for many years under high-foot traffic. They are not as comfy as the indoor floor covers but have a longer lifespan. In the case of indoor floor coverings, as we have already mentioned, they are designed using delicate materials, so they will not last long under rough conditions. If you want to enjoy their functionality for a long duration, then make sure to buy them from a reliable source that offers a warranty. Still, they are less durable than the outdoor floor covers.
4. Maintenance and Cleaning
The maintenance and cleaning of these floor coverings varies. But it is crucial to keep them in their best condition. Let’s learn about the cleaning and maintenance of indoor floor coverings. To keep them in their best condition, you need to vacuum them on a daily basis. Moreover, to thoroughly clean the dirt build, you need to deep clean them once in a month. Lower pile carpets do not trap as much dust as higher ones. Ultimately, high-pile floor covers require more cleaning and maintenance than the lower piles.
Outdoor floor coverings do not require daily vacuuming. The artificial grass and some of the other carpets for the exterior can be hosed down with water to remove dirt, dust, and food spills very easily. Ultimately, the cleaning and maintenance of these floor covers are easier and effortless than indoor ones.
5. Weather Resistance
Outdoor floor covers are specifically designed to withstand harsh sunlight, humidity, and sand. Moreover, the fibers of these carpets do not absorb water, so there will be very minimal to low chances of mold and mildew build-up. In simple words, outdoor floor covers have more weather resistance. However, when we talk about the indoor floor covers, they do not deal with the moisture build-up. For instance, if you do not treat spills immediately, there will be a high chance of mildew growth. Moreover, the more prolonged sunlight exposure of these stair carpets fades their colors.
6. Places to Install
As their names suggest, indoor and outdoor carpets are designed to be installed in different areas. The indoor floor covers can be installed in your bedroom, living room, office, hallways, dining room, guest room, hotel, etc. The ideal places to install outdoor floor coverings include the poolside space, balconies, decks, patios, outdoor kitchens, garden seating areas, and entrances. If you want to enjoy the maximum functionality of these carpets, you must install them at their dedicated places.
7. Price Point of View
Both of these carpets are available in different price tags. But in general, the price of indoor floor covers are more as compared to the outdoor ones. The reason is that they are designed using high-end and luxurious fabrics like wool, sisal, and more. On the other side, the carpets for the exteriors are manufactured using artificial materials like nylon, polypropylene, and more that are a bit affordable. But if you are planning to buy custom-made luxurious carpets for your exteriors, then it will also cost much.
Can You Mix and Match These Carpets?
Another common question that most people have is whether they can use outdoor carpets indoors. So, the answer is yes. You can shop for these carpets in the color, designs, style, and patterns that look best with your interior theme. But we never recommend you install indoor carpets outdoors; the reason is they will not withstand the harsh weather conditions.
Final Words
The indoor and outdoor carpets are different with respect to their material, designs, textures, durability, maintenance, and lifespans. The indoor floor covers are best for offering comfort, warmth, and luxury in your indoor places. Meanwhile, the carpets for outdoors are highly weather-resistant, durable, and very easy to clean. Besides all that, you can install the outdoor floor covers indoors to enjoy their benefits. Be sure to choose carpets that suit the aesthetics and functional needs of your space, whether residential or commercial.
