True Cost Guide Flooring Buy and Install Indoor-Outdoor Carpeting

How Much Does Indoor-Outdoor Carpet Cost?

Q: What’s the cheapest indoor–outdoor carpet?

Peel and stick carpet tiles run from $1 to $5 per square foot , but they are likely the cheapest option since they are fairly easy to DIY install. Roll carpet costs as little as $0.30 per square foot , but chances are you’ll pay an additional $2 per square foot for installation. To get the cheapest price, opt for carpet without patterns or bright colors. And be sure to talk to a pro to see if they can get you a lower price on certain products.

Q: Can you use outdoor carpet padding?

Outdoor carpet padding costs between $0.75 and $1.30 . Mesh padding can help with drainage when needed, but incorrect padding causes mildew problems because it traps moisture between the carpet and the surface underneath. Consult with a pro to see what will work best in your space.

Typical Range:

$50 - $500

Cost data is based on research by HomeAdvisor.

Updated October 31, 2022

Written by HomeAdvisor.

Indoor-Outdoor Carpeting Prices

Indoor–outdoor carpet costs from $1 to $3.50 per square footwithout labor. To carpet an average 12-by-12-foot room, expect to pay around $500 for materials on the high end. You will want to order at least 10% overage for trim and installation purposes.

To install an indoor-outdoor carpet, expect labor to make up 50% of your final cost. For example, for a 12-foot-by-12-foot room that takes about one day to install, the final cost would be around $650, but can vary based on your location, room specifics, and pro availability.

Indoor–Outdoor Carpet Pricing

Average Cost	High Cost	Low Cost
$275	$500	$140

*For a 12-by-12-foot carpet, materials only

Use these costs to help you choose the right type of carpet for your home.

Indoor–Outdoor Carpet Prices per Square Foot

Expect to pay $1 to $3.50 per square foot for indoor–outdoor carpet and about $3.60 per square yard. Manufacturers often sell this product by the linear foot. They decide on the width of a roll of carpet (often 6 to 12 feet wide, but it varies) and allow you to select the length of the piece. The cost per linear foot depends on the width of the carpet, but ranges from $5 to $7 or more.

Price Per Carpet Roll

The cost of a 1,200-square-foot roll of indoor–outdoor carpet is between $360 and $4,200. Rolls can be anywhere from 6 feet wide to 15 feet wide or more. The cost is largely dependent on the size of the roll.

Outdoor Carpet Tiles

Outdoor carpet tiles average $2.50 per square foot. They can cost as much as $5.25 or more. Most manufacturers sell tiles by the case, with around 10 to 12 tiles per box. This product varies in size, but ranges from about 1 to 2 square feet per section.

Rubber-Backed Outdoor Carpet

Rubber-backed outdoor carpet costs $1.60 to $5.50 per square foot. The backing increases durability, lifespan, and water resistance.

Cost of Indoor–Outdoor Carpet by Area

Area	Cost	Size
Stairs	$115	One Flight (average 12 steps)
Front Porch	$160	8x10 foot
Concrete Patio	$320	16x10 foot
Wood Deck	$700	18x18 foot
Basement	$1,800	30x30 foot
Three-or Four-Season, or Sunroom	$340	12x14 foot
Garage Floor	$1,360	26x26 foot
On Grass	$200	10x10 foot
Bathrooms	$80	5x8 foot
On Boats	$390	8x24 foot

Get Help Comparing Prices of Top Outdoor Carpets

Outdoor Carpet Price Factors

Outdoor carpet comes in several different styles including rugs, rolls, and artificial grass. Rugs do not require installation like rolls or grass often do.

Indoor–Outdoor Carpet Colors

A colorful 9-by-12-foot outdoor rug costs from $30 to $1,000. Indoor–outdoor carpet comes in just about any color you can imagine.

Colorful options are more popular for rugs and decorative outdoor carpet, but these cost more.
Basics like navy, beige, and gray are popular for larger carpeted spaces and tend to cost less per square foot.
Bright white is not as popular for outdoor rugs, as it shows dirt more easily.

Commercial Indoor–Outdoor Carpeting

Commercial indoor–outdoor carpeting runs from $0.90 to about $4 per square foot and works well for commercial use. Element-resistant styles can handle more wear and tear than traditional indoor options.

Indoor–Outdoor Carpet Pricing by Brand

TrafficMASTER: $0.40–$0.95 per square foot. Offer carpet rolls and fake grass options.
GREENLINE: $2.10–$4 per square foot. Artificial grass options.
Well Woven: $2–$3.15 per square foot.
Foss: $0.45–$0.90 per square foot. Both carpet rolls and rugs.
Cabela’s: $1.50–$2.80 per square foot. Boat carpets.

Indoor-Outdoor Carpet vs. Standard Carpet

Most commonly used carpets are made with synthetic materials, but not all synthetic fibers are best for the outdoors. Carpets labeled specifically for indoor-outdoor use are manufactured to be moisture-resistant or waterproof, have UV protection, and have high durability and stain resistance.

While standard carpets may also have some moisture and stain protection, not all are strong enough to withstand the elements from spring showers, snowfall, and muddy boots.

The most common outdoor carpet material is polypropylene (also known as olefin) due to its high stain and mildew resistance. But you may also find options in nylon, polyester, acrylic, and natural fibers (like jute), depending on the manufacturer and your needs.

Benefits of Indoor-Outdoor Carpet

The primary benefit of indoor-outdoor carpet is to have a protective cover for your outdoor surface. Wood and concrete, especially if not properly sealed, can be prone to stains from the outdoors. You can easily wipe clean most indoor-outdoor carpet, keeping the surface underneath blemish-free. Additional pros and cons include:

Pros of Indoor-Outdoor Carpet

Easy cleaning to keep moisture, dirt, and debris out of your home
UV resistant to prevent fading
Cheaper to install than most standard indoor carpets
Adds extra color and design to your space

Cons of Indoor-Outdoor Carpet

No cushion underneath like standard indoor carpets
Majority are made with Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that give off a smell when first installed and may cause respiratory issues
If in a high moisture environment, additional drainage is recommended as high amounts of moisture can still leak through to the surface below, leading to potential repairs
Depending on where the carpet is installed, any surface without the carpet will wear faster than the covered surface resulting in an uneven look

DIY Indoor-Outdoor Carpet Installation vs. Hiring a Pro

Installing indoor-outdoor carpet costs about $4 per square foot for labor and materials. While it is possible to DIY, it is not a simple project. If installed incorrectly, you may paymore later on to fix mistakes.

Installation requires several tools, including:

Utility knife
Straight edge
Tape measure
Adhesive or tape
Carpet roller
Trowel
Sealant

The process is different for each brand. Basically, you will first want to clean the surface where the carpet will go. Then, in some cases, seal the original surface. Next, cut the roll to size. Use some sort of adhesive to stick the carpet to the surface. Then, use a roller or trowel to get rid of bubbles.

This is a time-consuming project with a lot of variables. It is often best to call a carpet installation professional to make sure.

Hire an Indoor-Outdoor Carpet Installer Near You

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best outdoor carpet material?

The best outdoor carpet material is synthetic material like polypropylene or olefin. Polyester and nylon are also options. It should be water-resistant, mold-resistant, and durable. Avoid jute, as it can get moldy over time, leading to both an unsightly appearance and potential health hazards for your pets and kids. It’s well worth spending slightly more early on than replacing jute down the road.

What’s the cheapest indoor–outdoor carpet?

Peel and stick carpet tiles run from $1 to $5 per square foot, but they are likely the cheapest option since they are fairly easy to DIY install. Roll carpet costs as little as $0.30 per square foot, but chances are you’ll pay an additional $2 per square foot for installation.

To get the cheapest price, opt for carpet without patterns or bright colors. And be sure to talk to a pro to see if they can get you a lower price on certain products.

Is outdoor carpet waterproof?

Most outdoor carpet is waterproof or water-resistant. It can withstand more wear and tear than regular indoor types—but don’t rely on your outdoor carpet to withstand heavy conditions. If you’re installing outdoor carpet in a very high moisture area or if your region receives a lot of rainfall, discuss with a pro about adding additional drainage to keep potential mold under control.

Can you use outdoor carpet padding?

Outdoor carpet padding costs between $0.75 and $1.30. Mesh padding can help with drainage when needed, but incorrect padding causes mildew problems because it traps moisture between the carpet and the surface underneath. Consult with a pro to see what will work best in your space.

Does an indoor–outdoor carpet drain?

No, an indoor-outdoor carpet cannot drain water. Indoor-outdoor carpets are water resistant, but the water still needs a place to go. If neglected, your outdoor rug could cause mold or mildew that then damages the surface under it. That’s why it’s important to make sure you:

Regularly clean your outdoor rug.
Dry your rug if it gets too wet (either by hanging it or using a wet vac).
Dry the surface underneath your rug (if possible).
Install it near drainage.
Properly install a backing (if needed).
Don’t install a rug over existing damage, like rot or mold.

Can I use indoor–outdoor carpeting on my boat?

You can use indoor–outdoor carpeting on a boat. Also called marine carpet, get manufacturer approval for this use before installing. This type of flooring frequently has rubber backing to help withstand excess water exposure. Similar to outdoor carpet you’d use for your home, the same care and maintenance apply to ensure it doesn’t trap moisture and cause damage to the boat.