Designed for use outside the home, outdoor carpeting is manufactured to be a sturdy covering for such sites as decks, patios, and walkways. Generally marketed as indoor/outdoor carpet, this handy surface covering is often made from weather resistant materials that hold up well in rain, sun, and snow. Outdoor carpet is often composed completely of synthetic materials, making the product relatively inexpensive.

Outdoor carpet is intended to provide both function and style to an outdoor area. Patios are often constructed with a concrete floor, which is functional but visually dull. The addition of outdoor carpet to the area helps to provide a touch of color to the space that can work well with the selection of patio furniture.

In addition to infusing the space with color, the outdoor carpet is also practical in two ways. First, the covering provides traction when the patio floor is wet. This means less chances of someone slipping while walking across the space. Second, the outdoor carpet provides a small amount of cushioning and protection from the cold for bare feet.

Outdoor carpet is usually constructed of durable man made materials, with polypropylene being the most common. Fibers of this nature tend to hold up well under direct sunlight, which means the outdoor carpet will not fade in color over the short term. Because of the water repellent nature of the outdoor carpet, rainwater will run off the area and the carpet will dry without developing an undesirable scent.

The installation of outdoor carpet often does not include the addition of a pad under the surface. Many forms of outdoor carpet are specifically designed for glue-down installation, adhering to the concrete or other flooring directly. With a range of designs that include a grassy texture to a marbled carpet pile, outdoor carpet is relatively easy to install, requires very little maintenance, and can enhance the utilization of the outdoor space.