 | Josh Jabara is Sales Manager of hard surface flooring at Jabara’s Carpet Outlet. After attending WSU, the family business became a large part of Josh’s adult life. His father Tom, mother Susan, and his uncle George assisted in that endeavor to a large degree. Perhaps one of Josh’s greatest strengths is his hands-on approach. Josh can be reach by calling (316) 267-2512 or you may visit their website @ www.jabaras.com |
Carpet, Tile & Floor Covering
2008-08-01 09:35:00
Surfaces of outdoor patio
Answer: Thinking outside the box -
In keeping with the strange yet unavoidable desire to move the outdoors inside and the indoors outside, many people choose to put a rug or carpet outside. The practical purposes of such a thing are many:
• Protects your feet from the cold ground in winter months
• Provides a similar protection from the hot ground in the summer
• Guards bare feet from being stubbed
• A solution for a damaged or unsightly outdoor surface
• Creates a unifying sense of space for your exterior décor
Having soundly decided that purchasing an outdoor carpet will be done in the near future, it’s time to think about what you’re buying. Most outdoor carpets are actually designed for indoor or outdoor use and serve a primary function of capturing dirt that would otherwise be tracked inside.
If you are a staunch naturalist and prefer not to decorate with synthetic materials, by all means purchase an outdoor carpet made from jute. This is a tough fiber, second only to cotton in numbers of uses and production. Known also as “hessian,” it is the primary material in burlap, though outdoor carpets are typically thicker than the sacks you are familiar with.
However, we must recommend you opt for some kind of polypropylene material that is resistant to mildew and decay. By and large, synthetic indoor outdoor carpets can be cleaned with a thorough brooming, a hosing, or a little scrubbing. Your natural option may satisfy your need for oneness with the outdoors, but plan on satisfying that oneness on a seasonal basis. Go synthetic and you’ll never have to buy another outdoor carpet.
Rugged commercial outdoor carpet
Generally crafted from needled polypropylene yarns, these models pass all fire safety requirements and can be relied on for years of use without noticeable wear. They are often ribbed for looks and to better adhere to the bottom of shoes. Most suppliers should provide you with custom cut sizes in addition to their standard cuts. Often they provide die-cut tiles for a mix of color or parquet patterns.
On the aesthetic side
Of course you can spend some more money and get the same function with a little pizzazz. These are recommended for a number of needs. If you have an outdoor hearth, swimming pool, or any place where you entertain, this would be a good choice. Not only does it provide a cooler surface in the summer and a warmer one in the winter, but it will prevent slips and keep the mud out of your home.
Synthetic natural
When you would prefer a consistent, cohesive look to your outdoor landscaping but grass or mulch won’t work, artificial grass will do the trick. These styles are great for docks, pool sides, your potting sheds, and garages. They even make great choices for personal putting greens.
