replacing front porch carpet

[Karen M]

Our MH came with a small front porch but the indoor/outdoor carpet is wore out from foot traffic. I found some replacement carpet, but do we have to take the siding, and everything else off becaue there is a thick rubber pad underneath this old carpet? What is the best way to go about replacing this worn carpet?

[David Oxhandler]

The best way is to remove everything and replace the old rubber pad as well.. but that is not always necessary or efficient. Removing and reinstalling a Sliding Glass Door can be very challenging if your not experienced.

Indoor-outdoor carpet doesn't require a pad. So you can just eliminate it. Many outdoor carpets come with rubber backing.

If the old carpet really has a pad under it and old pad is in good condition I might try to cut out the old carpet and inspect the rubber pad. If it is just indoor quality carpet pad...which I have found under some porch carpet on manufactured homes... replace it with a waterproof product. If it is a weather proof rubber pad, check for any mold. give it a good cleaning, and overlay the new indoor outdoor carpet.


Get a few weather reports and aim for a period of moderate temperature and low humidity, if possible. You don't want to lay carpet outdoors during periods of rain, but temperature and humidity are important, too. Carpet and adhesive materials shouldn't be too cold nor too hot for best results. Excess moisture in the air will make adhesive less effective.

Some jobs will require glue, where carpet is subject to very forceful traffic, such as dogs or children sliding or running. Glue is also recommended for fully-exposed outdoor installations. For most cases, double-sided adhesive tape will work fine.