Carpet Over Concrete Outdoors

Q: I have a screened in porch with a 5/4″ cedar floor. The cedar floor boards are spaced about 1/8″ apart and nailed directly into the 2×10 PT joists. We want to carpet over the cedar floor but are afraid the carpeting will eventually be sucked into the cracks between the cedar boards.
Although the porch as a new roof over it, all of the walls are screening so there will be moisture that falls on the carpet especially near the edges. My plan is to use cement board to cover the cedar boards and then carpet directly over the cement board. Does this make sense? Also, is there any kind of indoor/outdoor padding I can use under the indoor/outdoor carpeting to help soften the floor.
Thanks,
Bill N.
A: When installing carpet over concrete, especially in an outdoor setting, you will want to glue the carpet down to the concrete. This being said, you will not be using a pad unless the carpet you purchase is one that has some padding attached. I would suggest getting an outdoor carpet as indoor carpets are not built to take the continual exposure to the elements.
Although I understand your wish to soften the floor some with padding, when it comes to anything exposed to the forces of nature, even screened-in porches, you end up sacrificing a bit to ensure the floor can stand the test of time.