How to Choose the Perfect Carpet Pad

Home Improvement

When it comes to installing new carpet, it is important to choose the right carpet pad. The right pad can help extend the life of your floor covering and protect your investment. Although often overlooked, the carpet pad plays a critical role in your carpet’s performance and appearance.

The carpet pad is a spongy material that goes underneath your carpet. It is cut slightly smaller than the carpet itself so that it fits inside the tack strip that keeps the carpet in place. The pad is either stapled or glued to the subfloor with sections of padding joined together using a specialized tape.

The primary purpose of a carpet pad is to protect your carpet. It prevents the underside of your carpet from wearing against the bare floor and absorbs the impact from footsteps and furniture, lessening the stress on the carpet. According to one study, carpets without cushioning lose, on average, 19 percent of their pile height from wear compared to a five to 10 percent loss for the same carpet with a separate pad.

In addition to protecting your carpet, a carpet pad serves several other purposes. It creates a softer feel to the carpet, makes cleaning more efficient, provides thermal insulation, and dampens sound. When it comes to selecting the right pad, always look at the carpet manufacturer’s recommendations to avoid voiding your carpet’s warranty. Do not be swayed by retailers who push only one kind of padding, and always choose a pad that meets your specific needs.

Before choosing a carpet pad, consider the activities or traffic the room sees and choose a pad that can withstand rough use. If you stand a lot or have kids who play on the carpet, consider thicker padding for increased comfort. If someone in your home uses a wheelchair, avoid using soft padding. Above all, choose a carpet pad that meets your needs and protects your investment in new carpet.

This article discusses different types of carpet padding, including waffle rubber and urethane foam. Waffle rubber provides a soft cushion of air for your carpet but may not provide enough support for modern carpets and can wear and crack the carpet’s backing. However, waffle rubber can be an inexpensive option if it has the proper density and thickness. The density of a carpet pad is important for its effectiveness in protecting the carpet, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has minimum standards for different types of carpet pads. Clay binders were once used for waffle rubber padding but can disintegrate with normal wear, so it’s important to check the binding before purchasing. Urethane foam, also known as foam rubber, is produced by blowing gas into a heated liquid chemical mixture and has great insulative properties. Whether or not a separate moisture barrier is needed between the carpet and the pad depends on the carpet and pad’s specific features.

There are two types of urethane foam used in carpet pads: prime foam and frothed foam. Prime foam is made from large pieces of foam sliced into sheets with different thicknesses and densities. However, it’s not recommended for high traffic areas as the air pockets don’t provide enough support to limit carpet movement and protect your carpet from wear. The HUD standard for prime foam is 0.375 inch thick and 2.2 pounds per cubic foot for light or moderate traffic areas. Frothed urethane foam is mechanically frothed while liquid, resulting in a denser, firmer type of foam that can be attached directly to the carpet. Frothed foam pads are among the best on the market as they are extremely durable, provide excellent support, and contain no volatile organic compounds. The HUD standards for frothed foam pads are a minimum of 0.25 inch thick and 10 pounds per cubic foot for light and moderate traffic, and 12 pounds per cubic foot for heavy traffic areas. Bonded urethane foam, also known as rebond, is the most common type of carpet pad material made from foam scraps left over from the manufacture of furniture, mattresses, and automobile components. Bonded pads are versatile and can be a good choice for most situations, but they should not be too thick as it allows too much up-and-down movement of the carpet and can cause the carpet to pull away from the tack strip.

The minimum standards for bonded urethane foam recommended by HUD are 0.375 inch (9.525 millimeters) thickness and 5 pounds per cubic foot (about 80 kilograms per cubic meter) for light or moderate traffic areas, while heavy traffic areas require the same thickness but with 6.5-pounds-per-cubic-foot (104-kilograms-per-cubic-meter) foam [source: CarpetInspector.com]. However, many experts and carpet manufacturers advise using more dense foam, especially for hallways. Foam weighing from 7.5 to 8 pounds per cubic foot (120 to 128.1 kilograms per cubic meter) is more durable and can help protect your carpet.

It’s important to note that bonded foam does not last as long as premium pads like frothed foam or rubber. Some retailers may sell inferior bonded urethane foam that lacks the proper density. Another concern with bonded foam is the out-gassing of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), which reduces flammability but can yellow light-colored olefin carpets. While bonded foams are less likely to contain BHT today, it’s essential to ensure that the seller guarantees it won’t harm your carpet [source: Carpet Buyers Handbook].

For those who are environmentally conscious, bonded urethane carpet padding is a great option as it’s a result of recycling efforts in the industry. Along with bonded, they can choose natural rubber and fiber pads made from sustainable materials. In Maine, a program has been established to reprocess waste carpet fibers into carpet padding [source: Granger]. The Carpet Cushion Council tests and certifies padding that emits minimal potentially toxic gases [source: Carpet Cushion Council Green Label].

Flat rubber has always been considered the premium carpet pad. It’s solid and heavy in weight, providing good support for carpets. While it’s not as soft as some pads, it’s long-lasting and resists furniture indentation and heavy use, making it an ideal choice for high traffic areas such as hallways, stairs, and other areas that need to stand up to wear and tear. The HUD standard for flat rubber is only 0.22 inch (5.59 millimeters) in all traffic areas, and the recommendation for light or moderate traffic areas is a density of 18 pounds per cubic foot (288.3 kilograms per cubic foot). For heavy traffic, 21 pounds per cubic foot (336.4 kilograms per cubic meter) is recommended [source: CarpetInspector.com]. Although flat rubber is more expensive than foam padding, it lasts longer and may not need to be replaced when purchasing a new carpet. It’s also antimicrobial and can be made from sustainable resources (natural rubber), making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize durability and the environment.

The following segment discusses the materials utilized in the first-ever carpet pads. Radiant heating systems, which heat the floor from underneath, are becoming increasingly popular. If you are installing radiant heating beneath a carpet, ensure that your pad does not have a high R-value as excessive insulation defeats the purpose of radiant heat by preventing warmth from escaping. It is also important to verify that the material is compatible with radiant heating. Flat rubber pads are the best option, with a 0.25-inch (6.35-millimeter) rubber pad having an R-value of only 0.31. Fiber is the oldest form of carpet cushioning, originally made from animal hair that was pressed into a felt mat, which could be infused with rubber. When hair became less available, jute and recycled textile fibers were employed. Today, synthetic fibers such as nylon are commonly used to produce fiber cushions. Fiber mats are not typically used for residential carpet installation, but they can be advantageous in certain situations. In commercial settings, they are more frequently used to provide a very firm foot feel under carpets and to prevent the movement of area rugs. When selecting the appropriate fiber pad, density is key. Natural fibers can rot when wet, and moisture can cause your carpet pad to smell bad. The use of spun nylon and other synthetic fibers can help to avoid these issues. If you’re using fiber padding in a basement or on concrete, you should always go with synthetic-fiber padding. A warming pad may be a good option if you want a pleasantly warm carpet underfoot in your bedroom or bathroom. Coils of wire embedded in foil are used to provide electric warmth in these pads, which are placed between ordinary padding and the carpet. These pads are thin and provide a quiet, clean source of heat that feels great on cold mornings.

The following is a list of resources about carpets and rugs, including information about selecting the right cushion, carpet padding, and the benefits of carpet cushion. The Carpet Cushion Council provides information about their Green Label Program, while The Flooring Lady discusses under carpet warming pads. Additionally, the list includes articles about carpet recycling, underlayments, and avoiding mistakes when choosing carpet padding. The sources are provided in the form of hyperlinked URLs within an unordered list.

FAQ

1. What is a carpet pad?

A carpet pad is a layer of cushioning material that is placed beneath the carpet. The pad serves as a buffer between the carpet and the floor, providing added comfort, insulation, and soundproofing. A good quality carpet pad can extend the life of your carpet by absorbing the impact of foot traffic and preventing wear and tear on the carpet fibers.

2. Why is it important to choose the right carpet pad?

The right carpet pad can make a big difference in the comfort and durability of your carpet. A good quality pad will provide the right amount of support, cushioning, and insulation, while also reducing noise and preventing the carpet from slipping or wrinkling. Choosing the wrong pad, or a pad that is too thin or too soft, can lead to premature wear and tear, uncomfortable walking, and even damage to the carpet itself.

3. How do I know what type of carpet pad to choose?

There are several factors to consider when choosing a carpet pad, including the type of carpet, the amount of foot traffic, and the subfloor. For example, a thicker pad may be needed for a plush carpet, while a firmer pad may be better for a low-pile carpet. A high-traffic area may require a denser pad for added durability, while a concrete subfloor may require a moisture-resistant pad to prevent mold and mildew. It’s best to consult with a professional carpet installer to determine the right type of pad for your specific needs.

4. What materials are carpet pads made of?

Carpet pads can be made from a variety of materials, including foam, rubber, felt, and fiber. Foam pads are the most common and affordable option, but they may compress over time and lose their cushioning power. Rubber pads are more durable and provide better insulation, but they can be more expensive. Felt pads are a good option for soundproofing, but they may not offer as much cushioning. Fiber pads are eco-friendly and provide good cushioning, but they can be prone to shedding and require frequent replacement.

5. What thickness should a carpet pad be?

The thickness of a carpet pad can range from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch or more. While thicker pads may offer more cushioning, they can also be more expensive and may not be necessary for all types of carpet. A good rule of thumb is to choose a pad that is about 1/8 inch thicker than the carpet itself. For example, if you have a carpet that is 1/2 inch thick, choose a pad that is at least 5/8 inch thick.

6. Can I reuse my old carpet pad?

It’s generally not recommended to reuse an old carpet pad, as it may not provide adequate cushioning and support for a new carpet. Additionally, an old pad may be worn or damaged, which can cause the new carpet to wear out more quickly. It’s best to invest in a new pad when installing new carpet.

7. How much does a carpet pad cost?

The cost of a carpet pad can vary depending on the type of pad, the thickness, and the size of the area being covered. Foam pads are generally the most affordable, starting at around $0.30 per square foot, while rubber pads can cost $1.50 or more per square foot. Felt and fiber pads are typically in the middle range, ranging from $0.50 to $1.00 per square foot. It’s important to factor in the cost of the pad when budgeting for new carpet installation.

8. Can I install a carpet pad myself?

While it is possible to install a carpet pad yourself, it’s generally recommended to hire a professional installer to ensure that the pad is installed correctly and to avoid any damage to the carpet. A professional installer can also help you choose the right type and thickness of pad for your specific needs. However, if you have experience with carpet installation and feel confident in your abilities, you may be able to install the pad yourself with the right tools and instructions.