Carpet Padding

 

Padding is just as important as the carpet itself — in some ways even more so. Although it’s not visible, the cushioning layer is critical to a quality carpet installation.

Padding is constructed of several different materials, including sponge rubber, foam rubber, urethane foam, bonded urethane and felted combinations of hair and jute.

Installing the proper backing cushions the foot, insulates from cold and noise and increases the life of the carpet. Always use a quality backing but remember that thicker is not always better.

A floor that’s too soft can be dangerous, especially to those whose steps may be a bit unstable at times. When foot testing a carpet in the showroom, test it with a padding sample underneath.

You might imagine that thick carpet padding would give you the feeling of walking on clouds rather than a concrete slab, but you could be mistaken. Different kinds of carpets require different cushions of different thickness or density, so follow a manufacturer's recommendations when choosing carpet padding. Thick carpet padding is generally not only not worth it, but may result in buckling, worn, or splitting carpet sooner than you would think.

Although carpet padding is responsible for a lot more than comfort, the average person walking across their living room may imagine that thicker is better. More padding, after all, should result in better insulation, softer impact, and stronger carpet. You shouldn't scrimp on cushioning, since it largely determines the lifespan of your carpeting, but neither should you always go for the thickest option.

Thick carpet padding isn't worth it if your particular choice of carpet was meant to go on top of a cushion of medium thickness. Don't allow a carpet salesperson to pressure you into selecting the thickest cushion. That company may be interested in your wallet instead of your comfort.

For example, many widely looped carpets, like Berber, will not react well with plush carpet padding. It can wear unevenly, disintegrate, or come apart at the seams. Similarly, areas of your home that receive constant foot traffic, such as staircases, hallways, offices, or entryways, should not receive thick carpet padding. Something around 1/4" (.6 cm) or 3/8" (1 cm) thick will respond better.

If you have chosen a cut pile or cut and loop carpet, investing in slightly thicker carpet padding will be worth the money. This padding insulates the floor from cold and noise, as well as absorbs the impact that would otherwise go to the carpet. Another option is to use a different kind of padding, rather than a thicker one. Fiber pads, rubber cushions, and foam each have their own costs and advantages.

Thick carpet padding would also be worth it under low traffic areas. A bedroom, closet, parlor, or home theater would feel more luxurious with this addition. As long as the padding won't compress too much over time, the backing of the carpet won't weaken, and your feet will benefit. However, experts recommend never exceeding a thickness of 7/16" (1.1 cm).