Carpet Pad Information

Carpet Padding Terminology

• The words "thickness" and "density" are often used interchangeably. But in the world of carpet padding, thickness means the actual height of the padding, while density means the compactness of the padding, which is measured in ounces per square yard.

Carpet Padding Basics

• Fiber, sponge and foam rubber comprise the three fundamental materials with which carpet padding is made. However, each type is manufactured in a variety of thicknesses, densities and weights, and the amount of weight it takes to compress the padding fluctuates between padding types.

  Different areas of your home or business may have different padding needs, depending upon the amount of foot traffic each receives. The padding you select for the areas that endure the most foot traffic should be heavy and no greater than 3/8 inch thick. For areas with less foot traffic, a lighter weighted padding up to ½ inch thick will serve your carpet well.

Foam Cushion Types

• Prime polyurethane foam is developed by combining two liquids that, when mixed, swell and cure to become a solid mass. It is then cut into sheets for use as carpet padding.

  Bonded polyurethane foam, also known as "rebond," is environmentally friendly foam created from various types and colors of recycled foam. The resulting foam is also recyclable and reduces the waste that would otherwise end up in our landfills.

Rubber Cushion Types

• Rubber padding is antimicrobial and is, therefore, an excellent choice for allergy sufferers. The processes used to manufacture rubber padding can result in various levels of density and firmness.

  Waffled rubber cushion is an excellent choice for your home. It is made by shaping rubber using a heating process to form a waffle pattern. Waffled rubber makes a soft, resilient padding.

  Flat sponge rubber is a less springy, dense material, and the resulting padding is smooth. Flat sponge rubber is commonly used for commercial applications.

  Flat rubber padding is the clear choice when money is of no object. This high-density padding is the only carpet cushion that will outlive your carpet and perform well for a second round of carpeting. It will provide your feet with a comfortable cushion; however, the price of flat rubber padding is prohibitive for most consumers.

Fiber Cushion Types

• Fiber cushion is made from new or recycled, natural or synthetic fiber woven into felt.

  Synthetic fibers are made from such materials as nylon, polyester or acrylics. This dense fiber can be made to stand up under any type of foot traffic.

  Natural fibers are created from felt, animal hair or rope or burlap materials. While it may be environmentally friendly because it is biodegradable, it is considered one of the least durable because it tends to hold odors, and loses its form if it becomes wet.

The Insulating Effect

• The insulation value of carpet padding is usually higher than that of the carpet itself. Both carpets and padding have thermal resistance, or insulation values, expressed as "R-values." Add the carpet and cushion R-values together to get the total R-value of your floor covering. The higher the total, the more resistant your flooring will be to temperature change.

Carpet Padding Buying Tips

• Many sellers offer only one type of carpet padding. This doesn't mean you have to buy it. You can purchase your carpet and carpet padding from different retailers. What's important is to determine the right type of padding for your needs, then to locate a seller who carries that type of cushion.

  If you're installing the carpet yourself, be sure to follow the written carpet installation instructions with regard to cushioning. If the padding you install differs from that called for on the carpet instructions, it may invalidate your carpet's warranty.