How to Determine the Weight of Carpet Padding

The padding that you select for the carpet you purchase will have a big effect on both the comfort under foot and the durability of the carpet. Contrary to popular belief, padding should not be selected using a "thicker is better" philosophy. As a matter of fact, padding that is too thick can cause your carpet to lift off from the tack strips underneath. The correct way to select padding is based on its weight.

Calculator
Manufacturer's specs for the padding in question

Instructions

- 1
  Understand what is meant by carpet padding that is rated in pounds. There are two ways that manufacturers use this number. Some will give a density value, such as 10 pounds per cubic foot. Others will use a more accurate rating of the number of pounds per footfall area will it take for the carpet cushion to bottom out.
- 2
  Make sure you are using the same units of measurement when comparing padding and figuring the weight of the padding. If one carpet padding is rated in pounds per cubic feet and another in pounds per cubic yard, you will need to convert the units of one to accurately determine the weight of the padding. Divide pounds per cubic foot by nine to get pounds per cubic yard. Similarly, multiply pounds per cubic yard by nine to get pounds per cubic foot.
- 3
  Convert the pounds per footfall ratings to feet to determine the weight of the padding, so you can compare them against one another. For example, some manufacturers will use a pounds per square inch rating and some will use a pounds per 6-square-inch rating. Convert all these ratings to pounds per square foot.

Carpet Stretching & Repair

Do it Yourself Carpet Laying

Carpeting