How to Choose Carpet Padding

Establish the carpet padding thickness required. Each type of carpet comes with recommendations from the manufacturer for the under layer of floor padding.

Identify the type of sub-floor upon which the carpet will be installed. Clarify whether concrete sub-floors are slab on grade, which could require thicker moisture-resistant backed carpet padding.

Determine whether radiant floor heating is embedded in the floor. Select carpet padding with a lower "R" value so that it is less resistant to heat rising up through the floor covering.

Verify the warranty offered on the carpet padding. Look for a lifetime warranty and evaluate the definition of "lifetime".

Choose carpet cushion with higher density for rooms where there will be a greater volume of traffic. Select lower density carpet padding for floor space that will have less traffic.

Purchase the same yardage of carpet pad as the actual carpet so that the floor space is completely cushioned.