What is Carpet Padding
Carpet padding is a cushioning material for the floor. It is put between the floorboards and the carpet. Carpet padding can be installed over concrete, vinyl, laminate, tile or wood floors.
Why Install Carpet Padding
There are several reasons why you must install carpet padding. It absorbs the impact of high traffic and reduces wear and tear on your flooring. It also makes your carpet feel softer and more comfortable. The best carpet padding can also provide thermal insulation on the floors. It can also absorb sound and help reduce noise.
Types of Carpet Padding
The most popular types of carpet paddings include:
1. Foam Carpet Padding
A foam carpet padding provides the maximum level of comfort and support to carpets. It gives a luxurious feel when you walk on the carpet. Foam carpet padding is also good for insulating the home and reducing noise. This type of carpet padding is often referred to as memory foam padding.
Foam carpet padding is best for homes with pets. In case of any spills, the foam prevents any moisture buildup in the carpet.
2. Rubber Carpet Padding
Rubber padding is best for high-traffic areas in your home. It is heavier and highly durable. It can stay in great shape for decades with almost no maintenance. This is also why rubber carpet padding is costlier than others. Like foam, the rubber padding also has a moisture barrier.
3. Rebond Carpet Padding
Rebond padding is one of the most popular choices. It is highly affordable and durable. Rebond padding is made from recycled foam scraps. This gives the padding a unique multicolored look. It is a great option for high-traffic areas like the living room. It can also be installed in bedrooms.
Chemicals in rebond padding can cause yellowing over time. Do not use it with light-colored carpets.
4. Moisture Barrier Carpet Padding
This carpet padding is an ideal choice if you have pets at home. These carpet pads have a protective coating that prevents moisture from seeping through. This is especially useful in case of any kind of spillage on your carpet. Moisture barrier carpet padding further reduces mold and mildew growth.
Always clean away the fluids spilled on your carpet pad. If the liquid sits for too long, it can breed harmful bacteria.
Factors to Consider
Knowing the different types of carpet pads is not enough to decide on one. You must consider the following factors to select the best carpet padding for your needs:
Density
The density of the carpet pad defines its durability and level of comfort. It also determines how well your carpet holds up over time. Residential carpet pads are usually 6 pounds per cubic foot.
You can also use high-density carpet pads, like 21 pounds per cubic foot. They offer the best thermal and sound insulation. Lower-density carpet pads range from 0 to 6 pounds per cubic foot. They are softer but wear down much quicker than others.
Thickness
The thickness of your carpet padding affects its insulation properties. The popularly used carpet pads have a thickness of 10.5 mm, 11 mm or 12 mm. Thicker pads give a luxurious feel. But they are more difficult to install. Though thinner padding is less comfortable, it provides a firm base for carpets.
Floor
The type of flooring in your home also plays a crucial role. Moisture barrier is the best carpet padding for concrete floors. It should be installed in areas like a basement to prevent moisture buildup and mold growth.
Dense carpet padding with low thickness is more suitable for hardwood floors. You must also consider the condition of your flooring. If it is too old, thick carpet pads can increase overall comfort.
Old floors must be checked and repaired. Install carpet padding on the old floor only after repairing it.
Selecting the Best Carpet Padding
The best carpet padding suits your specific requirements. If you plan to stay in the house for a long time, install rubber carpet padding. It is durable and stays put for more than twenty years. If you live in a multi-story home, prioritize carpet padding with sound insulation properties.
- You must also consider other factors, like floor heating. If your flooring has in-floor heating, rubber carpet padding would be the best option. Just make sure the rubber padding you choose is suitable for this application.
- Plan out which areas of the home will have carpet padding. For high-traffic areas, go for rubber or rebond carpet padding. Foam carpet padding is more suitable for low-traffic areas.
- Remember which type of carpet you will put over the carpet padding. Some carpets have specific requirements. For instance, rebond carpet padding of lesser thickness is suitable for Berber carpets. Refer to the manufacturer's manual before finalizing the carpet padding.