If you thought to choose a Carpet was tough, wait until you find out that you also need carpet padding. Carpet padding saves your carpet from wear and tear. It also helps make vacuuming efficient because the rug can easily rise with a swipe of the vacuum, ensuring all dirt has been eliminated. So before you install your new carpet, here are some easy, need-to-know tips that’ll help you select the right carpet padding to best match the new carpet.

Why You Need Carpet Padding

Now that you know that carpet padding is absolutely necessary, these reasons will further convince you when you’re looking for the appropriate padding. Protecting your carpet is the main purpose of a carpet pad. However, as the underside of a carpet can wear against the bare floor, the carpet pad also protects the flooring beneath, serving as a “buffer.” With a carpet pad, you can expect softer impact upon walking.

These pads also stop drafts from coming through porous carpeting by providing thermal insulation. Your padding should have higher R-value, which keeps the heat from passing through it and ultimately keeps your room warm. Carpet padding also muffles sound, no matter what room in the house. From basements to the very top floor, a carpet pad can reduce sound far better than carpet alone.

It is possible to choose the wrong carpet padding, so it’s best to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Research the type of carpet pad you want before you enter the store.
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The Situation Room

Before you buy a carpet pad, consider where you are installing your new carpet. Ask yourself how much traffic will come through and who will be using the room. It all comes down to your needs when choosing the carpet and pad. Be sure you’re armed with the right questions when you’re ready to buy. Here are a few answers to help you get started on your search for the right carpet pad.

What is the Best Padding?

So you have your dream carpet and now you’re ready to choose the best padding. It’s time to determine what type of carpet padding will meet your individual needs. Living rooms and common gathering places emulate relaxation and comfort; they’re places you go to unwind.

Your carpet should also provide comfort, specifically to your feet. A pad that will stand up to heavy furniture and foot traffic is ideal for the longevity of your carpet.
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Again, it’s important to observe the room in which you are installing new carpet. Perhaps you’re looking for a commercial carpet for your business. In this case, a thinner and denser pad is the way to go. More than likely, these places are constantly full of people. Looped or Berber carpets require synthetic fiber pads of ¼ to 3/10 inch thickness and 6.5 lb in weight. An area such as a storefront or office would typically be a high traffic setting, so it also requires a thin and dense pad. However, if you aim for comfort, the residential carpet would be ideal, as it can be purchased with a thicker carpet pad.

What is the Best Thickness?

Thickness and weight are a big deal when it comes to your carpet pad, and thicker doesn’t always mean better. To get the most out of your carpet, carpet padding should be no more than a half of an inch thick, and for Berber carpets, no more than 3/8 of an inch. (Berber carpets require thinner carpet pads, as a thicker pad could damage this carpet type.) Depending on the room, the thickness of your carpet padding can have different effects.

For common areas, dens, and bedrooms, you may want thicker carpet padding to muffle the noise. For high traffic areas, the thinner the better because of the heavier weight and consistent use.
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How is Padding Quality Measured?

You will measure the pad quality by determining its use for the room in which carpet installation is required. Since most pads range between 3 and 10 lb measurements, you can calculate by pounds per cubic foot. To ensure efficiency and durability, an 8 pound pad is recommended. However, a 6-pound pad is ideal for residential homes.

Which is Better: Thicker or Denser?

Again, thicker padding doesn’t always mean it’s better for your carpet. The weight, also called density, is a contributing factor when you’re searching for the perfect padding. A denser padding can be beneficial for areas in residential homes such as living rooms and bedrooms.

What is an 8lb Carpet Pad?

An 8lb carpet pad provides density and thickness for comfort and durability. These are best for residential settings. Bonded carpet pad types range from 6.5 lbs to 8 lbs in density and provide the noise barrier and comfort that rooms in a residential home will need.

Now that you’re in-the-know about the carpet padding essentials, let’s get you connected with a team of flooring experts who will offer guidance and support with all of your carpet needs. No need to go to a store or perform lengthy installations yourself! Our expert service will take the care off of your hands. From Purchase to installation to financing, Express Flooring is number one in the Tucson and Phoenix areas. Fill out our form for your free estimate.