Carpet Pad Differences

The decision to purchase new carpeting can be exciting, but also can be a difficult decision. Of course, you want to choose the highest quality carpeting you can afford, as well as the right materials for your specific needs. For instance, if you are looking for carpet that will be in a high traffic area, then you need the type of fibers that will hold up over time without showing wear and tear. There are other aspects of carpeting that are important as well and these are covered in other articles.

Carpet Pad Importance

Along with the important decision of choosing appropriate carpet, going with the right carpet pad is just as important. Unfortunately, some people will spend good money on outstanding carpet but fail to consider the different carpet pads to go along with it. In fact, carpet pads are a vital part of the decision making process so we suggest you not overlook the value.

Quality and Thickness

For one thing, carpet pads come in a variety of materials and quality levels. If the padding is not made well or too thin, then even thick carpeting would be uncomfortable to walk on. The key when it comes to carpet pads is going with something that will provide cushion and comfort so every step taken on the carpet feels great. In fact, choosing carpet pads that are thick and high quality will actually make your carpet feel and look richer and more luxurious.

Sound Absorption

You will also find that good quality carpet pads will actually work as a sound absorber while also keeping the floor warmer. For rooms with a lot of activity such as a family room, thick carpet pads will help to quiet the noise level. Then, if you have rooms that tend to be cooler or if you live in a part of the country where the climate is cold, a thick, high quality pad will actually make the room feel much warmer.

Carpet Cleaning

Interestingly, good carpet pads also aid in maintaining a clean carpet. Seriously, every day, dirt is brought into the home, working its way deep into carpet fibers. If carpet pads are not quality, you will find that even with scheduled cleaning, the carpet itself will not last as long. Therefore, going with carpet pads designed for breathable space between it and the carpet makes it much easier to extract dirt during cleaning.

Pad Types

As you will see below, there are multiple choices for carpet pads, but not all are creates equally. If you are unsure what you need, a professional carpet company can provide the needed guidance. The sections below contain some information about specific types of pads.

Waffle Rubber

Although this type of carpet padding is a good choice, the problem is that many installers do not use it in the right way. The benefit is that waffle rubber is thick and comfortable but when used with carpets that have plastic backing, it can be too much on the soft side.

Foam

One of the oldest and most popular types of carpet pads is foam. This material comes in a number of different thicknesses, as well as density levels. While foam works well for many types of carpet and for different areas of the home, it is not always the best option for high traffic areas. Now, if you want to use foam, you might consider carpet pads that are designed with binders, creating a heavier surface and cells that compress better.

Rebond

The final option for carpet pads we want to mention is called Rebond. While an excellent solution for almost every type of carpet and area of the home, the one disadvantage for this type of padding is that due to variances in availability, it is near impossible to dictate the price you would pay. Therefore, when choosing carpet pads, you might ask the current availability and price of Rebond to see if it is a viable option.

Fiber

Carpet pads such as this create a limitation of movement. Crafted from recycled textile fiber, jute, or perhaps a synthetic fiber, you typically see this type of padding used in commercial situations.

Slab Rubber

This is an excellent option for carpet pads that resists indentations caused by furniture. With long wear and great comfort, slab rubber works exceptionally well for high traffic areas of carpeting.

Berber

In some instances, Berber carpeting needs special padding. Berber carpet pads are used depending on the type of Berber carpet. For instance, if Berber is designed with larger loops, then the padding needs to be quite firm.