The density of a carpet pad's foam is measured by pounds per cubic foot. For good comfort and durability, experts recommend a foam in the 6 pound to 8 pound range. The denser it is, the longer and better the pad will hold up. Carpet thickness is also important.
Most residential carpet requires a pad that is between 3/8 of an inch and 7/16 of an inch thick with a minimum 6-pound density rating. However, low-profile carpets, such as berber, should not use padding that is thicker than 7/16 of an inch (3/8 of an inch is commonly recommended).
8lb, 7/16” Rebond Padding
Most importantly, it is cushy and comfortable underfoot! The lighter density pad, 4 or 6lb will be cushy but not withstand traffic for years to come. And on the opposite spectrum, a 10lb will be durable but is very firm underfoot. The 8lb, 7/16” rebond pad is our most popular pad.
Enhanced comfort
Quality padding creates a more comfortable surface to walk or sit on. It absorbs the impact of footsteps, making the carpet feel softer and more luxurious underfoot.
In general, the higher the number of stitches per inch, the higher the quality and the greater the durability of the carpet. Face weight, expressed in ounces per square yard, measures the yarn's face fiber. For high quality carpet, face weight is typically 32 ounces per square yard or higher.
Which carpet padding offers the most comfort? Memory foam padding provides superior comfort, though it's less durable than rubber options. What's the best padding for concrete subfloors? Flat rubber or frothed foam padding works best on concrete, offering moisture resistance and comfort.
Like many other home improvement jobs, the price of adding carpet padding to your home will depend on how much ground you have to cover (quite literally). So, how much is carpet padding per square foot? On average, it costs between $0.75 and $3.75 per square foot, including the materials and installation.
Expensive carpets look and feel more luxurious underfoot. The quality of the fibres and materials used is higher. They are and they will last longer and wear better. In comparison a budget carpet will look and feel lower quality, and it will wear and need replaced sooner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Carpet padding should typically be replaced every 8 to 10 years, depending on usage, material quality, and environmental conditions. Regular replacement helps maintain underfoot comfort, reduce allergens, and extend the carpet's overall lifespan.
Residential carpet padding generally calls for something more comfortable underfoot. We recommend 6.5 to 8 lb., 7/16” bonded padding or 10 to 12 lb., ½” frothed foam. However, when installing looped (Berber) carpets, you need a denser, thinner pad such as a flat sponge rubber or 6.5 lb.
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on a variety of factors, such as the intended use of the carpet and the amount of traffic it will endure. That said, a face weight of over 40 ounces is generally considered to be best for durability.
However, without the barrier, a larger puddle is likely to soak down through the pad and into the subflooring. In this case, moisture barrier padding could save a lot of money on subflooring repairs in the future. For those with small pets, this padding may not be necessary .
Medium pile – 7mm to 13mm
Medium pile carpets are the Goldilocks of the carpet world. Being able to be soft and hardwearing.
The short answer is that doubling up on underlay is not recommended and, in fact, can cause more harm than good. But before we dive into why you should avoid multiple layers, let's explore what an underlay is and the critical role it plays in the flooring installation process.
Bedrooms & Low-traffic areas: Consider a density rating around 3000-4000 for a balance of durability and cost-effectiveness. Living Rooms & Hallways: Aim for 4000-5000 density or higher for maximum resilience in high-traffic zones.
The more fibers, the heavier the weight and the better the carpet quality. Density: The number of fibers in a pile. The more fibers, the denser the pile, and the higher the carpet quality. Height: The length of the wear layer of the carpet, measured from the top of the pile to the top of the backing.
Good quality versions are $1.50 per square foot and up. Professional installation adds $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot. The average cost of new carpet installed $2 to $9 per square foot, according to HomeGuide data. To carpet a 16x20-foot room (320 square feet), figure on paying $640 to $2,880.
While it may not be as plush or luxurious as higher grades, builder grade carpeting still provides decent comfort and functionality for those on a tight budget.
Some of the best carpet pads are made from bonded foam. Most foam carpet padding is recycled. If it's labeled as "prime,” the foam is a new material and recyclable. Memory foam carpet pads are known for providing a very soft and comfortable surface.
The face weight of a mid-grade carpet ranges from 30 to 40 oz. and will cost you $1.50 to $6.00 per square foot. High-quality carpets are from designer or higher-end brands. They are made to last 12 to 20 years, and the price can vary from at least $6 to $21+ per square foot.
Keep an eye out for these telltale signs: Flat and uncomfortable: Does your carpet feel thin and unsupportive? This indicates flattened padding that can strain your joints and muscles. Uneven surface: Lumps and dips are a sign of uneven padding, creating a tripping hazard and detracting from the overall aesthetics.
While a 6 LB carpet pad will have a lighter, softer feel under your feet, it is not built to withstand heavy foot traffic. On the other hand, a 10 LB carpet pad is very durable but will feel firm underfoot. An 8 LB pad is an excellent middle ground between the two options.
The majority of carpet manufacturers recommend using 8-pound padding that is no more than 3/8 inches thick.
Nylon – Nylon carpets resist stains, hold their shape, and are soft on bare feet, making them ideal for high-traffic areas like living rooms and hallways.