With spring upon us, many homeowners are considering what changes and improvements they will make to their homes this year. A popular choice — new carpets!
If you are hoping to replace your carpet, an important (and often underrated) choice you need to make is what kind of carpet padding you will use.
In today’s post, Carpet To Go’s carpeting experts will share some of the pros, cons, and things to consider when deciding which carpet padding to install in your home.
The Importance Of Carpet Padding
It can be easy to forget how important carpet padding is. Afterall, you don’t see it so it’s “out of sight out of mind.”
The truth is, carpet padding is vital to the longevity and comfort of your carpet. Padding is your carpet’s foundation, and regardless of what carpet you use, it’s only as good as the padding beneath it.
What does carpet padding do?
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It helps insulate your home by preventing drafts from flowing through the carpet.
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Carpet padding makes your carpet more comfortable to walk on.
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Padding also absorbs sound and helps create a quieter home environment.
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Lastly, carpet padding makes your carpet easier to clean — increasing your carpets lifespan.
What Are The Different Kinds Of Carpet Padding?
There are countless types of carpet padding, so deciding which one to use may seem a little daunting at first. The good news is that many carpet manufacturers will tell you which paddings go best with your carpet, so get that list and your range of choices will probably less intimidating.
It is important to choose a carpet padding that fits your lifestyle and is compatible with your carpet type.
Let’s look over some of the pros and cons of the most popular carpet paddings.
Frothed Foam Pad
Frothed foam carpet padding is extremely durable and can last for more than one carpet’s lifetime. When having your carpets replaced, you may not even need to have your padding replaced if you have a frothed foam pad. They are durable, long lasting, and comfortable, making them an excellent choice for homeowners.
The downside to frothed foam pads is that they tend to be on the pricey side, so if you are looking for a low-budget carpet padding option, this may not be the one for you.
Rebond Pad
Rebond padding equally balances quality and cost. It is made from recycled materials and for the price, does a solid job supporting your carpet.
One quick note in regard to rebond padding is that some carpet warranties are made void if you choose this type of padding. Always check your warranty before making purchasing padding.
Waffle Rubber & Flat Rubber Pad
Waffle and flat rubber padding are very similar to rebond but tend to be more expensive. These types of padding are often used over concrete, so are not ideal for residential homes with wooden flooring.
Because there are higher performing carpet pads at a lower price, waffle and flat rubber pads are not a popular choice.
Prime Foam Pad
If the carpet you are purchasing comes with free padding, prime foam is most likely what you are getting. Prime foam pads don’t hold up well in residential settings and won’t last for more than a couple years if you install it in a heavily-trafficked area
Memory Foam Pad
Memory foam pads are extremely comfortable to walk on, making them a good choice for families with toddlers or people who suffer from bad joints. Memory foam carpet padding is more comfortable than rebond, but is generally less durable and won’t last as long.
Fiber Pad
When it comes to fiber, you can choose between synthetic and natural fiber carpet padding. However, we’d recommend choosing a synthetic fiber pad over natural fiber (jute and felt) as natural fiber padding is more susceptible to mold.
Some carpet warranties will call specifically for fiber padding, so it is good to know the best type on the market. However, if your carpet doesn’t call for fiber padding, take the opportunity to go with a different type as it will last longer and be more comfortable to walk on.
How Much Is Carpet Padding?
As with all things, the cost of carpet padding varies greatly depending on quality and kind. For a ballpark estimate, you can expect to spend between $3-4 per square foot of padding.
Ask Your Carpet Padding Questions
Are you looking for the perfect carpet padding for your home? If you have any unanswered questions about carpet installation or different options for carpet padding, contact Carpet To Go today to speak with one of our flooring professionals.
We promise to give you our honest and experienced opinion and to do our best to help you achieve the comfort and aesthetic you desire from your carpet.
