You’re getting a new carpet and are excited about that soft, dreamy sensation underfoot in your lounge. But stop for one minute before you place your order. Consider what’s beneath your feet as you scrunch your toes into the plush fibers—we’re talking about the carpet padding. The unheralded hero of your new flooring system and the secret to high-class luxury living spaces. It’s common for homeowners to reach for whatever’s cheapest, or whatever your installer recommends, but don’t snooze on this purchase. Padding alters how your carpet works, its service life, and even how your feet feel trudging across it at 6 a.m.—sans coffee. Let’s get into what you need to know about how to choose the right carpet padding to get the most out of your purchase.
How to Choose the Right Carpet Padding for Your Home
Carpet Padding—The Unseen MVP
Let’s get straight to it—the padding isn’t some inanimate filler hiding beneath your carpet, accomplishing nothing. The padding is:
- The shock absorber for your flooring system
- An insulating property to be a sound blocker
- A thermal insulating layer to help keep energy bills down
- A moisture barrier
- The comfort enhancer—all in one
It saves your carpet from beating itself against your floor each time you walk on it. That translates into fewer dents, less deterioration and worn spots, and a better service life over the long term.
One of the things they never tell you about in the carpet showroom is that choosing improper padding can invalidate your carpet’s warranty. Crazy right? Some carpet companies get eerily detailed in the setup required to comply with warranty requirements.
Choose the Right Carpet Padding: It’s All in the Foam
You’re likely to be offered foam carpet padding. This wonderful, light, and common carpet padding has that memory foam feel that seduces your feet into saying “Yes, please!”
Don’t wander into this decision blindly—those soft foams compress over time as they absorb the impact of our steps. After a few years, you’re stuck with saggy areas around your carpet, and your living room floor is suddenly littered with speed bumps.
Rebond foam is another story. This type of carpet padding is composed of shredded recycled foam fragments mashed into a brightly colored confetti-like pad. Bonded foam is firmer and still provides that spring underfoot without compressing into nothing over time, and is:
- Versatile
- Inexpensive
- Surprisingly durable
Go For Density Over Thickness
It’s so simple to get caught up in thinking thicker is better. That’s what we do when picking out a mattress, so why would flooring be any different? But, in carpet padding, thickness and density are not equal.
Thickness can be deceptive. Density is where it’s at.
Dense padding provides support without leaving your floor feeling squishy. Too thick makes your carpet prone to shifting, stretching, or even buckling.
Is the carpet getting installed in a high-traffic area like the hallway or living room? If so, opt for something dense. In bedrooms where you desire a cozy feel, you can make it a bit cushier without it getting spongy over time.
Padding and Sound – The Dynamic Duo
Thicker padding muffles sound, damps footstep noises, and prevents your home from echoing footsteps like an empty hospital hallway at night. Sound-absorbing padding can be a sanity savior if you have an apartment or share walls with a neighbor who’s an enthusiastic tap dancer. It won’t eliminate noise, but it reduces it enough to maintain a peaceful atmosphere.
Don’t Let the Salesperson Steamroll You
Some people in the carpet industry will pressure you into using what’s easiest for them to install or what they have in excess inventory. Bring your research to the sales meeting.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Walk barefoot in your PJs across the samples—do whatever it takes to make the right choice. You want to choose something comfortable and durable so your toes always feel at home.
Without the proper padding, your new carpet won’t last.
Choose the Right Carpet Padding: You Have Options
Not all types of carpet padding are equal. Without the proper padding, your new carpet won’t last. You have options that go with your new carpet installation, which include:
- Eco-friendly options (Green label)
- Rebonded foam
- Memory foam carpet padding
- Fiber carpet pads (recommended for Berber carpet)
Nebraska’s Best Carpet Cleaning
With fifteen years of experience in residential and commercial carpet cleaning, you can count on us to get the job done right the first time. Take advantage of our in-depth and affordable cleanings today to see what makes us Nebraska’s Best!
If you’re looking for professional water damage extraction, upholstery cleaning, rug cleaning, commercial carpet cleaning, or residential carpet cleaning in Lincoln, NE, then contact us today for a free quote.