Once you know what grade of carpet padding will match the grade of carpet you’ve chosen, it’s time to start searching for the type of padding you want. There are a few main options, each offering their own benefits and drawbacks.
Rebond Pad: This is the most common choice for residential floors. Rebond is made from recycled materials and is available in different types of densities and thicknesses. The higher the quality of the recycled material, the better the pad will be and the more support your carpet will provide.
Urethane Foam: This type of padding is very lightweight and inexpensive and will reflect that. Foam padding does not hold up well against consistent foot traffic so your level of comfort will deteriorate within 1 to 3 years. This type of padding is most often used in apartments.
Prime Urethane Foam: Although similar to regular urethane foam, this type is better grade of foam and is also more dense. It is more durable and is used mainly commercially but is becoming more popular for residential use.
Wool, Fiber, or Synthetic Fiber: This padding is primarily used for commercial spaces or Berber carpets. They don’t offer a whole lot in the way of comfort but they are very durable and easily withstand heavy foot traffic. Synthetic pads also breathe making them less susceptible to mold and mildew and have anti-microbial properties.
When choosing a carpet padding, first find out what grade you need based on the carpet you purchased, then shop around for the padding. Make sure to do your research before selecting a style. As always, we are more than happy to select the perfect padding for your new carpet.