Carpet Pad Options

Cushion is the underlayment for carpet to help the carpet resist matting and crushing. Cushion is sometimes called padding or pad or lining. Cushion also provides added acoustical, comfort, and insulation benefits and longer wear life for the carpet. Carpets installed over cushion or with attached cushion typically last much longer and are easier to maintain than carpet directly glued to the hard surface.

• The quality of a carpet cushion is determined by density (the weight of one cubic foot of the cushion), not thickness and softness. If the cushion is too soft and thick, the carpet excessively flexes with traffic, the backing is put under enormous strain, and the carpet will delaminate. Foam pads should not lose more than half their height when you pinch them. With urethane foam cushion, density is rated at pounds per cubic foot. For example, an 8-pound rebond pad would weigh 8 pounds per cubic foot. The Carpet and Rug Institute recommends a residential pad of at least 5 pounds and 3/8 inch thickness for light traffic (a living room), and a pad of 6.5 pounds and 3/8 inch for heavy traffic (hallways). These are minimum guidelines. Berber carpet requires a firm cushion. For commercial installations, the minimum should be 12-14 pounds with a thickness of 1/4 - 3/8 inch.

  Here are some of the types of carpet pad we offer:

  Moisture Barrier Prime Urethane Foam

  • This is the ultimate residential pad. This is firmer version of the same cushioning used in upholstered furniture, mattresses, and automobile seats. Two liquid ingredients are combined to form a large mass of foam, which is then sliced into sheets for use as carpet cushion. This product has a protective film that provides for a moisture protection from basic spills. This product has an antimicrobial treatment, is hypo-allergenic and FHA approved.

  Bonded Urethane Foam 6# - 7/16 inch

  • (Sometimes called rebond) is formed by combining chopped and shredded pieces of foam into one solid piece. It frequently has a surface net for ease of installation and improved performance. Bonded foam grades are also measured by density. This product is hypo-allergenic and FHA approved.

  Moisture Barrier Bonded Urethane Foam 8# - 1/2 inch

  • This is a premium rebond pad that provides for a protective moisture barrier attached to the top of pad to block out spills. The minor cost difference to upgrade to this carpet is beneficial. This product is hypo-allergenic and FHA approved.

  Waffled sponge rubber

  • Waffled sponge rubber is made by molding natural or synthetic rubber to a rippled or waffled surface. This variety produces a soft, resilient cushion whose luxurious feel is particularly useful for residences. This product is FHA approved, is moisture resistant, and is antimicrobial treated.

  Synthetic Fibers / Synthetic Felt

  • This type of pad is very dense and is typically used for commercial applications and is able to stand up under light, medium, or heavy traffic, although it does not offer much comfort like a rubber or bonded pad. This product is mildew resistant; FHA approved and is hypo allergenic.