#12 - CARPET CUSHIONS (PAD)

 Carpet Padding

Carpet padding is recycled cushion or foam that is an underlayment specifically designed for installation under broadloom carpet. It is beneficial for adding acoustics, support, comfort, and insulation. It also helps carpet last longer by absorbing the shock of everyday wear and tear. Carpet padding also helps reduce fiber crushing and keeps the carpet thicker for longer. No matter the pile height or the thickness of the carpet, padding is required to provide comfort and stability. Carpet padding also helps absorb sound, which is helpful in two-level homes and apartment buildings, so people’s footsteps are not heard. It also provides insulation, which can help lower energy bills. There are different applications for carpet padding, but it is often stapled to the floor, and carpet is added over top. 

Rebond

Rebond carpet pad is the most common type of residential padding. It is made from recycled foam scraps and is durable and eco-friendly. It offers great support, comfort, and sound reduction. You can get a 6lb or 8lb Rebond carpet pad. Choosing between the two depends on the comfort, durability, and noise reduction desired. A 6lb rebond carpet pad feels softer and is better for low-traffic areas such as bedrooms. An 8lb rebond carpet pad is firmer and better for high traffic areas such as hallways. When deciding which to use for an area such as a living room, it is more based on personal preference. It depends on whether the client desires comfort or durability more. 

Synthetic Horsehair Pads vs. Real Horsehair Pads

Synthetic horsehair carpet padding is a firm, needle-punched cushion that is often made from synthetic fibers like nylon, polyester, polypropylene, etc. These fibers are meant to resemble the feeling of traditional hair-and-jute pads. These carpet pads offer firmness, good moisture resistance, durability against moths, and lower costs. Real horsehair provides similar firmness, but also provides great durability and high density. These pads are made with processed horsehair that is often blended with other animal hair, such as cow, and jute. It is known for having great resilience and breathability. Real hair carpet padding is better for normal, firm support. Synthetic horsehair is better for longevity and damp environments.

Felt, Rubber, and Foam Pads

Felt carpet padding is dense and firm carpet padding that is made from matted fibers. It is often made up of wool, animal hair, or synthetic fibers. It is known for its firm structure and stability, which is good for high traffic areas. It is generally known for being firmer than foam and usually lasts 10-15 years. Rubber carpet pad is very high-density and very durable. It is made from natural or synthetic rubber. It is also known for its firm support and excellent cushioning. It is also praised for its moisture resistance, eco-friendliness, and long-lasting performance under carpet. Rubber carpet pad is highly resistant to compression and usually lasts longer than foam pads. Foam carpet pad is made mainly from polyurethane foam, which is often recycled. There are different types of foam carpet pad, including rebond, prime, and memory foam. Each has distinct characteristics that separate them, such as how memory foam provides more comfort, and Rebond provides more stability. 

One Step Further:

For my One Step Further this week, I decided to look into what the top carpet pad brands were. The top three brands known for their durability and comfort are Leggett & Platt, Shaw, and Mohawk. Almost all carpet retailers also sell carpet pads. The top-rated choice for residential was rebond foam carpet pads from Leggett & Platt. Leggett & Platt is an American manufacturer that was founded in 1883. They design more than just carpet pads. They also sell products found in furniture, bedding, cars, etc. Shaw Industries Group is a leading global flooring manufacturer. It was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in Dalton, Georgia. Mohawk Industries is the world’s largest flooring manufacturer. They provide all different types of flooring for both residential and commercial. The company was founded in 1878 and is now well known for its commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability.

References:

Next Day Floors. (2022, August 9). What lies beneath: Carpet padding 101. https://www.nextdayfloors.net/flooring-101/what-lies-beneath-carpet-padding-101/

S&G Carpet and More. (2020, May 19). Types of carpet padding & their pros and cons. https://www.sgcarpet.com/resource-center/articles/carpet-padding-types/

Flooring Inc. (2025, January 3). Carpet padding buying guide: Everything you need to know. https://www.flooringinc.com/blog/carpet-padding-buying-guide

Extra Credit Links:

-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqDmHYi2GdM

-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZZ9WihaWho