Carpet Pad – How Do I Choose the Right One?

As with most products today, consumers are faced with a bewildering array of choices for carpet pad. Today, we will cut through the hype and give you the selections we present to homeowners. After reading this article, you will be able to make intelligent and informed decisions about carpet pad.

First, what is carpet pad? Also called “cushion”, carpet pad is the padding that goes under a carpet. It’s basically a pad between the carpet and the sub-floor. It makes the carpet softer underfoot. Here are five basic types of carpet pad to consider for your home:

• 8 lb rebond pad: This is the minimum industry standard for residential use. “Rebond” is shorthand for urethane scrap that is reclaimed from urethane foam used in furniture and automotive manufacturing. The term “8lb.” refers to the pad’s density. This is the usual “best” pad offered by big-box stores and most individual retailers. There are lower quality rebond pads, even as low as 4lb. pad. Often, in moderately priced new homes, contractors install 6 lb. pad because it’s inexpensive. But these feel quite thin underfoot. The main problem with rebond material is that it is inconsistent in density; there are soft spots and hard spots. This inconsistency in density provides an inconsistent feel underfoot and causes the carpet to wear inconsistently. Rebond material is also not as durable in general as other materials. We think our clients deserve more than the minimum industry standard, but if you do decide to go with rebond pad, get the 8-lb. pad and choose one that is 7/16-inch thick.
• 8 lb. rebond with moisture blocker (scrim): This is a step up from rebond pad because it includes a moisture blocker (“scrim”) that keeps moisture from penetrating into the pad. This is particularly good for poorly house-trained pets, for example, cats and dogs.
• Memory Foam with scrim: This is a step up from rebond. It is a mixture of foam and rebond. It’s density is more uniform than pure rebond, and it lasts longer. It feels softer underfoot than pure rebond, and it also extends carpet life. We like to sell a memory foam pad made by Shaw, called St. Jude’s Charity. The “St. Jude” in the product name refers to St. Jude’s Childrens Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. For every square yard sold, 12 cents is donated to St. Jude’s, with six cents donated by Shaw (the manufacturer) and six cents donated by us when we buy it from Shaw.
• Formed Foam with scrim: This is all foam (no rebond) and includes a moisture barrier. It feels even softer underfoot than memory foam. It also has a consistent feel throughout, lasts longer than rebond, and extends carpet life. We like to sell St. Jude’s Courage in this line. It also donates 12 cents for every yard sold, just like St. Jude’s Charity.
• Triple Touch 10: Formed foam, 10 lb. This is our recommended top-of-the line carpet pad. There are more expensive pads out there, but we feel this is the best luxury feel for the money. Like St. Jude’s Courage, it’s made of foam. However, it has a density of 10 lbs., which means it is more dense than the St. Jude’s Courage, which is an 8-lb. pad. Triple Touch 10 feels wonderfully soft underfoot. If you want luxury, this is the pad to buy. And it does more than just feel good. For certain Shaw carpets, this pad doubles the texture-retention warranty. It is also manufactured with an eye toward “Green” technology: it’s made with environmentally friendly polymers, which reduce dependence on petroleum-based products. The backing is made with recycled content, another “Green” consideration.

So there you have it, our basic explanation of carpet pad. So, which should you choose?

• If you want a comfortable, long-lasting pad while being economical, choose St. Jude’s Charity because it contains a foam/rebond combination.
• If you feel like splurging on a luxurious feel while being environmentally responsible, choose Triple Touch 10.
• If you want a good quality, comfortable carpet pad while spending the least amount of money, choose 8-lb., 7/16 rebond.

Want some expert advice on your flooring project? If you live in the Cincinnati, Ohio, area, contact us at Floor Coverings International, Cincinnati, East. Our 24-hour appointment desk is 513-729-7499. If you live outside the Cincinnati, Ohio, area, check out one of our other 100-plus locations at Floor Coverings International

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only, without warranty of any kind.