A firm and resilient carpet cushion, or carpet pad, is necessary to form a good foundation for your carpet, increasing its comfort and extending its life, by absorbing the impact of foot traffic.  Every step you take creates hundreds of pounds of pressure per square inch in your floor covering. Carpet cushion helps alleviate that pressure. The decrease in pressure helps make your carpet feel richer, thicker, and softer.

 

A quality pad also adds these features…

~ Adds insulation

~ Decreases pile crushing

~ Increases carpet life as much as 50%

~ Reduces noise

Types of carpet cushion may be various polyurethane foams, (including the very common bonded foam product often referred to as rebond) fiber, or rubber. The type and thickness of carpet cushion you need varies according to traffic levels and patterns.  

Carpet cushion should also be selected according to the carpet manufacturer's requirements for thickness and density. Improper selection of carpet cushion can accelerate loss of carpet surface appearance, cause wrinkling and buckling, cause separation of the carpet seams, and can cause a breakdown of the carpet structure itself. Improper carpet cushion selection also may void applicable carpet manufacturer's warranties.  

For most residential carpet applications, choose carpet cushion not more than 7/16" thick. Berber carpet is made with large, wide loops and it has been found that a stable, low-flexing carpet cushion foundation is necessary. A thicker, softer carpet cushion is not acceptable for this type of application. Carpet cushion thickness should not exceed 3/8" for these type products.