What Should I Look For In Buying A Carpet Pad?

What should I look for in buying a carpet pad? There are a variety of different carpet pads on the market, and you should always buy a carpet pad for your carpet. A good carpet pad is a smart investment....

A good carpet pad is a smart investment. Often, retailers will include a pad in the price of the carpet, but it will often be a lower-grade, low-density pad that doesn't support the carpet as well. Without providing adequate support for the carpet, the carpet might wear out prematurely. So, you want to get a medium density pad.

There are a variety of pads, including foam, rubber and a material called Rebond, which is made from other pads that are reassembled. It has a multicolor look and is a very popular choice. There are silk-like pressed fiber carpet pads that look a lot like silk, and are also made from recycled carpet products. Those are some good choices. Carpet manufacturers have minimum pad recommendations for each carpet so ask the retailer what the manufacturer recommends. The Carpet and Rug Institute, the carpet industry trade association, publishes recommendations for padding. There may be building code requirements so be sure these are checked if the carpet is going into new construction.

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