Carpet Pads and Other Residential and Commercial Products
Many consumers believe that carpet padding or carpet cushioning is added for the purpose of comfort while walking. However, the role of a carpet pad or carpet cushion is primarily to preserve the carpet's appearance and integrity, absorbing the impact the material would otherwise be subjected to. Repeatedly walking or rolling objects over the surface can cause the synthetic latex to break down, stretch the backing or even separate the primary backing from the secondary backing. You may be surprised to know that the best-performing carpet cushion actually provides less comfort, but extends the life of the carpet dramatically. Heard enough? Explore all of the carpet underpad solutions available at Georgia Carpet to find the right underlayment for your carpet.
What Does Carpet Padding Do?
Carpet pads are cushioned sheets of foam, fiber or nylon installed under the carpet. They perform several functions, helping to preserve the integrity and appearance of the carpet while extending its life.
This material:
1. Helps your carpet lay better on your floors.
2. Creates a physical barrier between your carpet and the floor to minimize wear - both wear to your floors and wear to the carpet.
3. Comes in varying thicknesses and densities that should be selected based on your carpet's composition rather than comfort level.
4. Helps absorb stains before they pass through to the subfloor.
5. Provides a degree of soundproofing and insulation.
6. Reduces wrinkling and buckling.
Common Carpet Pad Materials
Carpet pads are typically constructed out of foam, synthetic fibers, memory foam or felt. Each material offers different advantages, so it's important to take your flooring goals into consideration when choosing a carpet pad.
Foam: This is a pad made from synthetic foam and typically offers a high degree of durability for the price. Solutions include bonded foam, a reclaimed or recycled material, or prime foam, a newly manufactured product. Foam carpet pads are economical and have quickly gained popularity.
Synthetic fiber: These carpet pads made from polyester or nylon accommodate the demands of commercial spaces. Synthetic fiber pads work well with Berber and other types of commercial carpet.
Memory foam: A memory foam carpet pad will add extra softness and responsiveness to low-traffic areas of the home while still protecting the carpet. These carpet pads come in varying thicknesses to accommodate different types of residential carpets.
Felt: Felt pads are a more adaptable solution that additionally provides improved soundproofing and temperature control.
For choosing a carpet pad:
1. Understand that denser carpet pads (between six and eight pounds) last longer than lighter materials. This is especially important if you're planning on having your carpet for a longer period, as the floor padding can't be changed without pulling up the carpet.
2. Carpet pads measuring ½-inch or thinner are ideal for residential carpets.
3. For commercialand low-pile carpets, look for a stiffer pad measuring 3/8-inch thick or less.
As you prepare to upgrade your home or business with new carpet, don't forget about an appropriate padding solution. Browse carpet and padding from Dixie, Fabrica, Shaw, Mohawk and more brands now at Georgia Carpet to find the right thickness and material for your application and space. Browse our selection of wholesale and inexpensive carpet pads to help protect your soft flooring and prolong its life.
