For your carpeting needs, there are more than a few carpet padding types available in different materials types and varying thicknesses. Before we go further into discussing the benefits of each kind however, let me first lay emphasis on the significance of the padding or cushion and how it will play a big role in maximizing the use of your carpet.
Many people pick out a good carpet type and then use inexpensive padding that's not suited for the it. That's a big mistake. In the same manner, a high-quality (with a steep price tag) carpet pad paired with a low-quality carpet will not be maximized.
Another common misconception is that the primary use of the pad is to lend comfort to the foot. While that is certainly one of the obvious effects of having carpet cushioning, the deeper purpose of the pad is to absorb the impact of abuse that without suitable padding, the carpet would need to absorb on its own. This would shorten its life. In short, your carpet, no matter how high-priced it is, is only as good as the pad that is used to cushion it.
Now let's proceed to the types of carpet padding:
Waffle Rubber
Waffle rubber is well within the half-inch thickness recommended for carpet cushions. It is made of natural or synthetic rubber, molded into a waffled (also called rippled or wavy) surface. Based on the soft, luxurious feel that this type produces, it would seem like the perfect cushion for home use. However, due to its waffle texture, the thickness actually includes a lot of air which makes it too soft for most carpet types. It also utilizes rubber that is glued together by clay binders which tends to break down easily over time.
Urethane Foam
Urethane foam carpet cushions are among the most common types, mainly because they come in varying densities and thicknesses for a wide range of options. Just imagine the foam used in mattresses, upholstered furniture, and automobile seats -- only firmer. It is made out of two liquid ingredients ,mixed, forming a huge mass foam.
The Bonded Urethane
The most popular of the common types of carpet padding is the bonded urethane carpet cushion. Also called rebond, this type is created by combining shredded/chopped pieces of high-density urethane foam from furniture and automotive industries, producing a solid, multi-colored foam. Made of recycled materials, rebond pads are eco-friendly options. On the downside though, this variety is known to contain BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene), a preservative typically used in plastics, which may cause yellowing in carpets.
The Flat Rubber
Next comes the flat rubber carpet pad. It is one the more high-quality, costly pad type and rightly so because it has the right firmness and density. Because of its high price tag, flat rubber is more commonly used in commercial settings. But then again, it can be a smart investment for a homeowner who has the resources because it is one pad that can definitely prolong a carpet's life.
The Fiber Cushion
Made from synthetic or natural carpet fibers meshed into felt sheets, fiber cushion carpet padding have a firm feel to it, and tends to limit movement on the carpet, lengthening its lifespan. Fiber pads can be made from jute, hair mixed with jute, or recycled textile fibers. Mold and mildew-resistant, this padding type is a good cushion for concrete basement floors.
We know it's important to choose a good carpet, but your carpet pad choice holds the same degree of importance too. So before making that decision, take time to know the carpet padding types that will work best for the carpet you have in mind.
Many people pick out a good carpet type and then use inexpensive padding that's not suited for the it. That's a big mistake. In the same manner, a high-quality (with a steep price tag) carpet pad paired with a low-quality carpet will not be maximized.
Another common misconception is that the primary use of the pad is to lend comfort to the foot. While that is certainly one of the obvious effects of having carpet cushioning, the deeper purpose of the pad is to absorb the impact of abuse that without suitable padding, the carpet would need to absorb on its own. This would shorten its life. In short, your carpet, no matter how high-priced it is, is only as good as the pad that is used to cushion it.
Now let's proceed to the types of carpet padding:
Waffle Rubber
Waffle rubber is well within the half-inch thickness recommended for carpet cushions. It is made of natural or synthetic rubber, molded into a waffled (also called rippled or wavy) surface. Based on the soft, luxurious feel that this type produces, it would seem like the perfect cushion for home use. However, due to its waffle texture, the thickness actually includes a lot of air which makes it too soft for most carpet types. It also utilizes rubber that is glued together by clay binders which tends to break down easily over time.
Urethane Foam
Urethane foam carpet cushions are among the most common types, mainly because they come in varying densities and thicknesses for a wide range of options. Just imagine the foam used in mattresses, upholstered furniture, and automobile seats -- only firmer. It is made out of two liquid ingredients ,mixed, forming a huge mass foam.
The Bonded Urethane
The most popular of the common types of carpet padding is the bonded urethane carpet cushion. Also called rebond, this type is created by combining shredded/chopped pieces of high-density urethane foam from furniture and automotive industries, producing a solid, multi-colored foam. Made of recycled materials, rebond pads are eco-friendly options. On the downside though, this variety is known to contain BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene), a preservative typically used in plastics, which may cause yellowing in carpets.
The Flat Rubber
Next comes the flat rubber carpet pad. It is one the more high-quality, costly pad type and rightly so because it has the right firmness and density. Because of its high price tag, flat rubber is more commonly used in commercial settings. But then again, it can be a smart investment for a homeowner who has the resources because it is one pad that can definitely prolong a carpet's life.
The Fiber Cushion
Made from synthetic or natural carpet fibers meshed into felt sheets, fiber cushion carpet padding have a firm feel to it, and tends to limit movement on the carpet, lengthening its lifespan. Fiber pads can be made from jute, hair mixed with jute, or recycled textile fibers. Mold and mildew-resistant, this padding type is a good cushion for concrete basement floors.
We know it's important to choose a good carpet, but your carpet pad choice holds the same degree of importance too. So before making that decision, take time to know the carpet padding types that will work best for the carpet you have in mind.
About the Author:
Wiczek's Floors & More has provided carpeting in Brainerd and nearby areas for 50 years now. Visit their website to find out what types of carpet in Brainerd are best for your home!
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