Carpet Pads: The Importance of a Quality Underlayment
Carpet is a gorgeous soft surface, especially if you crave comfort and inviting appeal. There is just something about slipping off your shoes and walking across a plush carpet after a long day that is truly dreamy! Carpets can warm a space like no other and add an undeniable element of coziness to your home that few other flooring options can.
With such a wide array of carpet options to choose from, including style, color, construction, and texture, making a sound and well-informed choice involves understanding more than just what looks good in your home. Did you know that what is under your carpet is equally important? Actually, the quality of the carpet pad can greatly enhance the performance, long-term performance, and your overall satisfaction!
Types of Carpet Pads
When you are selecting carpet, your retailer can recommend a variety of quality options for the padding. Among them are different thicknesses of foam, memory foam, rebond (recycled) padding, and rubber. There are benefits to each type; the purpose today isn’t to outline all the pros and cons of them all. The best carpet experience in your home will match the type of carpet construction and carpet pad with the activity level and conditions that the rooms in question will see. So what is important to consider when you are choosing a carpet pad? Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
Traffic vs. Comfort: How will you use the space?
When selecting a carpet pad, make sure you consider how you will use the space, then select a pad with the appropriate thickness and density. Are you carpeting the high-activity hallway into the family room or calmer bedrooms that are tucked away upstairs? While you always want the carpet to feel good underfoot, the amount of traffic an area sees will affect how well a pad holds up. Be sure to select one that is designed accordingly. Regardless of foot traffic, if your family spends a lot of time on the floor, you will also want to choose a pad that will make lounging comfortable.
Allergens, Moisture & Sound: What are your needs?
If anyone in your household suffers from allergies, you will want to consider padding designed to combat allergens and improve indoor air quality. Made from hypoallergenic materials, this type of padding won’t aggravate allergies and will work to prevent them in the future. Routine vacuuming will always be an imperative part of combating allergies, but choosing the correct pad helps as well.
Installing carpet in areas that could be higher in humidity can be tricky, but there are stain and spill repellent fiber options that will resist absorbing moisture. If you have the need to control sound in your home, you will want to consider a pad that can help mitigate sound by absorbing it, rather than reverberating it throughout your space, or to adjacent spaces.
If you are selecting new carpet and are ready to explore carpet padding options, or if you simply have questions, visit our experts at Carpetland USA Granite & Flooring. We can help you review your options and budget, then schedule installation. You’ll have a cozier, high-performing soft surface in no time!
