For your carpeting needs, there are more than a few carpet padding types available in different materials types and varying thicknesses. But before we look into into the merits of each one, let me first stress just how important the padding is in the general performance of your new carpet.
A lot of people go for 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 undoubtedly one of the obvious effects of having carpet cushioning, the more important purpose of the pad is to absorb the wear and tear that without appropriate padding, the carpet would have to absorb by itself, effectively shortening its life. Simply put, your carpet, regardless of how costly 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:
The Waffle Rubber
Carpet pads should ideally be at least half an inch thick and waffle rubber fits the bill in this respect. It is created by molding rubber, natural or synthetic, into a waffled or rippled surface. This process produces a pad that has a plush softness making it seem great for home areas. But the waffled nature of this pad actually makes for a thickness that has a lot of air, making it too soft for a lot of carpets. It also utilizes rubber held 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 formed out of two liquid ingredients ,mixed, forming an enormous mass foam.
The Bonded Urethane
Another commonly used carpet padding is the bonded urethane type. 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 usually used in plastics, which may cause yellowing in carpets.
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. With such a high cost, its market is somewhat limited to commercial usage. However, a homeowner willing to spend for this padding type will find the investment well worth it as this can preserve your carpet best.
Fiber Cushion
Made up of natural or synthetic 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. Concrete floors especially those prone to moisture, would d well with this carpet pad variety as it is mold- and mildew-resistant.
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.
A lot of people go for 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 undoubtedly one of the obvious effects of having carpet cushioning, the more important purpose of the pad is to absorb the wear and tear that without appropriate padding, the carpet would have to absorb by itself, effectively shortening its life. Simply put, your carpet, regardless of how costly 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:
The Waffle Rubber
Carpet pads should ideally be at least half an inch thick and waffle rubber fits the bill in this respect. It is created by molding rubber, natural or synthetic, into a waffled or rippled surface. This process produces a pad that has a plush softness making it seem great for home areas. But the waffled nature of this pad actually makes for a thickness that has a lot of air, making it too soft for a lot of carpets. It also utilizes rubber held 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 formed out of two liquid ingredients ,mixed, forming an enormous mass foam.
The Bonded Urethane
Another commonly used carpet padding is the bonded urethane type. 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 usually used in plastics, which may cause yellowing in carpets.
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. With such a high cost, its market is somewhat limited to commercial usage. However, a homeowner willing to spend for this padding type will find the investment well worth it as this can preserve your carpet best.
Fiber Cushion
Made up of natural or synthetic 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. Concrete floors especially those prone to moisture, would d well with this carpet pad variety as it is mold- and mildew-resistant.
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 supplied quality carpeting in Brainerd and nearby areas for 50 years now. Visit their website to find out which types of carpet in Brainerd are available!
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