What Is Carpet Pad Density

Pad density aka pad weight.

What is carpet pad density.

The density of carpet padding is calculated by measuring the total weight of one cubic foot of carpet padding. Despite a common misconception carpet density and carpet face weight are not interchangeable terms that mean the same thing although face weight is one factor used to calculate density. A pad that s too thin can collapse and cause the carpet to wrinkle or wear out prematurely the carpet cushion council and the cri have developed. The weight of carpet pad is directly associated to the pad s density.

Berber styles require a special padding that is more dense with a lower profile. Carpet padding with a density lower than 6 pounds is generally used in commercial real estate or in. Choose a residential carpet padding with a 6 to 8 pound density rating. Selecting the right carpet pile density.

How to choose the right carpet pad. Choosing a carpet padding with the correct weight for you may seem overwhelming at first. Features and types of carpet pads. It s important to remember that the weight of carpet padding referred to in a poundage number.

Density is typically measured in pounds per cubic foot but sometimes you ll see it listed as ounces per square yard expect the pad density to be 3 10lbs for most common padding. For example a good quality rebond padding 1 4 to 3 8 thickness and a density of at least 8 pounds. An extra thick pad can cause the carpet to flex too much opening seams and weakening the backing says gary johnson technical consultant at the carpet rug institute in dalton georgia. The density of a carpet is one of many factors that determine a carpet s quality and overall performance.

Pad density is the 2 factor in pad durability 1 is the type of pad more on that later. The weight is usually measured in pounds per cubic foot and most carpet pads fall in between the 3 10 lb. Carpet padding for residential applications usually have a density rating of 6 7 or 8 pounds but 10 pound density pads. Some pads have a low density rating of 3 to 5 pounds and is typically used in apartments because it is less expensive and will be replaced frequently.

It is measured by pounds per cubic foot and those in the 6 pound and 8 pound range provide comfort and durability for residential uses. Padding is also rated by its density. 5 8 pounds per cubic foot is most common for residential applications though some types of high grade carpet padding. In general denser or heavier carpet padding can handle heavier traffic than those that are less dense or heavy.

Face weight and density are two entirely different components when it comes to evaluating the. Carpet padding density explained.