What Is Carpet Pad Thickness

These require thinner padding because the give on thick pads can damage them.

What is carpet pad thickness.

How to choose the right carpet pad. It s usually pretty simple because most carpets call for 7 16. Berber styles require a special padding that is more dense with a lower profile. Carpet density is basically a combination of height and thickness.

For this reason you ll want a thinner carpet pad. A thick pad can actually damage thin carpet types such as berber. If you choose a low pile carpet which includes berber loop pattern carpet and commercial varieties the carpet pad thickness should be 3 8 inch or less. Thick padding is generally not only not worth it but may result in buckling worn or splitting carpet.

Thick padding may not be as durable and anything over 8 16 will cause installation problems. Don t choose a carpet pad that s too thick or you risk unsightly folds and wrinkles developing in and beneath. Shop all thickness options. Some prefer a rubber pad or a synthetic fiber or wool pad for basements.

In most cases the ideal thickness of padding is 7 16 inch. Padding more than 1 2 inch thick causes installation problems and is often not durable. Together they are key factors in your carpet s look and feel and they also influence its resilience and durability. In fact it might even be worse for your home.

In some instances improper pad thickness voids the carpet s warranty. Carpet padding can come in thicknesses anywhere from under 1 4 up to 1 2. In higher traffic areas such as hallways and stairwells it is usually recommend by the carpet manufacturer that you use thin dense carpet padding no thicker than 3 8. For example a good quality rebond padding 1 4 to 3 8 thickness and a density of at least 8 pounds.

But with padding thicker pad isn t always the best carpet padding. That s because the thick carpet pad has too much give for a short pile carpet. The good news is most retailers know the padding thickness you need. According to abccarpets most residential carpet pads have a thickness of 7 16 inch.

The exception to 7 16 inch as the ideal thickness is short pile and berber carpeting. Padding that is too thick or thin can cause the carpet to wrinkle buckle separate and wear prematurely. Widely looped carpets like berber do not react well to thick carpet padding. Selecting the right carpet pile density.

Get to know the basics below to decide which options are best for your home and lifestyle.