Basement Carpet and Flooring Options Explained

If you’re looking for the best concrete basement carpet and flooring options there are a few things you need to consider.

First, make sure that the basement concrete has been properly sealed to prevent any potential moisture issues before investing in new carpeting. Afterward, you can choose from several types of carpet materials and padding, such as Nylon, Polyester or Olefin.

However, if your basement has humidity or water problems, then opting for water-resistant carpets or flooring might be the best option. Ultimately, it’s important to have an accurate assessment of your basement and select a type of material that suits your home’s specific needs.

What is the Best Carpet Style For Basements?

If you’re looking to install or upgrade the carpet or flooring in your basement, choosing the right type of carpet is essential. From water resistance and durability to color and texture, there are a few key factors to consider when it comes to picking the best carpets for basements. Learn about Carpet Styles

Choose A Moisture-Resistant Carpet Fiber

Moisture-resistant carpets are specifically designed to be installed in wet basements or other areas with high levels of humidity or moisture. Look for nylon and polyester types, as these fabrics are highly water and stain-resistant. Carpets made from Olefin (polypropylene) and polypropylene/nylon blends also offer good water resistance and will stand up to heavy foot traffic and adverse weather conditions. Carpet Fiber Durability Guide

Look for Rubberized Backing to Reduce Slipping

To help ensure that the carpet stays in place and reduce the risk of slipping, look for carpet with a rubberized backing that is designed specifically to be installed in a wet basement. The rubberized backing will help keep the carpet secure and provide extra padding for comfort. Additionally, you may want to double-check the carpet stain warranty and choose a product with an extended warranty that covers moisture damage as well. Carpet Manufacturer Stain Warranties Explained

Consider Heavy Weight Carpets for Better Durability

When shopping for carpet for your basement, there is no substitute for quality and a heavy weight product. Look for carpets made from thick nylon or wool fibers; these more rugged materials will stand up to wear and tear much better than thinner materials. Additionally, the heavier the carpet, the more durable it will be; this is particularly important if you plan on using the room frequently. Finally, remember to look for carpet with a rubberized padding or backing to provide extra protection against moisture.

Consider Outdoor Carpeting for Damp Basements

If your basement is prone to moisture or water, then you should look for indoor/outdoor or artificial turf carpeting. These types of carpets are moisture resistant and much more durable than traditional carpets which will be more likely to rot in wet conditions. Additionally, they are easy to clean and maintain so that you can keep your basement looking great even in challenging conditions. Low-Cost Carpet Remnants

Best Padding for a Damp Basement?

It is important to make sure that the padding you choose for your new basement carpet is suitable for a damp area. There are specific moisture resistant under-pad options available which help reduce the amount of water absorption by the pad, so it won’t rot or mildew over time. Make sure to talk to your local carpet or flooring specialist about what type of under-padding will work best in your situation. Consider having your basement concrete sealed. Carpet Pad, Padding Types, Upgrades, Specifications and Cost

Concrete Basement Waterproofing Sealing

Do-It-Yourself Basement Waterproofing & Sealing Tips. Save money on basement waterproofing costs by taking matters into your own hands! Find out how you can seal and waterproof your basement yourself with these helpful tips.

If you’re tired of dealing with water seepage in your basement, it might be time to consider waterproofing your space. But you don’t need to call a contractor – waterproofing and sealing a basement can be done easily with the right materials and tools. Learn how to do it yourself here.

Basement Carpet and Flooring Options Explained.

You don’t want wrinkles forming in your carpet like the ones shown in this picture. A little bit of moisture evaporating up from the concrete over time is the reason for the wrinkles in this photo. It doesn’t take much moisture to create a problem like this, it may take weeks or months for the wrinkles to show up. If there is more moisture, the wrinkles may show up in less than a month.

Inspect and Repair Any Structural Damage

Before starting your basement waterproofing project, it’s important to inspect the area for any damage that may have occurred over time. Look for cracked or bowed walls and repair or replace them as needed. Make sure to fill in any small openings, holes, or gaps with a sealant or concrete patch, and use a waterproofing compound for larger areas. Doing this will help ensure that your DIY waterproofing efforts are successful.

Reseal Between Basement Wall and Slab

To properly waterproof your basement, it’s important that you clean and reseal all contact points between the basement wall and floor slab. Use a detergent designed for concrete – like tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) or muriatic acid – to loosen any dirt and debris, followed by sealing the area with a waterproofing compound designed for use with concrete. Also be sure to check any window frames, door frames, pipes, or other fixtures coming through the walls, and seal off any cracks or openings as needed.

Check for Leaks Around Doors and Windows

Doors and windows that open to the outside of your basement should be weather-stripped or caulked with a high-grade sealant to keep out air and water. Pay close attention to seams, cracks, and any openings around the frame such as nail holes where air could seep through. If there are gaps between the wall and window frames, use silicone caulk to fill them in. This is an especially important step if you have high humidity levels in your home, as it can help prevent mold and mildew growth.

Apply an Epoxy Sealant to the Interior Walls of Your Basement

After sealing and insulating all door and window frames, you can start the waterproofing process. Apply an epoxy sealant to the interior walls of your basement. This type of sealant is designed to block moisture from seeping into the wood, insulation and other materials used in your basement. It is important that you use an epoxy-based product designed specifically for concrete or masonry surfaces as ordinary paint won’t be enough to keep out water.

Install a Sump Pump (With Battery Backup)

Installing a sump pump is vital to keep your basement from flooding. A sump pump utilizes a float switch that instinctively activates when it starts to detect water collecting in the pit. When activated, the pump will automatically aerate and remove all water from the area, eliminating the possibility of flooding. Adding a backup battery ensures that your pump will remain in operation even if power is disrupted or cut off.

Best Carpet and Flooring Options For Your Concrete Basement?

Carpet tiles, hardwood engineered flooring, laminate flooring, vinyl plank and sheet vinyl. All are ideal solutions for any basement transformation.

Features:

Waterproof and Non-waterproof Floor Solutions – Carpet Tile Options in a Variety of Colors & Patterns – Hardwood Engineered Flooring – Laminate Flooring – Vinyl Plank & Sheet Vinyl

Benefits:

• Carpet Tiles are easy to install, maintain and replace if needed
• Hardwood engineered flooring can add timeless appeal
• Laminate wood floors mimic the look of real hardwood without the same long term cost or maintenance requirements
• Vinyl plank and sheet vinyl are durable, attractive blend of style and performance designed to hold up in even the most active basements

Savvy homeowners want to know about how to choose the best Carpet Padding Types and Prices for 2023 and beyond. Here’s the low-down about choosing the correct type of pad, and selecting the proper thickness and density rating to match your new Carpet selection.

Carpet Padding Basics Explained

Select your new Carpet first, then select the padding that will best match the grade of carpet you have chosen.

You don’t want your padding to wear out faster than your carpet. There are many different types of padding available today to accommodate all the various carpet grades, types and styles you might select.

In the next few pages, I will explain the various types of pad that you will encounter when shopping for new carpeting for your home, but first you need to know a few things about what makes one padding better than another. It’s all about Padding specifications.

Three factors determine padding quality, durability and suitability.

1. Type of Material
2. Density / Weight
3. Thickness

A certain type, thickness and density of padding is specified by the carpet manufacturer.

When choosing the right carpet pad, it must be capable of properly supporting your new carpet in order to maintain the new carpet warranty. You can call the carpet manufacturer to find out what padding specifications are required for the type and style of carpet you select.

It is your responsibility to make sure the right carpet padding is selected. Don’t automatically assume the carpet salesperson knows what pad is required to keep your new carpet warranty in force.

Best Types of Carpet Padding

What is the Best Type of Carpet Padding For My Home? Make sure you choose carpet padding wisely! Here are the most common padding types, styles, thickness and density ratings for residential homes, office and commercial applications.

Rebond Carpet Pad

This type of pad is the most common and the best choice for most residential applications. It is made from recycled materials, mainly from recycled urethane foam, which is why it is multicolored. It is available everywhere, and in almost every thickness and density.

Rebond is reasonably priced and it does a good job supporting your carpet for about 7 to 15 years on average.

Rebond Padding is designed for residential applications and is the most economical padding choice for your home. 4 to 10-pound densities are available but most homeowners would be wise to choose a density rating of 6 to 8-pounds.

I prefer a 8-pound density rating for most residential-grade carpet styles and especially on stairs and heavy foot traffic areas. An 8-pound density gives excellent support and durability for homes with active kids and pets too.

Not all Rebond Padding is made of high-grade or top-quality recycled materials. Every padding manufacturer offers several grades of Rebond Padding to their distributors. Carpet retailers have a choice of which grade of Rebond Padding to offer to their customers.

The main difference will be the type of recycled materials used to manufacture the padding and the density rating. The higher the quality of recycled materials used, the better the Rebond pad will perform.

Most carpet stores have a few different thickness and density variations on hand and can order other padding specifications to meet your needs when necessary. Learn more about Padding Specifications

Reputable Carpet Dealers always offer top quality Rebond Padding to their customers. The price you pay for a good quality padding may be slightly higher than at the shady discount carpet store down the street, however you should never skimp when it comes to choosing a good-quality padding to place underneath your good-quality carpet.

Your Carpet and Padding Must be Equal in Durability

If you buy a carpet designed to last 15 years, then you must buy a padding that is designed to last at least 15 years too. The question is, how will you know what grade of carpet or padding you are buying?

Typical Cost for a 6 to 8-pound density Rebond pad is about $3.50 – $5.50 per square yard or about 39 to 45 cents per square foot and comes in 30 yard rolls.

Inexpensive Foam Padding

This type of simple foam pad is inexpensive and super lightweight. Any 6-year old can lift a full roll. If a retail store tries to give you free pad with your carpet purchase, this is usually what they plan to give you. It is not meant for residential applications.

This type of padding will not tolerate much foot traffic. It will soon become completely flat as a pancake in main walkways after a year or two. It is not sturdy, it has no wear layer on top to hold it together and it rips and tears very easily.

Cheap Foam Pad like this is often used in apartment settings where the carpet life span is expected to be less than 3 years. Foam Pad of this quality usually sells for a buck or two per square yard and comes in 40 yard rolls, 6 feet wide by 60 feet long.

Prime Urethane Foam

Prime Urethane foam is not made from recycled materials, this type of pad is called prime or virgin urethane. It’s a better grade of foam pad (frothed foam) that could be a good choice for the home. It is made of very dense urethane (polyurethane). This is a sturdy product with a surface layer added for stability and durability.

Prime Urethane Foam is designed primarily for commercial applications, but is becoming more common in residential applications. The cost is higher than a standard Rebond pad and is not a common choice among homeowners.

Wool, Cloth and Synthetic Pads

These types of natural wool or synthetic pads are used primarily for Berber Styles and commercial grade carpets. They are very dense, breathe well, and are not spongy at all. These are made from recycled or shredded fabrics or natural wool.

Pads of this type are designed to support and allow looped Berbers and commercial carpets to wear well in heavy traffic situations, and to prevent these types of carpets from stretching out and developing wrinkles.

A synthetic fiber pad is also a great choice for basements with concrete floors as it breathes well, resists mold and mildew and has anti-microbial properties.

Rubber Carpet Pad

I seldom recommend using a Flat Rubber Slab or Rubber Waffle Pad in residential applications primarily because of its high cost. 

Rebond pad is a much more economical choice and it does a great job at supporting your carpet as long the correct thickness and density is selected.

Rubber slab padding is often used in commercial applications over concrete. Rubber padding density is usually rated in ounces instead or pounds. Cost is highest for this type of padding and it comes in 20 yard rolls because it is so heavy and awkward to handle.

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Carpet Padding Prices 2022

Rebond Type (Residential)

This Price Guide is for Standard Rebond Type Carpet Pad Only, and not for Moisture Barrier, Memory Foam or any other Type of Carpet Padding.

(Cash and Carry Prices Shown) These are current pad prices available online at two home improvement warehouse stores. Cash and carry means you have to visit the store to make your selection, pay for it, transport it, store it and make it readily available at the job site for the installers you hire. This is not what you will pay for padding if you purchase new carpet, padding and installation as a complete package deal from a reputable locally-owned carpet retailer.

(Click to View Full Size pdf)

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Carpet Padding Thickness Explained

For most residential plush style carpets, a 7/16″ padding thickness is most common. Berber styles require a thinner padding. Usually 1/4″ to 3/8″.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that a thicker pad is a better pad.

If you chose a padding that is too thick it can cause wrinkles to develop in your new carpet more quickly. If so, then you will void your new carpet warranty.

For most homes, 7/16″ is the thickest padding you should select to keep your new carpet warranty in force.

That said, 1/2″ thick padding is still a common choice and widely available from most carpet retailers. Read the manufacturers new carpet warranty or call the mill to verify what padding thickness you should select.

A Thicker Pad Feels Softer Underfoot

I don’t recommend installing a thicker padding unless you understand the possible consequences. Using a thicker pad will increase the chance of developing wrinkles over time and will instantly void your new carpet warranty.

Some folks choose a thicker pad for their bedrooms to make the carpet feel softer underfoot. Many choose a 9/16″, 5/8″, 3/4″ or even a 1″ thick pad.

However, thicker pad is getting harder to find these days. Instead, you can opt to have your carpet installer glue together two layers of pad to obtain the same result.

Using a thicker padding can be an enjoyable addition to your bedroom.

While you may get away with using a thicker pad in bedrooms with very low foot traffic, using a thicker pad in other areas like stairs, hallways, living rooms and family rooms would not be a good idea. In areas with higher foot traffic, using a thicker padding would cause your new carpet to quickly develop ripples, waves and wrinkles.

It will cost you more to use a thicker pad.

• • Extra Padding Cost
  • Additional Installation Charges

Low-Profile Padding with Higher Density Rating Increases Carpet Durability.

Looped Berber carpet styles and commercial grade carpets tend to be more prone to wrinkling and therefore require a special low-profile, high density padding. Usually a maximum of 1/4″ to 3/8″ thickness, and a density rating of 10 to 12 pounds.

If in doubt, you can always call the carpet manufacturer to get the correct padding requirements needed to keep from voiding your new carpet warranty.

Padding Density Explained

Padding quality is also determined by its Density Rating. Some pads have a low density rating of 3 to 4 pounds and is typically used in apartments and rental properties because it is less expensive and landlords know it will need to be replaced more frequently.

Padding for residential applications usually have a density rating of 6 to 8 pounds, but 10-pound density is also available and gaining in popularity.

Some folks prefer the 6-pound density padding because it is slightly softer underfoot. However, an 8-pound padding provides better support for your carpet.

A higher density rating generally make a carpet more resistant to wear and tear and abrasion. This is especially true in high traffic areas like stairs and hallways. I recommend using 8-pound density for most residential applications.

Some pads are measured in ounces.

Pads made of foam are rated in pounds. The most common foam padding density for residential homes is 6-pound density. An 8-pound pad is heavier and therefore more dense. More and more carpet makers are requiring 8-pound pads as a warranty requirement because it provides better support.

Wool, Felt, Synthetic Fiber and Rubber Pads are measured in ounces. For example, a pad of 128-ounce weight is the equivalent of an 8-pound pad. A 192-ounce pad is equal to 12-pound density.

What Homeowners Need To Know About Choosing the Right Carpet Pad

• The higher the density rating, the more costly the padding will be.
• Do not rely on the carpet salesperson to choose the correct pad for you, it is your responsibility to make sure the correct type of pad is selected and installed.
• If the wrong type, thickness or density is selected, your carpet may develop wrinkles over time and your new carpet warranty may be voided.
• If unsure, call the carpet manufacturer to see what Padding Specifications are required for the carpet you have selected.
• Take my free Carpet Foot-Traffic Test to help determine the grade of carpet you need to install in your home.

Beware of Unnecessary Padding Upgrades

It’s real easy to pay too much for pad, especially if you follow bad advice from an inexperienced carpet salesperson. There are many types of padding available but choosing the right pad can be challenging. Don’t blindly agree to any padding upgrade until you have a chance to do your padding homework!

You Probably Don’t Need a Specialty Pad

Don’t be swayed by a carpet salesperson who says you need to spend more for a pad that has a moisture barrier. Chances are good that you do not need a moisture barrier pad. In fact, moisture barrier pads can help cause mold and mildew to form underneath your padding. If your basement has moisture problems, a moisture barrier pad is the wrong pad for you.

You also don’t need the pad that has baking soda infused to help eliminate pet odors. The cost is high and the benefit is low. How long do you think the baking soda infused inside a 1/2″ thick pad will remain effective? Not long enough to make it a worthwhile padding upgrade I bet.

What about Padding That Will Extend Your New Carpet Warranty?

Carpet makers like Shaw and Mohawk now offer a special branded padding that if you buy it, they will increase the length of your New Carpet Warranty by up to 10 years.

I think the increase in carpet warranty length is just a slick marketing ploy to get you to spend more on a padding that you can surely do without.

It practically takes an act of congress to substantiate a valid new carpet warranty claim and even if you do, they only cover affected areas and pro rate your replacement credit based on the age of your carpet.

Specialty pads will certainly cost you more today but from my perspective they provide little to no measurable benefits to you in the long run. Don’t waste of your hard earned money on special pads that offer little benefit.

 

Read more:

Types of Carpet Padding

Specialized Carpet Pads

Recommended Carpet Stores

 

Do you have a Question about a Certain Brand of Carpet?

I created a directory of Carpet Manufacturer Websites, including Phone Numbers. This list will help you get the answers you need, straight from the horses mouth!

Want to learn about care and maintenance for your new carpet?
Want to know how to obtain your carpet warranty information?
What is the correct padding type for your new carpet?

Visit these Carpet Manufacturer Websites Directly for Answers!

Here is my free list of common carpet and floor covering manufacturers and their toll-free contact information for homeowners. This list is updated frequently but I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information contained here. These websites and phone numbers change often.

In recent years, many smaller carpet manufacturers have gone out of business, have been sold or bought up by larger conglomerates like Mohawk, Beaulieu and Shaw.

There are way fewer small locally-owned carpet mills today than ever before. This is not good news for homeowners. When your carpet options and competition is reduced, it makes new carpet more costly.

This is why it is so important you get unfettered access to complete and accurate carpet specifications, to be able select the right grade of carpet or flooring to meet your needs, goals, lifestyle and budget.

Learn more: Best & Worst Places to Buy New Carpet

Carpet Manufacturer Websites

1st Choice Carpet

A

Aladdin

Aladdin Commercial

Alexander Smith

Aminco Home
amincohome.com/

Anderson Tuftex

Astro Carpet Mills
(800) 542-4189
astrocarpetmills.com

Atlas Mills
(800) 367-8188
atlascarpetmills.com

Axminster Carpet Ltd
(800) 356-5013

B

Barrett Carpet Mills
(800) 241-4064

Beaulieu of America
(800) 888-6839

Bentley Mills
(800) 423-4709
bentleymills.com

Bloomsberg Carpet Industries
(212) 688-7447
bloomsburgcarpet.com

Blossom
blossomfloorcovering.com

Blue Ridge Carpet Mills
(800) 241-5945

BP
(800) 872-0765
bp.com

Bretlin
(800) 273-8546
bretlin.com

Brinton’s US Axminster
(662) 332-1581
Burtco Enterprises Inc
(800) 241-4019

C

Cabin Crafts

Carousel Carpet
(707) 485-0333

Camelot Carpet Mills

Caress

Carpeton Mills
(800) 241-4088
carpeton-wavemaker.com

Carriage Industries(Dixie)
(800) 241-4211
thedixiegroup.com

Cavan
cavancarpets.com

Cherokee Carpet
(800) 824-4010

Citation Mills (Beaulieu)
(800) 227-7211

Collins & Aikman
(800) 241-4085

Columbus Mills (Beaulieu)
(800) 233-6605

Constantine
(800) 308-4344

Coronet Industries (Beaulieu)
(800) 241-4018
coronet-industries.com

Couristan
(800) 223-6186
couristan.com

Crossley Carpet Mills (Collins & Aikman)
(800) 248-2878

Custom Weave (Mohawk)
(800) 241-4900
mohawkind.com

D

Danube (Dixie)
(800) 241-4211
thedixiegroup.com

Design Materials
(800) 654-6451

Designweave

Dimension Carpets (Beaulieu)
(800) 227-7211

Dixie Home
dixie-home.com

Dow
(800) 847-4212
dowcarpetbackings.com

DuPont
(800) 325-7719

Durkan Patterned Carpets (Mohawk)
(800) 241-4580

E

Edward Fields
(212) 310-0400

El Dorado

Eurotex
(800) 523-0731

Expressive Designs

F

Fabrica
fabrica.com

Fabrica International (Dixie)
(800) 854-0357
thedixiegroup.com

Fibreworks
fibreworks.com

Flagship Carpets
(800) 848-4055
flagshipcarpets.com

Fortune

G

Galaxy Carpet Mills (Mohawk)
(800) 242-5299

Glen Eden Wool Carpet
(800) 843-1728
glen-eden.com

Globaltex Carpet Mills Ltd. (Dixie)
(800) 753-0704
thedixiegroup.com

Godfrey Hirst
godfreyhirst.com

Grass Tex

Gulistan
(800) 869-2727

H

Harbinger (Mohawk)
(800) 553-6045
harbingercarpet.com

Helios
helioscarpet.com

Heritage

Hollytex

Home Foundations

Horizon

Hospitality Designs

I

Image Carpets
(800) 722-2504
mohawkind.com

Interface Flooring Systems
(800) 336-0225
interfaceinc.com

Invision

J

J Mish
jmish.com

J & J Industries
(800) 859-9558
jjindustries.com

Joy

K

Karastan (Mohawk)
(800) 848-2020

Karastan Contract
(800) 553-6045
karastancontract.com

Karndean Flooring
karndean.com/en/floors

Key Carpet

Kraus Carpet Mills
(800) 265-2787
krauscarpet.com

L

Lees
(800) 523-5647

Lexmark

Lotus Carpets (Beaulieu)
(800) 451-1250

Louis de Poortere
(866) 537-7847

Lowe’s Carpet Corporation
(800) 333-2468

M

Mannington Commercial Carpet
(800) 241-2262
mannington.com

Masland Carpets (Dixie)
(800) 633-0468
maslandcarpets.com

Milliken
(800) 257-3987
millikencarpet.com

Mohawk Commercial
(800) 553-6045
aladdincommercial.com/carpet

Mohawk Residential
(800) 241-4494
mohawkind.com

Monterey Carpet (Collins & Aikman)
(800) 678-4640

N

Next Floor

Nourison
nourison.com

Nourtex
nourison.com/nourtex

Nova

NRF Select

O

Omego Pattern

Oriental Weavers Rugs
owrugs.com

P

Pacificrest Mills (Royalty)
(800) 522-8838
pacificrest.com

Patcraft Commercial (Shaw)
(800) 381-8160
patcraft.com

Patrick Carpet Mills (Dixie)
(800) 421-1846
maslandcarpets.com

Philadelphia Commercial (Shaw)
(800) 441-7429
shawinc.com

Plaza

Playfield Carpet
(800) 221-7449
playfield.org

Porter Carpet
(800) 241-2071

Prestige Mills
(800) 223-7587

Prince Street
(800) 423-4709
princestreet.com

Q

Queen / Shaw
(800) 241-4031
shawinc.com

R

Richmond Carpet Company
(800) 241-2278

Regency House

Royalty Carpet Mills
(800) 854-8331
royaltycarpetmills.com

S

Salem

S & S Carpet Mills
(800) 241-4013

Shaw Commercial
(800) 441-7429
shawcontract.com

Shaw Contract Design
(800) 831-8220
shawinc.com

ShawMark

Shaw Residential
(800) 441-7429
shawinc.com

S I Flooring Systems
(800) 258-3121
sind.com

Solutia
(800) 547-9281
solutia.com

Stanton Carpet
(706) 624-9385
stantoncarpet.com

Stark Carpet
(212) 752-9000
starkcarpet.com

Sunrise Carpet (Mohawk)
(800) 241-4582
mohawkind.com

Sunweaver

Sutton

T

Tarquett

Textile Rubber Chemical
(800) 727-8483

Tower Carpet (Dixie)
(800) 241-4225
thedixiegroup.com

Tuftex (Shaw)
(800) 366-0951
tuftexcarpet.com

U

Unique

US Axminster
(800) 483-9955

V

Venture

W

Weave – Tuft

Wellco

Westweave

Wexford

Woolshire

Wools of New Zealand
(800) 367-0462

World Carpets (Mohawk)
(800) 765-0477
mohawkind.com

World

Wunda Weve

Z

Zenith.

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Take your time shopping for new carpet.

It’s supposed to be fun and exciting, not frustrating and stressful.

1. Learn how to make wise and informed choices! Visit my Sitemap to see all my free carpet buying articles.
2. Take my powerful Carpet Foot-Traffic Test. Learn which Grade of Carpet will meet your needs, goals and lifestyle.
3. Can you help me find reputable Carpet Stores Near Me? Yes!
4. Take my free Carpet Shopping Form with you while you shop. It will help you narrow-down your final choices.
5. Print out my free Carpet Buying Checklist. Learn what things you need to do before, during and after you have new Carpet installed in your home.

Learn more: Best & Worst Places to Buy New Carpet

It’s hard to find an honest and reputable carpet store these days! Retail Carpet Scams are common! That’s why I created my own special hand-picked list of carpet stores. They are locally owned, give free estimates, offer fair prices, have knowledgeable staff, provide honest measuring and hire qualified installers. Savvy homeowners want to know… Are there any reputable Carpet Stores Near Me?

Abccarpetpro.com   Carpetprofessor.com   Bestcarpetchoice.com   Abccarpets.com   Howtobuycarpet.com   Homecarpetshopping.com   Landlordfloors.com   Homefloorguide.com   Carpetsupersite.com

What Carpet Padding Is Best For My Home? Make sure you choose carpet padding wisely! Here are the most common Carpet Padding Types Cost and Specifications for residential homes, offices and commercial applications. See my current price chart for Rebond padding.

Rebond Pad

(Best Bang for your Buck!)

This type of pad is the most common and the best choice for most residential applications.

Rebond padding is made from recycled materials, mainly from recycled urethane foam, which is why it is multicolored. It is available everywhere, and in virtually every thickness and density.

Rebond pad is reasonably priced and it does a good job supporting your carpet for about 7 to 15 years on average.

Rebond is designed for residential applications and is the most economical padding choice for your home, rental or office.

4 to 10-pound densities are available but most homeowners would be wise to choose a density rating of 6 to 8 pounds.

I prefer a 8-pound density rating for most residential-grade carpet styles and especially on stairs.

An 8-pound density gives excellent support and durability for homes with active kids and pets too.

Not all Rebond padding is made of high-grade or top-quality recycled materials. Every padding manufacturer offers several grades of Rebond padding to their distributors.

Carpet retailers have a choice of which grade of Rebond padding to offer to their customers.

The main difference will be the type of recycled materials used to manufacture the padding and the density rating.

The higher the quality of recycled materials used, the better the Rebond pad will perform.

Most carpet stores have a few different thickness and density variations on hand and can order other padding specifications to meet your needs when necessary.

Padding Price Chart 2022

Rebond Type (Residential)

This Chart is for Standard Rebond Type Foam Carpet Pad Only, Not for Moisture Barrier, Memory Foam or Other Types of Padding.

(Cash and Carry Prices Shown)

Density  Thick    Roll Size   Sq Ft  / Sq Yds    Cost SF / SY / Roll
5 lb          3/8”        6’ x 45’       270        30         .27        2.44       $73
5 lb          3/8”        6’ x 45’       270        30         .26        2.34       $70
5 lb          1/2″        6’ x 45’       270        30         .37        3.30       $100
6 lb          7/16”      6’ x 45’       270        30         .40        3.64      $109
6 lb          1/2″        6’ x 45’       270        30         .45        4.00       $120
7 lb          7/16”      6’ x 45’       270        30         .39        3.50       $105
8 lb          5/16”      6’ x 45’       270        30         .40        3.64       $109
8 lb          7/16”      6’ x 45’       270        30         .48        4.34       $130
8 lb          1/2″        6’ x 45’       270        30         .48        4.30       $129

(Click Here to View Full Size pdf file)

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Carpet Padding Types Cost and Specifications Explained

Padding Specifications

Reputable carpet dealers always offer top quality Rebond padding to their customers.

The price you pay for a good quality padding may be slightly higher than at the shady discount carpet store down the street. However you should never skimp when it comes to choosing a good quality padding to place underneath your good quality carpet.

The Grade of Padding you select must MATCH the Grade of Carpet you select. If you buy a carpet designed to last 15 years, then you must buy a padding that is designed to last at least 15 years.

Typical Cost for a 6 to 8-pound density Rebond pad is about $3.50 – $6.99 per square yard or about 39 to 77 cents per square foot.

Foam Padding (Urethane)

This type of pad is often very inexpensive and lightweight. If a retail store tries to give you free pad with your carpet purchase, this is usually what they give you. It has a density rating of 2 to 3 pounds.

Foam padding will not tolerate much traffic. It will soon become completely flat as a pancake after a year or so and is not a good choice for a residential setting.

Foam pad is often used in apartment settings where the life span of the carpet is less than 3 years.

Prime Urethane Foam

Prime foam is not made from recycled materials, this type of pad is called prime or virgin urethane. It is made of very dense urethane (polyurethane).

It’s a better grade of foam pad (frothed foam) that could be a good choice for the home.

Prime foam is designed primarily for commercial applications, but is becoming more common in residential applications.

The cost for Prime foam is higher than a standard Rebond pad and is not a common choice among homeowners.

Wool or Cloth Pads and Synthetic Fiber Pads

These types of natural wool and synthetic pads are used primarily for Berbers and commercial carpets. They are very dense, breathe well, and are not spongy at all.

Cloth pads are made from recycled or shredded fabrics or natural wool. They are designed to support and allow looped Berbers and commercial carpets to wear well in heavy traffic situations.

Pads of this type are designed to prevent carpets from stretching out and developing wrinkles.

A synthetic fiber pad is also a great choice for basements with concrete floors because it breathes well, resists mold and mildew and has anti-microbial properties.

Rubber Pad (waffle) or Rubber Slab (flat)

I seldom recommend using a rubber waffle pad in residential applications.

Rebond pad is a much more economical choice and it does a great job at supporting your carpet as long the correct thickness and density is selected.

Rubber slab padding is often used in commercial applications over concrete. Rubber padding density is usually rated in ounces instead or pounds.

Specialized Carpet Pads for Pet Urine Problems

(Moisture barrier pads, odor eating pads, pet odor pads, baking soda infused pads)

Some carpet salespeople may try to convince you to upgrade your carpet order with a specialty pad that has claims of being able to eliminate odors or have a moisture barrier surface that will help with pet accidents.

I don’t generally recommend these type of pads and suggest you avoid the extra expense. I believe it will just cost you more money and not solve or significantly diminish your pet accident problems.

If you have pet urine problems, there is no padding that will solve your problem. Spending more money on a specialty pad will not reduce the severity of your pet accident problem. Sorry!

Don’t Assume a Specialty Pad Will Solve Your Moisture Problems!

If you have a moisture problem with your concrete slab or in your basement, installing a moisture barrier padding will not protect you from the dangers of mold and mildew.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that spending more money on a specialty pad will solve your moisture problems, it just doesn’t work that way.

You should fix your moisture problems first and then select a good quality pad that is designed to properly support your carpet and meet your needs and goals.

You don’t want to use a moisture barrier pad in a basement. The last thing you want is to trap moisture underneath your padding. If your basement has a musty smell, you might want to investigate and find out why.

There are companies that specialize in solving moisture problems in basements. Some homeowners choose to seal their concrete themselves with a product called Thompson’s Water Seal.

Mold and Mildew Problems in Basements

If you suspect your basement has a moisture problem, the entire area should be tested. You should find the moisture source and have it corrected prior to installing any flooring materials.

Carpet and padding installed over concrete slabs or in basements must be able to breathe sufficiently to allow any moisture to evaporate up and through the pad and carpet.

You don’t want to trap any moisture under the carpet or padding, therefore padding with a moisture barrier should not be used over concrete if there is any chance of moisture from any source.

Common Sources of Moisture in Basements

Mold and mildew is a serious issue and can be the cause of major health problems for people of any age.

Water will always find a way! Even if you think the area is completely dry or effectively sealed, water can somehow find a way to escape its containment boundaries and can become the cause of serious damage to your home over time.

Just a small continuous drip from a leaky pipe can eventually turn into a serious problem and might not be discovered until months or years later. Mold and mildew will form wherever there is a continuous or intermittent source of moisture.

• Heavy rain is the most common cause of occasional basement flooding. Improperly installed or damaged gutters and downspouts are a common source of intermittent moisture problems.
• Leaky water supply hoses and drainage pipes from upper level bathrooms and laundry rooms can become a frequent source of water collecting or pooling in lower levels and basement areas.
• Children splashing in the bathtub can cause a significant amount of water to flow down through cracks along the wall and cause damage to lower levels of your home.
• Kitchen faucets and sprayers, under sink drains and any connection or seals to and from dishwashers or washing machines are a common source of moisture that can create a perfect storm for mold and mildew to grow in places where it can be almost impossible to detect.

What Do I Consider a Specialty Padding?

• Moisture Barrier Padding
• Odor Eating Padding
• Memory Foam Padding
• Air filtering Padding
• Pad infused with baking soda
• Padding with a density of more than 10-pounds
• Padding thicker than 1/2″

About Specialized Carpet Pads

These enhanced carpet pads are more costly than a standard Rebond padding.

They may offer certain unique benefits for some applications, but in most cases I don’t think any of these Specialty Pads are a wise or necessary choice for most homeowners.

I don’t know of any method for homeowners to effectively determine if a specialty pad is providing any worthwhile, positive or beneficial effect or result over the lifespan of a carpet.

Breathable Moisture Barrier Pads Are Okay

I find that Breathable moisture barrier pads are one type of specialty padding I actually approve of.

Breathable moisture barrier pads keep most common household spills from soaking into the padding. It allows any damaging water vapor from underneath the padding to evaporate up and away.

The last thing you want is for any water vapor to get trapped underneath your pad. That is how mold and mildew starts to grow.

Prepare for sticker shock when you see how much Breathable moisture barrier pads cost.

Learn more about Selecting The Right Carpet Pad

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My Recommended Carpet Stores

It’s hard to find an honest and reputable carpet store these days! That’s why I created my own special hand-picked list of locally owned carpet stores. They give free estimates, offer fair prices, have knowledgeable staff, provide honest measuring and use qualified installers. Savvy homeowners want to know… Are there any recommended Carpet Stores Near Me?