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Did you know? Every carpet installation should begin with the best quality carpet padding (carpet cushion) that you can afford. Carpet pad selection is essential to carpet performance. Carpet padding (carpet Cushion) density and carpet padding thickness each contribute to carpet performance.

  

Carpet Cushion (Carpet Padding)

"It's easier to put on slippers than to carpet the whole world."
Al Franken

Carpet cushion (carpet padding) is the foundation for every residential carpet installation.  Despite what you may be told, carpet padding plays an important part in the performance of your new carpet installation.  However, the old adage that if you must choose between less expensive carpet and less expensive carpet padding, choose less expensive carpet is not true.  Carpet selection and carpet cushion selection must enhance one another.  Selecting either a poor quality carpet or poor quality carpet cushion ensures a carpet installation that is destined to disappoint.

Many retailers buy carpet cushion (carpet padding) in truckload quantities, so they typically use one type of carpet padding or another.  They rarely offer several options, because of quantity discounts.  Do not allow this to influence your carpet cushion selection decision.  If a particular retailer does not offer a particular carpet padding that your prefer, ask if it can be ordered.  If the retailer cannot or will not allow substitutions, find a retailer who will.  

Many consumers believe carpet cushion is used for the purpose of comfort under foot.  While this a result of the use of carpet padding, the primary reason for carpet cushion is to absorb impact that the carpet would otherwise be  subjected.  This impact can cause synthetic latex to break down, backings to stretch, separation of the primary backing from the secondary backing (delamination) and unnecessary stress on the face fiber.  The best performing carpet cushion actually provides less comfort under foot, but extends the life of the carpet installation by absorbing the abuse.

Two of the most common mistakes by consumers is to purchase a carpet padding that is too soft or too thick.  Carpet cushion that is too soft, bottoms out when exposed to foot traffic.  This allows the carpet to assume the rest of the impact burden; thus shortening carpet performance life. 

 

What can get confusing is the various methods of rating carpet cushion performance.  Some carpet padding is rated in density, but there are various methods for determining density.  Terms like indentation load deflection (ILD), indentation force deflection (IFD), compression load deflection (CLD), compression force deflection (CFD) all may be used to describe the test method for evaluating carpet cushion density.  Essentially these terms are a method of evaluating how much weight is required to bottom the carpet cushion out.  Some of these methods use a square inch as the area for evaluation, while others use a broader are such as 6 or 8 square inches.  It is important to note which method is used when comparing carpet padding, because an 8 lb. carpet padding using the broader area of evaluation may equate to a ½ pound rating for a square inch measure.

 

Also, carpet cushion may be rated in weight per cubic yard.  An 8-pound carpet cushion may weigh 8 pounds in a standard 3 ft by 3 ft by 3-ft cube.  A flat rubber carpet padding may weigh 22 pounds per cubic foot and a prime urethane carpet cushion may weigh only 4 pounds, but the ultimate performance factor is how many pounds per footfall area will it take for the carpet cushion to bottom out.

The second most common mistake is to purchase carpet padding that is too thick.  You may be told that a thicker carpet cushion will cause performance problems, but the primary reason for selecting thinner carpet padding is so the carpet is not so high from the floor that it will not hold on to the tack strip.  The carpet industry has established a maximum recommended thickness of ⁷/₁₆ inch, but you should never exceed ½ inch.  The thought process here is if ½ inch is recommended, retailers will go to ⁵/₈ inch.  A ½ carpet cushion provides adequate cushion and still allows the carpet to hold on to the tack strip along the walls.

 

Types of Carpet Padding

Waffle Rubber:  Waffle rubber, like the name implies falls within the ½ inch recommendation but because of its waffle texture, this measurement include air.  This is a good carpet cushion, but in the past, its filler percentage was very high and the carpet padding tended to break down over the years.  When carpet was replaced this carpet cushion reverted back to its original state of Georgia clay.  Today’s waffle carpet padding performs much better than the waffles of the 1970’s and 80’s. Shop before deciding on waffle rubber.  Get the heaviest carpet cushion you can find.

 

Urethane Foam:   Urethane foam is available in different densities and thicknesses.   Densities of these carpet cushions can be as low as ½ pound per square inch (psi).  Some of these densified prime urethane carpet padding can be very good performers, but make sure you know what you are buying.  Don’t allow anyone to discourage you from purchasing this carpet cushion, if the density is appropriate.

 

Bonded Urethane:   This carpet cushion is also called rebond and is the most popular type of carpet padding sold today.  It is made from reclaimed scrap of high-density urethane foam used in furniture and automotive manufacturing, which is bonded together to form carpet cushion. Rebond comes in various thickness and densities. The density is rated as a function of weight in pounds per cubic foot. For example, a 5-lb. rebond cushion would weigh 5lb per cubic foot. The Carpet Cushion Council recommends a cushion of at least 5lbs and 3/8-inch thickness for light traffic areas, and 6.5 lbs. and 3/8 inch for heavy traffic areas. These are minimum guidelines and keep in mind the CCC is the trade voice for the carpet cushion (carpet padding) industry. Many carpet manufacturers recommend a minimum of 8 pounds per cubic foot.

  One concern that you should be aware of with rebond carpet cushion is a chemical compound known as butylated hydroxy toluene (Bht).  Bht is a common additive in foods, breads and cereals and is an antioxidant and has no known health effects.  It is added to some urethane products to reduce the risk of fire during manufacturing.  Unfortunately, this chemical compound has then tendency to produce yellowing in many carpet constructions.  If you have purchased a rebond carpet cushion and yellowing has occurred, rinse with white vinegar or other mild acid before applying a detergent solution.  Detergent solutions have the tendency to permanently set the yellowing.  It is best to ask for written assurances from the retailer that the carpet padding that you choose does not contain Bht.

 

Flat Rubber: For the ultimate in luxury and long wear consider using 19 -22lb density flat rubber carpet cushion. This is the carpet padding that I prefer for my own home, but it is extremely pricey and difficult to find.  The average consumer would not consider this carpet cushion because of its cost.  However, my 10-year-old olefin Berber looks it was installed last week.  While it is recommended that you replace carpet cushion with each carpet installation, flat rubber may be the only carpet padding that could outlast the carpet and survive a second carpet installation.

  Fiber  Cushion:  This carpet padding is used primarily to take advantage of scrap fiber and promote environmental stewardships.  Frankly, I have been disappointed with the performance of these carpet cushions. Other fiber cushions made from jute,    or hair mixed with jute, perform better but I would recommend the cushion products listed above. 

   

 

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   Carpet Buyers Handbook 

Carpet Wholesalers

The Carpet Buyers Handbook is a consumer carpet resource site. We are not a carpet seller. The Links shown below are CBH Site Partners.  These Carpet Wholesalers are legitimate carpet wholesalers, area rug wholesalers, and hardwood flooring wholesalers and agree to terms of the Carpet Buyers Handbook Buyer Assurance Policy.  This unbiased carpet site would not be possible without their support. Please click on their links, visit their sites, and give them serious consideration when purchasing carpet. Be sure to read Buying Carpet Online and visit our area on area rugs.  Click here to learn about becoming a site partner.

Dalton Carpet Wholesaler Listing

- Long's Discount Carpet - If you need floorcovering for your home or business you have just found the best place to buy carpet, discount laminate flooring or wholesale hardwood, no matter where you live. We stock trackless carpet, frieze carpet, and Berber carpet.  Visit our Longs Carpet page within The Carpet Buyers Handbook. 

- Hanks Carpet - We are a nationwide carpet manufacturer and direct flooring supplier located in the Carpet Capitol, Dalton, Georgia.  Shop our location or our online showroom. We ship hardwood flooring, laminate flooring, Berber carpet and sheet vinyl flooring anywhere in the US. Visit our Hanks Carpet page within the Carpet Buyers Handbook.

- American Floor Covering - Georgia Hardwood Wholesaler- Your one-stop total floor covering resource for wholesale carpet, discount vinyl flooring, ceramic tile, discount laminate flooring, Mannington flooring, pergo flooring, and wholesale hardwood flooring.  Visit our American Floor Covering page within The Carpet Buyers Handbook

- Dalton Georgia Wholesale Flooring - The official web site of America's Original Flooring Outlet! Dalton Georgia. Carpet, Hardwood and more. Visit our Dalton Georgia Wholesale Flooring page within the Carpet Buyers Handbook

-GEORGIA CARPET INDUSTRIES – Doing business since 1959 – Carpet wholesale direct!  Save up to 30-50% off Retail Carpet Prices!  We are your one-stop Floor Covering Source!  All major manufactures of carpet – Shaw Carpet, Mohawk Carpet, Beaulieu Carpet, Berber Carpet, Commercial Carpet, Frieze Carpet and Textured - Saxony Carpet!  As one of the largest Hardwood, Laminate and Tile Wholesaler, we have it in-stock ready for immediate shipment, Bruce Hardwood, Mannington Hardwood, Armstrong Laminate, BR-111, Handscraped Hardwood and Laminate Floors, engineered wood, Exotic Hardwoods, Travertine Tile, Mannington Vinyl, Armstrong Vinyl, Congoleum Vinyl, Ceramic tile, Marble Tile and Area Rugs from Oriental to Modern.   Visit our Georgia Carpet page within the Carpet Buyers Handbook

- Carpet Barn USA  - The Largest selection of Berber carpet at discount carpet prices. Come take advantage of our wholesale carpet prices direct from Dalton, GA!  Visit our Carpet Barn page within The Carpet Buyers Handbook.

- USA CARPETS   Mill Direct flooring from Dalton Georgia. USA Carpets is the perfect solution to your floorcovering needs. Wholesale prices on discount carpet, discount hardwood flooring, discount sheet vinyl, specials and carpet closeouts. We have discount stainmaster carpet. Visit our USA Carpets page with in the Carpet Buyers Handbook.

- Carpets of Dalton  - Shop the finest selection of carpet, wood, rugs, and tile at Carpets of Dalton, the nations #1 place for floorcovering.  Unbeatable selection and prices on name brand, top quality floorcovering.   Call or e-mail for samples, prices, and unbeatable deals.  Visit our Carpets of Dalton page on the Carpet Buyers Handbook

-Dalton Carpetmaster - Dalton Carpet Wholesaler offering Shaw Carpet, Mohawk Carpet, Beaulieu carpet, Gulistan Carpet and Laura Ashley carpet.  Full line hardwood flooring wholesaler carrying BR-111 Hardwood, Anderson Hardwood, Shaw Hardwood, Mohawk Hardwood, Robbins Hardwood, Hartco wood floors, and Mannington wood floors.  As a laminate flooring wholesaler we carry both engineered wood flooring and laminate flooring from manufacturers such as Pergo Laminate, Mannington laminate,   Mohawk laminate, and Columbia laminate. We area also an area rug wholesaler and bamboo flooring wholesaler. Visit our Dalton Carpetmaster page on the Carpet Buyers Handbook.

-Becklers Carpet  -  Dalton carpet wholesaler offering Carpet, Hardwood Flooring, Laminate Flooring, Vinyl Flooring, Bamboo Flooring and Area Rugs from famous manufactures such as; Shaw Carpet, Mohawk Carpet, Beaulieu Carpet, Tuftex Carpet, Bruce Hardwood Flooring , Robbins Hardwood, Anderson Hardwood, Virginia Vintage Hardwood, Armstrong Laminate, Wilsonart Laminate, Quick Step Laminate, Pergo Laminate, Congoleum Vinyl, Mannington Adura, Congoleum Duraceramic. Also don't forget we offer discount carpet prices, and great prices on Smartstrand Carpet, Berber Carpet, Stainmaster Carpet, and Frieze Carpet. Discount Carpet Direct from Dalton, Ga. Visit our Becklers Carpet page on the Carpet Buyers Handbook.

-Ingle's Carpet -  A Dalton Carpet wholesaler and Georgia hardwood wholesaler that is a family business.  Low overhead means lower carpet prices! Buy carpet wholesale direct and save! Take a look at our large selection of Berber carpet.  We stock boat carpet, marine carpet and outdoor carpet. We sell church carpet and builder carpet. Visit our Ingles Carpet page on the Carpet Buyers handbook