|
Selecting the Right Carpet Padding
Page 1 | 2
...continued
Now that we know why to buy padding, let's discuss the types of padding:
Rubber (sponge)
- Waffle rubber: Just like it sounds, it is a rubber that is waffle like in texture. One drawback to this padding is the air that is trapped in the rubber. In the old days this type of padding would break down to it's original clay components thus adding more wear and tear on the carpet. Today, this type of padding is better made resulting in an improvement in performance and durability.
- Flat/slab Rubber: This padding will be a bit pricey, but apparently worth its price. In density of 19-22 pounds, your carpet may wear out before the cushion will. This padding should be used in high traffic areas. It also withstands the weight of furniture without showing the indentations nearly as quickly as other padding.
Urethane:
- Foam: The trick with foam is to get the right density. Generally, foam is not recommended for high traffic areas as it contains air. The up and down movement of the foam may eventually causes it to break down
- Frothed Foam: Frothed foam is super dense urethane and is extremely durable. This can be used as the padding for any carpet. Costs about the same as a quality flat/slab rubber padding but purportedly lasts longer.
- Bonded (aka rebond): This is the most commonly used and popular padding sold today.
 Bonded or rebond is just as its name implies. It's bonded/rebonded high-density scrap urethane foam that was used in furniture and auto manufacturing. It is available in varying thicknesses. Be warned, however, that it contains BHT (Butylated hydroxytoluene). There are no known health effects to humans, but it may produce yellowing in some light colored carpet fibers. Before purchasing bonded padding, you might want to get assurances (preferably written) from the retailer that the padding you've selected does not contain BHT.
Fiber:
- Natural: Natural padding is made from hair (animal hair), jute (material used in making ropes) and/or felt. Being a natural fiber, if it gets too wet, it may produce an odor. The key to the natural fiber is getting the proper density for the traffic level.
- Synthetic: Man made fibers such as polyester, acrylic and polypropylene. Synthetic padding can be made to withstand light, medium or heavy traffic.
Now that you're aware of basic padding information, let me impart a few words of wisdom.
- Do not buy padding that is too soft as it will eventually flatten (bottom out). Once it bottoms out your carpet will bear the brunt of the foot traffic. This will shorten the life of your carpet.
- Do not buy padding that is too thick. Thick padding may cause the carpet to disengage from the track stripping placed around the edges of the floor at installation. This will shorten the life of your carpet.
- Rule of thumb: The heavier the traffic, the thinner the cushion.
Do not scrimp on padding. If you buy quality carpet, please compliment it with quality padding. Not doing so is like buying an expensive car and never changing the oil. Not changing the oil will shorten the life of your car just as improper padding will shorten the life of your carpet.
Page 1 | 2
 ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Felicia A. Williams is a freelance writer and webmaster of this website, Visit Hudson Valley.com and No Job for Mom.com. She also blogs about Living Green and is the Insurance Feature Writer for Suite 101.com
This document last modified Saturday, 11-Oct-2008 10:37:50 EDT
| |
