subject: Prolong the Life of Your Carpet: Choose the Best from the Different Carpet Padding Types [print this page] Prolong the Life of Your Carpet: Choose the Best from the Different Carpet Padding Types
Carpets work with different carpet padding types, and there are many types available in different materials types and varying thicknesses. Before we go further into discussing the benefits of each kind however, let me first stress the significance of the padding or cushion and how it's going to play a big role in maximizing the use of your carpet.
Many people choose a good carpet type and then use inexpensive padding that's not suited for the it. That's a big mistake. In the same manner, an expensive carpet pad matched with a low-quality carpet can only go so far.
It is also a common misconception the primary use of the pad is to lend comfort to the foot. While that is certainly one of the perks of having carpet padding, the more important purpose of the pad is to take on the impact of abuse that without proper padding, the carpet would need to absorb on its own, effectively shortening its life. Simply put, your carpet, regardless of how costly it may be, is only as good as the pad that serves to cushion it.
Now let's proceed to the types of carpet padding:
1. Waffle Rubber
Waffle rubber is well within the half-inch thickness recommended for carpet cushions. It is made of natural or synthetic rubber, molded into a waffled (also called rippled or wavy) surface. Based on the soft, luxurious feel that this type produces, it would seem like the perfect cushion for home use. However, due to its waffle texture, the thickness actually includes a lot of air which makes it too soft for most carpet types. It also utilizes rubber held together by clay binders this could slowly disintegrate as time passes.
2. Flat Rubber
Next comes the flat rubber carpet pad. It is one the more high-quality, costly pad type and rightly so because it has the right firmness and density. With such a high cost, its market is somewhat limited to commercial usage. However, a homeowner willing to spend for this padding type will find the investment well worth it as this can preserve your carpet best.
3. Urethane Foam
Urethane foam pads are available in many different densities and thicknesses and because of this, they are a popular choice for home and business settings. This cushion type is formed by combining two liquid ingredients which forms into a large mass foam. Prime urethane foam used as pads are firmer than the kind used in mattresses, automobile seats, and upholstered furniture.
4. Bonded Urethane
The most popular of the common types of carpet padding is the bonded urethane carpet cushion. It is made out of recycled materials, namely shredded pieces of highly-dense urethane foam from furniture and automobiles. Combined, these make a multi-colored, massive, and sturdy foam also known as rebond. One major drawback of this variety however, is that it utilizes a preservative called BHT or Butylated Hydroxytoluene, which can leave a yellowish tinge on carpets.
5. Fiber Cushion
Composed of synthetic or natural carpet fibers meshed into felt sheets, fiber cushion carpet padding have a firm feel to it, and tends to limit movement on the carpet, lengthening its lifespan. Common materials for fiber pads are jute, hair mixed with jute, or recycled textile fibers. Concrete floors especially those prone to moisture, would d well with this carpet pad variety as it is mold- and mildew-resistant.
Your choice of carpet pad is as crucial a decision as that of the carpet itself. So before making that decision, take time to know the carpet padding types that are best for your home beforehand.
