My wife and I are in the process of choosing carpeting for our living and dining room. We're thinking of going with a Berber style. We don't have the slighest idea concerning padding though. Is there a specific style, thickness, type or brand to buy? I think I read in Consumer Reports once that the padding that's multi-colored is not supposed to be very durable. Has anyone heard anything like this? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

The multi-colored cushion you speak of, is called "Rebond". It is recycled foam products. It is the most common type of padding used in the USA. There are good things and bad things about it, but it usually boils down to budget.

For a loop pile carpet the density and thickness of the cushion are very important, for a lasting installation and carpet life.

Rubber "Slab pad" is ok. A tad on the hard side, and deteriorates fairly slowly. Very Heavy!!!!

Treadmore rubber "Berber Buster" cushion. Made especially for loop pile installations. Excellent cushion, even when used with a cut pile carpet. On the expensive side too.

Synthetic "Horse Hair" felt cushion. Very durable. Used in hotels and places with a lot of traffic. 40-oz. minimum density/ 3/8" maximum thickness.

If you do get talked into the Rebond because of budget, or availability. 8-lb. minimum density/ 3/8" maximum thickness.

 

Click the following link for the Carpet Rug Institute's tips for buying carpet cushion:

http://www.carpet-rug.com/drill_down_2.cfm?page=2&sub=5

 

Thank you for all the helpful replies! I spoke to one carpet installer last night and he insisted on 7/16" padding with a Berber carpet. He said 3/8" is not thick enough and too hard. I kind of agree with your suggestion of 3/8" padding though. I'm afraid too thick of padding my cause any seams to open. How hard and fast of a rule is 3/8" padding for Berber carpeting?

 

Call the manufacturer of the carpet(tell me the name of the mill and I'll give you their 800#) and tell them the carpet your wanting and ask for the cushion specs. Have them fax you the spec sheet on the carpet and cushion requirements.

That's what I do.

 

Industry standard for berber is nothing greater than 3/8" cushion, 8# preferred.

 

Thanks for all the helpful tips!!! I really appreciate it!!! The brand of carpet is WundaWeve. It's a division of Mohawk I believe. Do you have the 800# for them? Thanks!

 

Mohawk would know the answer, if Wundaweave is their product. 800-241-4900 Tech support: 888-387-9881... www.Mohawkcarpet.com

I'd call the tech support and have them fax you all the information you need.