Initial Decisions
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In some ways, a carpet is only as good as the pad beneath it. A good, 20-year pad takes a ton of beating behind the scenes; it's the real reason you don't see the traffic pattern when walking down a busy hallway in the home. On the other hand, it doesn't make a lot of sense to put a premium pad under an inexpensive carpet that is only meant to last five years. So, when choosing padding, know your budget and the space it's going in. If it's a front living room, spending the extra money for a premium pad might make sense; in an extra bedroom, you can probably get away with a basic pad.
Lowest quality
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Many carpet liquidation stores offer very low-end pad they try to sell as a basic pad. This is typically a 1/4-inch foam pad and is meant for a utility-room like setting. Stay away from this pad in high-traffic areas at all costs. The typical cost of this pad should not exceed $.50 a square foot.
Basic Pad
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This is what local retailers offer as an introductory pad when giving an installation pricing quote. This is good pad, typically made of recycled polyurethane and about 5/16-inch thick. This is a great pad if you are purchasing a mid-range carpet and don't have long-term expectations. Check the manufacturer's warranty and read between the lines -- the warranty is typically rated for low-traffic areas. The price of a basic pad is $.60 to $.75 per square foot.
Premium pad
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This is also a recycled polyurethane, but is typically 7/16-inch thick. Depending on the cost difference and your budget, this pad is worth the upgrade from the basic option. Expect to pay $.75 to $.90 per square foot for a pad that stands up better to high-traffic situations and, depending on the manufacturer, has a longer warranty. This pad will also hold up much better on stairs.
Super Premium
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Wool is definitely the best choice for a carpet pad -- if you're buying wool carpet. Both will last 25-plus years in your home if you properly care for them. Wool padding is also naturally fire retardant, so chemicals aren't added. The downside is it costs about $1.15 to $1.30 per square foot.
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Please do not hesitate to contact Landmark Flooring in Tinley Park for further information at 708-349-0011
