Beyond the Surface: A Guide to Types of Carpet Flooring Underlayment
Table of Contents
The Invisible Foundation
Why Underlayment (Padding) Matters
Rebond Pad: The Versatile Standard
Memory Foam: The Luxury Choice
Specialized Moisture-Barrier Padding
Investing in Longevity
The Invisible Foundation
When you’re shopping at DeGraaf Interiors, it’s easy to get swept away by the beauty of the carpet. However, the most important part of your new floor is the part you will never see.
Carpet underlayment, commonly known as “padding,” is the unsung hero of your home. It determines how your carpet feels, how long it lasts, and even how quiet your house is.
In West Michigan, where our homes face diverse humidity and traffic levels, choosing the right padding is just as important as choosing the carpet itself.
Why Underlayment (Padding) Matters
Underlayment serves three primary functions:
Shock Absorption: Padding acts like a shock absorber for the carpet fibers. Without it, the fibers would be crushed against the hard subfloor, causing them to wear out years earlier than they should.
Insulation: In Grand Rapids, a high-quality pad can add significant R-value to your floor, keeping your toes warm during a Michigan winter.
Sound Dampening: Padding absorbs the sound of footsteps and voices, making your home feel more serene.
Types of Carpet Padding Options
Rebond Pad: The Versatile Standard
Rebond is the most common type of padding. It is made from recycled pieces of high-density foam bonded together. At DeGraaf, we typically recommend a high-density rebond (8lb or higher) for high-traffic areas like hallways and stairs. It offers a firm, supportive feel and incredible durability for the price.
Memory Foam: The Luxury Choice
If you are installing a high-end Karastan carpet, you may want to upgrade to frothed foam or memory foam underlayment. This padding doesn’t “bottom out” like cheaper foam. It provides a luxurious, “cloud-like” feel that is perfect for primary bedrooms.
Specialized Moisture-Barrier Padding
For homeowners in Hudsonville with pets or kids, moisture-barrier padding is a game-changer. These pads have a thin, waterproof film on the top. If a spill or pet accident occurs, the liquid stays on top of the pad rather than soaking into it and the subfloor. This allows you to fully extract the moisture with a steam cleaner, preventing recurring odors.
Get Comfortable Carpeting that Lasts for Decades with DeGraaf Interior in Grand Rapids, MI
The wrong padding can ruin a great carpet, while the right padding can make a mid-range carpet feel like a million bucks. At DeGraaf Interiors, we only use premium underlayment that meets or exceeds manufacturer specifications.
Don’t settle for “basic” padding. Ask our experts about our Premium Comfort Pads during your next visit to Grand Rapids or Hudsonville.