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When shopping for carpet, most people focus on color and softness. But the real MVP? The padding underneath.
Carpet padding, or underlay, is the layer that sits between your carpet and the subfloor. It cushions your steps, helps your carpet last longer, keeps things quieter, and even adds insulation.
The catch? Not all pads are created equal. Some are plush and thick, others are firm and dense. Some are built to block moisture, while others are better suited for high-traffic areas or low-pile carpet. Comfort underfoot truly starts with the padding, making it one of the most important factors in choosing the right carpet for your home.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose the best carpet padding for your home based on your type of carpet, how much foot traffic you get, comfort needs, and more.
Let’s start with the question every homeowner asks first.
Carpet padding is the layer of material that sits between your carpet and the subfloor. It’s also called underlay or carpet underlayment. You don’t see it once the carpet is installed, but it plays a big role in how your carpet feels and performs over time.
Carpet pads are typically made from foam, fiber, or rubber. Some are thick and soft. Others are firm and dense. The material and quality of the carpet pad affect comfort, durability, noise, and even insulation in your space.
So while it might seem like a small detail during a carpet installation, the padding underneath can make or break how your carpet wears and feels.
Installing a carpet pad isn’t optional, it’s essential. A quality pad protects your carpet and adds real value to your home.
Here’s why carpet padding matters:
The best all-around carpet pad for most homes is a 7/16-inch thick, 8-pound rebond foam. It’s soft, supportive, and holds up well in busy spaces without costing a fortune.
Rebond padding is made from recycled foam pieces and works with almost every type of residential carpet. It feels comfortable underfoot while still being firm enough to handle daily foot traffic. That balance makes it a smart choice for living rooms, bedrooms, and other high-traffic areas.
If you're installing Berber carpet or other low-pile styles, go with something thinner. A 3/8-inch pad or less is usually best. These carpets need a firmer base to stay in shape and avoid rippling.
As mentioned in the types section, memory foam is great for comfort-focused rooms like bedrooms, but it’s not ideal for high-traffic areas.
The key is to match the carpet padding to your carpet type, room use, and traffic level. If the pad doesn’t suit the space, even the best carpet won’t last as long as it should.
Not all carpet pads are the same. Each type offers different levels of comfort, support, durability, and price. Choosing the right one depends on your carpet type, how much traffic the room gets, and whether you need moisture protection.
Let’s break down the most common types of carpet padding and where they work best.
Made from: Recycled foam pieces
Best for: Most homes and standard carpet installations
Made from: Viscoelastic foam (like a memory foam mattress)
Best for: Bedrooms and other low-traffic rooms
Made from: Densely packed polyurethane foam
Best for: Premium comfort and long-term durability
Made from: Natural or synthetic rubber
Best for: Basements, concrete floors, and homes with pets
Made from: Synthetic fibers or natural wool
Best for: Berber carpet, commercial use, or looped styles
Choosing the right carpet pad comes down to two numbers: thickness and density. These tell you how the pad will feel underfoot, how long it’ll last, and how well it supports your carpet.
Here’s the short version of what works best:
When in doubt, check what your carpet manufacturer recommends, or ask a pro at Carpet Exchange. Matching the right density and thickness to your carpet type and lifestyle makes all the difference.
Not every carpet pad is right for every type of carpet. To get the best results, you need to match your underlayment to the carpet style and where it’s being installed.
Here’s how to choose the right carpet padding based on the carpet you’re working with:
These thick, soft carpets are common in bedrooms and living rooms. They feel great underfoot and pair best with a 7/16-inch thick, 8-pound rebond pad. This combo gives you comfort without giving up durability.
Berber has tight loops that can stretch or break if the pad is too soft. For this type, use a thin and dense pad, like a 3/8-inch fiber carpet pad or flat rubber underlayment. These help the carpet stay firm and prevent it from sagging over time.
For offices or rooms with low-profile carpet, choose a firm, dense underpad. A fiber or rubber pad between 1/4 and 3/8 inch thick works well. It adds support without making the floor feel too soft.
These carpets need a solid foundation to stay even and hold their shape. A dense rebond or frothed foam carpet pad is a good choice here. It gives you a nice balance of support and comfort.
Long, plush carpet styles like frieze need a pad that can support the extra height without sinking. A high-density foam pad is best. You can go with premium rebond or even memory foam if you want extra softness in a low-traffic space.
If you’re installing carpet in areas where spills, moisture, or pet accidents are common, a moisture barrier carpet pad is a smart upgrade.
This type of carpet underlayment has a special backing that stops liquids from soaking through to your subfloor. Instead, spills stay on top of the pad, giving you more time to clean them up before they cause damage.
So when does this kind of carpet pad make the most sense?
Just remember, moisture barrier carpet padding doesn’t make your carpet waterproof. It simply gives you a better chance to catch and clean spills before they soak in.
Choosing the best carpet padding isn’t just about price. It’s about getting the right match for your carpet type, subfloor, and lifestyle.
Choosing the wrong carpet pad can shorten the life of your carpet, or make your floors feel worse, not better. Here are some of the most common mistakes homeowners make (and how to avoid them):
Many people think thicker means better. But that’s not always true. A thick carpet pad can actually cause wrinkles or buckling, especially under low-pile or Berber carpet. Stick to the recommended thickness, usually no more than 7/16 inch for most carpet types.
Low-density pads wear out quickly, especially in high-traffic areas. That means your carpet will start to mat and break down faster. Choose at least an 8-pound density for a good balance of comfort and support.
Using a soft foam pad under Berber carpet or commercial loop styles is a bad idea. These carpets need firm, flat support to avoid damage. A fiber or rubber pad is the better choice here.
If your carpet is going over concrete, don’t use basic foam. You’ll want a moisture barrier carpet cushion to prevent mold, mildew, and bad smells from trapped moisture.
It might seem like a good way to save money, but old pads lose their structure and can hold odors, dirt, or allergens. Always use a new underpad with your new carpet.
Not every carpet pad is right for every room. The best choice depends on how the space is used, what kind of carpet you're installing, and whether moisture, foot traffic, or comfort are key concerns. Here's how to pick the right carpet padding for every area in your home:
Best Pad: Memory foam or thick rebond
Thickness: Up to 7/16 inch
Density: 6 to 8 pounds
Softness matters most in bedrooms. You’re not getting tons of traffic here, so go for plush comfort. Memory foam is ideal if you want that luxurious, cloud-like feel underfoot. Just keep in mind that it’s not built for heavy use—so save it for low-traffic areas.
Best Pad: Moisture barrier rebond or rubber pad
Thickness: 3/8 to 7/16 inch
Density: 8 pounds
Accidents happen, spills, juice boxes, mystery stains. A moisture barrier carpet pad keeps liquid from soaking into your subfloor. Rebond with a spill-resistant layer gives you a soft feel plus stain protection, while rubber offers max durability and moisture resistance.
Best Pad: Moisture barrier padding (rubber or treated rebond)
Thickness: 3/8 to 7/16 inch
Density: 8–10 pounds
Pets add joy, and mess. Choose a pad that blocks odors, resists accidents, and stands up to scratching claws. Moisture barrier pads stop liquids from soaking through and make cleanup way easier. Rubber options also reduce allergens and mold buildup from pet dander.
Best Pad: 8-pound rebond or frothed foam
Thickness: 7/16 inch
Density: 8–10 pounds
You want something soft yet durable. Rebond offers great value, while frothed foam is a premium pick that holds up longer under constant use. For homes with kids or pets, go with a version that includes a moisture barrier for added protection.
Best Pad: High-density frothed foam or flat rubber
Thickness: 3/8 inch
Density: 10 pounds
These are the hardest-working areas in your home. You need maximum durability and support. Skip soft foam, it’ll compress too quickly. High-density options like frothed foam or rubber keep your carpet tight and safe underfoot on stairs.
Best Pad: Rubber or vapor-barrier foam
Thickness: 3/8 to 7/16 inch
Density: 8–10 pounds
Concrete subfloors and below-grade rooms are prone to moisture. Moisture barrier pads are essential here to prevent mold, mildew, and damage. Rubber is the gold standard, it’s dense, water-resistant, and provides excellent insulation. Vapor-barrier foam is a strong, more affordable alternative.
Best Pad: 6 to 8 lb rebond
Thickness: Up to 7/16 inch
Density: 6 to 8 pounds
In rooms where comfort is more important than durability, you don’t need to go all-in. A basic rebond pad still offers good cushioning at a lower cost. Just don’t dip below 6 pounds in density or you’ll lose long-term support.
Best Pad: Fiber pad or flat rubber
Thickness: 1/4 to 3/8 inch
Density: 8+ pounds
Looped and low-profile carpets like Berber need firm, flat support. Soft foam can stretch or ripple the carpet. Fiber pads offer strong backing without added height, while flat rubber pads deliver premium durability and mold resistance.
If you're not sure which combination of comfort, durability, and moisture protection you need, visit Carpet Exchange or talk to one of our flooring pros. We’ll help you choose the perfect pad for every room, so your carpet lasts longer and feels better.
| Room Type | Recommended Pad | Thickness | Density | Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bedroom | Rebond / Memory Foam | 7/16" | 8 lb | Rebond / Memory Foam |
| Basement | Rubber w/ Moisture Barrier | 3/8–7/16" | 8–10 lb | Rubber |
| Hallway | Frothed Foam | 3/8" | 10 lb | Frothed Foam |
| Berber Carpet | Fiber / Flat Rubber | 1/4–3/8" | 8+ lb | Fiber / Rubber |
Visit your local Carpet Exchange or talk to a flooring expert today. We’ll help you choose the perfect pad for every room.
The best all-around carpet pad is a 7/16-inch thick, 8-pound density rebond foam pad. It offers a great mix of comfort, durability, and affordability for most residential carpet installations.
Both are good for different reasons. Foam carpet pads (like rebond or memory foam) are softer and more affordable. Rubber padding is firmer, lasts longer, and handles moisture better. For basements or concrete floors, rubber is often the best choice.
No. Old padding loses its shape and may be full of dirt, dust, or moisture. Always install new carpet padding with your new carpet to protect your investment and avoid problems down the line.