Plush carpet is like a slipper for your whole room. Its soft texture combined with its sophisticated appearance has made this the most popular style of carpet on the market.

• Durable to the wear and tear of everyday life
• Style choices that align with any project
• Adds the element of warmth to any room
• Options that include organic, synthetic or fiber blend

Loop/Berber carpet is a descriptor of how the carpet is put together. The yarn is looped and then fastened to the backing of a carpet. One popular type of loop carpet is Berber. It features larger, uncut loops that vary in size, making it visually appealing in most homes.

• Pattern effects are altered by different loop heights. This adds a unique and appealing option to any room
• The palate of earth tones and natural colors will complement your design
• Durable to foot traffic and weather elements

Patterned carpet can make your floor the centerpiece of your room or add another layer of design to your space. Patterned carpet combines fiber types to create various elements of style within the look of the carpet.

• Options for texture and design are limited only by your imagination
• Easy to keep clean
• Adds elements of style and design to any space

Frieze carpet offers long fibers that have twists, giving it a textured appearance. This style is popular because of its soft and casual feel.

• Camouflages dirt and footprints
• Offers durability and comfort
• Provides a casual feel

How to Select the Correct Carpet Padding

People prefer carpet for a host of reasons, but mostly because it’s just soft and comfortable. Often, they won’t hesitate to spend a little more to get a softer and thicker carpet when comparing samples in the store. But the padding—not necessarily the same story. It’s not uncommon that customers will sometimes skimp on the cushion with the mindset “a padding is a padding” and will even purchase the cheapest padding available to save a few bucks. Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean that it’s not important. In fact, it’s very important.

Chances are that the carpet’s warranty coverage is dependent on the type of padding and the thickness and density of the padding underneath. A mismatch has the potential for claims and headaches later.

As a rule of thumb, pad suitability is determined by two criteria: thickness and density.  For most residential installations, look for a padding that is 3/8” to ½” thick. Commercial installations generally run thinner with ¼” to 3/8” in thickness. This is because most commercial carpets are made for higher traffic areas and a firm, stable surface is more important than a soft, cushiony feel. Padding density is measured in pounds per cubic foot, so for residential use, the range is usually 6 to 8 pounds per cubic foot, and commercial or other high-traffic areas, consider 8 to 10 pounds per cubic foot. Always consult the one of our Project Manager’s recommendations.

Matching the correct padding with the carpet type is also a concern. Plush and high-pile carpets can work with thicker paddings, but too thick can cause issues with stability and wear. Berber and loop carpets work well with thinner, firmer paddings to prevent the loops from collapsing and to provide better support. Commercial carpets use a dense, firm padding that withstands high foot traffic.

• Rebond padding: is what most people think of when they think of carpet installation. It’s usually the least expensive but may not be the best.
• Memory Foam (Prime Polyurethane — like the mattress type) padding is more expensive, but still must be matched correctly to the carpet type and use to be effective. It can be cost-effective in the long run by extending the life of the carpet.
• “Spill Block” barrier padding.  Stops spills from penetrating the carpet, getting into the padding, and returning to the top of the carpet after the spot has been removed.  Otherwise known as “wicking”.  Some of these paddings come with other mold, mildew, and odor deterring enzymes that are activated by liquids and remain with the life of the padding.
• High Density Rubber Padding: Excellent for moisture resistance, durability, provides a thermal insulation, inhibits the growth of mold, bacteria, and mildew ideal for basements or areas prone to spills. Stops spills from penetrating the carpet, getting into the padding, and returning to the top of the carpet after the spot has been removed.  Otherwise known as “wicking”.
• Synthetic Fiber Padding: Durable and resistant to compression, suitable for high-traffic areas like hallways.

Padding Guidelines for Double Glue Installation of Commercial Carpet

Padding Guidelines for Double Glue Installation of Commercial Carpet the double-glue method is an excellent approach to installing cushioned carpet in the commercial setting. The process involves adhering the padding to the floor, followed by adhering the carpet to the padding. In both steps, manufacturer-defined adhesives are used, many of which are similar or identical to those used in the installation of direct glue commercial carpet. This method allows for a choice of carpet and padding to accommodate various end-use requirements and space configurations, while obtaining the usual benefits from padding comfort, appearance retention, and wear-life, sound control, and better vacuum ability.

Although carpet and padding are selected primarily for comfort and aesthetics, they can provide some savings for home owners and businesses on their heating and cooling bills.  Below is a table showing relative comparisons of different types of cushion in terms of R value.

Nominal Cushion R Values

Acoustical Characteristics of Carpet Padding

When properly selected, the combination of carpet and padding represents a viable method for acoustical management in buildings. Sound absorption, transmission and impact noise can be reduced by carpet/ padding combinations.

Sound Absorption. Acoustical behavior is frequency dependent. Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) values for which are determined over a frequency range from 250 to 2,000 Hz. representing high to low pitched sound. In studies carried out by the Carpet and Rug Institute, NRC values as high as 0.7 were found with certain carpet/ padding combinations. An NRC value of 0 represents total reflection of sound, and a value of 1.0 corresponds to complete absorption of sound.

Sound Transmission through walls and floors is frequency dependent. Transmission of low frequency sound is greater than high frequency sound. Construction type, such as concrete and wooden structure, also influences sound transmission behavior. Sound Transmission Class (STC) values are determined by a standard ASTM method. Carpet/padding combinations received a rating of 49, indicating that loud speech and noise will usually not be heard. A rating of 60+ is considered to be good soundproofing.