A firm and resilient carpet cushion is necessary to form a good foundation for your carpet, increasing its comfort and extending its life, by absorbing the impact of foot traffic. Cushion also adds insulation and reduces noise. For most residential carpet applications, choose cushion not more than 7/16" thick. If the carpet is a Berber or a low profile carpet, choose a cushion no more than 3/8" thick.

The appropriate carpet cushion, or "pad," provides additional resilience, acoustical, and thermal qualities, comfort underfoot, and can extend the life of the carpet. Cushion should be selected according to the carpet manufacturer's requirements for thickness and density. Improper selection of carpet cushion can accelerate loss of carpet surface appearance, cause wrinkling and buckling, cause separation of the carpet seams, and can cause a breakdown of the carpet structure itself. Improper cushion selection also may void applicable carpet manufacturer's warranties.

Carpet cushion is made primarily from polyurethane foam, fiber, or rubber and is available in a variety of styles and constructions to fit your needs. The type and thickness of cushion you need varies according to traffic levels and patterns. For example, bedrooms, dens, lounge areas and other rooms with light or moderate traffic can use thicker and softer cushion, while living rooms, family rooms, hallways, stairs and other heavy traffic areas require thinner, firmer cushion.