History

• Carpet-making has been a major art form for many thousands of years. Middle Eastern countries have historically been associated with fine rug-making, from Persian carpets to Turkish rugs. It wasn't until the 20th century that people began to experiment with adding layers of padding beneath the carpet. Early versions were made from sponge or felt, but newer designs made of rubber or neoprene are gaining popularity because they keep their shape and thickness longer.
  
  

Function

• Carpet padding serves many purposes. The main function is to reduce wear on carpet, allowing it to last longer and reducing fraying or damage in heavy traffic areas. Padding also helps protect the carpet from moisture by acting as a buffer between the subfloor (usually concrete or wood) and the bottom of the rug. Padding also acts as an acoustical barrier, reducing sound transmission between floors. Finally, thick carpet padding is just plain comfortable to walk on, or for little ones to play on.
  
  

Types

• Carpet padding comes in several varieties. Cheaper versions are made of felt or fabric and are relatively thin. More expensive versions are typically thicker and are made of sponge, rubber or foam, which provide more comfort and insulation. The padding can be attached to the carpet itself and laid as one unit, or it can be sold on its own. Padding sold on its own will come in rolls or squares, which are glued or tacked to the subfloor before the carpet is installed.
  
  

Warning

• Many people mistakenly believe that when it comes to carpet padding, thicker is always better. Actually, almost all carpet comes with manufacturer's recommendations as to what type of padding to use. For high-traffic areas or wide-loop carpet, medium thickness is best for the padding. Very thick padding works best in low-traffic areas, or those where noise is a major concern. Using padding that is too thick will actually cause the carpet to wear away faster, and could lead to fraying or separation at the seams.
  
  

Considerations

• People are becoming more interested in green building every year. "Green" products are those that are considered environmentally friendly and healthy for the consumer. There are several ways choose greener carpet padding. First, choose materials made of natural materials. Avoid rubber or neoprene, because they are difficult to recycle and use up important resources. Instead, choose padding made from cotton or plant sources. These items are rapidly renewable and earth-friendly. Second, choose adhesives that are free of urea-formaldehydes, a chemical found in many glues. These materials give off gases that can be harmful to people's health, especially children. Finally, look for products certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute's Green Label Plus program. These products meet a large variety of environmental and health certifications.