Pad density aka pad weight.
Types of carpet padding for basement.
Concrete is usually used as the subfloor for basements in homes and since most basements are below ground level this makes them prone to dampness.
Any carpet that can be used in other areas of the house can be used in the basement.
Typical cost for a 6 to 8 pound density rebond pad is about 3 50 5 50 per square yard or about 39 to 45 cents per square foot.
The question is how will you know what grade of carpet or padding you are buying.
Alternatives to basement carpet.
For example berber carpet with its distinctive loop pattern works well in basements hallways and stairs.
But as a precaution against moisture use an open cell pad to allow the concrete to breathe nearly all pads are open cell pads which provide better insulation and are less expensive than closed cell pads.
Pad density is the 2 factor in pad durability 1 is the type of pad more on that later.
Any type of carpet can be used in any room but different types of carpet are more popular in certain rooms.
In fact some carpet types do better with thinner padding.
Unlike with other types of flooring thicker doesn t necessarily mean better in the carpet padding world.
Foam padding urethane this type of pad is often very inexpensive and lightweight.
For berber carpets the carpet and rug institute recommends a carpet padding no thicker than.
Textured carpet is typically used in bedrooms family rooms and dens but can also be used in offices basements and hallways.
That said even if your basement is unusually dry some of the alternatives to basement carpet are likely to be cheaper flooring installations.
Carpeting a basement isn t impossible and if you like the soft feel of carpet fibers it may very well be the answer for you.
This type isn t very soft but it can be ideal for commercial uses and may even be required for some berber carpet types.
Density is typically measured in pounds per cubic foot but sometimes you ll see it listed as ounces per square yard expect the pad density to be 3 10lbs for most common padding.
Having a nice carpet pad between your carpeting and the concrete subfloor in the basement can really eliminate that feeling and help the room feel as warm as.
Underpad is generally fine to use in a basement provided it is also synthetic.
On a cold hard basement floor a soft pad is essential for comfort and warmth.
A basement carpet pad will help hold off the feeling of cold and dampness that concrete basement floors can transfer the feeling of cold has always been one of the biggest drawbacks of concrete floors especially in the basement.
The type of padding you select for a concrete floor is perhaps even more important than the type you use in rooms upstairs.
Opt for a polyurethane foam pad and stay away from a rubber pad.
Most residential carpets are installed over padding.