How to choose the right thickness of carpet padding

Walking on carpet barefoot is comfortable, but walking barefoot on nicely padded carpet can be pure pleasure. If you are installing carpet in your home, be sure to pick out the right type of carpet padding to go with your surface and style of carpet. The thickness of your carpet padding will depend on two things; the surface that it is going on, and the type of carpet that is going on top of it. For harder surfaces like concrete slabs, go with a thicker padding to provide a softer feel to the flooring. If you are applying it over existing, softer flooring, you will not need to worry quite as much about too thick of padding. Your carpet padding will also depend on the carpet you are using. Most manufacturers sell complimentary carpet padding for each of their styles. Check with your supplier to see if they offer their own. If they do not, ask them if they have a recommended thickness for their specific carpeting. Be sure to use the right carpet padding for your room. It can make the difference between walking in content comfort for years to come and walking on air.

A Checklist for using professional carpet installation

Getting carpet installation from professionals does not release you from the roles you need to play in oversight and inspection. Here are 5 items you should check during the installation process:

1) In preparing  the surface for installation, vacuum the floor after the old carpet and padding are removed.

2) Inspect the new carpet as it's unrolled to make sure it is the right color, texture and style. Carpet is difficult to return once it has been installed.

3) Make sure that your carpet installers are properly stretching the new carpet to reduce wrinkles and ripples to a minimum. Professional carpet installation can sometimes make mistakes.

4) If you find that the new carpet is preventing doors from opening, arrange to have the doors shaved and re-hung. It is easier to shave a door than lower a floor.

5) Ventilate the room well to let the new carpet get properly accustomed to the new environment. Open any doors, windows, and run exhaust fans if available.

Installing carpet is a job that most anyone can do with the time and the tools. Assuming you have already bought your carpet, padding, and tools, you will need to prep the area. Get some help with moving any furniture from the space where the carpet will be laid. Once all of the furniture is gone, you will need to pull up any existing flooring that is down. If you are pulling up old carpet, you will want to be careful when getting the staples out of the edges. If your carpet is older, these staples could have rust that, if pricked with, it is recommended that you get a tetanus shot. Use gloves when pulling for a better grip. Once the carpet is up, you will want to also remove the existing padding. This is far easier than the carpet as it can tear easily. Now that the floor is bare, you can sweep and get the surface area ready to start. It is very important to properly prep your surface