Don't forget the padding. It goes under every square foot of carpet and has a bigger impact on comfort and carpet life than most people realize. Match your padding order to your carpet order with this calculator.
Room Dimensions
ft
ft
Waste Factor
%
Scenario: You're padding a 14 ft x 12 ft bedroom with 10% waste.
Result: Room area: 168 sq ft = 18.7 sq yards. With 10% waste: 20.5 sq yards of carpet padding.
Calculate the same square footage as your carpet. Room length x width in feet, divide by 9 for square yards, then add 10% for waste. Padding and carpet are sold by the square yard and should cover the same area.
Use 7/16 inch (about 7 lb density) for most residential carpet. Berber and low-profile carpet need thinner, firmer padding (3/8 inch). Plush or frieze carpet can use up to 1/2 inch padding. Too thick = the carpet feels unstable underfoot.
Yes, significantly. The right padding absorbs impact and reduces wear on carpet fibers. Too-soft padding lets the carpet flex too much, which breaks fibers faster. Most carpet warranties require a specific padding density and thickness.
No. Old padding is compressed, often holds moisture or odors, and won't support new carpet properly. At $0.50-$1.50 per sq ft for new padding, it's not worth the risk.
Want to learn more before you start your project?
Read the full guide →
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