How much does carpet padding cost?
How much does carpet padding cost?
$0.75 – $1.75 cost per square foot installed
$100 – $250 average cost per room installed (12'x12')
Carpet padding cost
Installing carpet padding costs $0.75 to $1.75 per square foot for labor and materials. The cost to replace carpet padding in a 12' x 12' foot room is $100 to $250. Carpet padding costs $0.25 to $3.00 per square foot for the material alone, depending on the underlay's thickness, density, and type.
| Size | Padding Installed Cost* | Carpet & Pad Installed Cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Per Square Foot | $0.75 – $1.75 | $2 – $8 |
| Per Square Yard | $6.75 – $15.75 | $18 – $72 |
| 10' x 12' Room | $90 – $210 | $200 – $900 |
| 12' x 12' Room | $108 – $250 | $250 – $1,100 |
| 12' x 15' Room | $135 – $315 | $300 – $1,400 |
| 15' x 15' Room | $170 – $390 | $400 – $1,700 |
| 20' x 20' Room | $300 – $700 | $700 – $3,000 |
| 800 SF Apartment | $525 – $875 | $800 – $3,200 |
| 1,000 SF House | $750 – $1,750 | $1,100 – $4,500 |
| 1,500 SF House | $1,125 – $2,625 | $1,600 – $6,700 |
| 2,000 SF House | $1,500 – $3,500 | $2,100 – $9,000 |
| Flight of 13 Stairs | $50 – $145 | $150 – $600 |
*Total cost to install.
Carpet pad protects the floors and extends the carpet's life.
Flat rubber padding costs the most but is the only padding that can outlive carpeting.
Using cheaper padding than the carpet manufacturer recommends shortens the carpet’s lifespan and may void its warranty.
Most residential carpet padding is 3/8" to 7/16" thick and 6 to 8 lbs. in density.
Berber and low-profile carpets need padding less than 3/8" thick and 8 lb. or more in density.
Carpet padding cost per square foot
Carpet padding costs $0.25 to $1.00 per square foot for materials alone and $0.75 to $1.75 per square foot with installation. The most durable padding types like frothed foam and flat rubber cost $2 to $3 per square foot.
Carpet padding materials are also priced by the yard or roll:
| Unit | Average Cost* |
|---|---|
| Per Square Foot | $0.25 – $1.00 |
| Per Square Yard | $2.25 – $9.00 |
| Per Roll | $70.00 – $270.00 |
*Total cost to install.
Carpet Pad Prices Per Square Yard
Carpet padding costs $2.25 to $9.00 per square yard for the material alone. Prices depend on the padding quality and material type. The most expensive is reusable flat rubber padding at $6.75 to $27 per square yard.
Carpet Pad Prices Per Roll
Carpet pad prices are $70 to $270 per roll, depending on the padding material type. The most common carpet padding roll size is 6' x 45', which has 270 square feet or 30 square yards of material.
Some wholesalers offer discounts when purchasing padding by the roll.
Carpet Padding Prices By Type
Carpet padding material costs $0.25 to $3.00 per square foot, depending on the type, grade, and quality. The most common type is rebond cushion pad that costs $0.25 to $0.80 per square foot.
| Type | Cost Per Square Foot* | Cost Per Square Yard* |
|---|---|---|
| Rebonded Foam | $0.25 – $0.80 | $2.25 – $7.20 |
| Frothed Foam | $0.50 – $2.00 | $4.50 – $18.00 |
| Prime Foam | $0.25 – $1.50 | $2.25 – $13.50 |
| Memory Foam | $0.50 – $1.00 | $4.50 – $9.00 |
| Fiber / Jute / Felt | $0.35 – $1.25 | $3.15 – $11.25 |
| Flat Rubber | $0.75 – $3.00 | $6.75 – $27.00 |
| Waffle Rubber | $0.50 – $1.00 | $4.50 – $9.00 |
*Material prices only.
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Rebonded Foam |
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| Frothed Foam |
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| Prime Foam |
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| Memory Foam |
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| Fiber |
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| Flat Rubber |
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| Waffle Rubber |
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Bonded / Rebond Carpet Pad
Rebond carpet pad costs $0.25 to $0.80 per square foot. Recycled rebond carpet cushion, or chip foam, is multicolored foam pieces glued together. Bonded urethane foam is the most common carpet padding that’s 1/4" to 1/2" thick with a 5 to 10 lbs. density rating.
Frothed Foam Carpet Pad
Frothed foam padding costs $0.50 to $2.00 per square foot. Frothed polyurethane or urethane foam is extremely durable with a 10 to 12 lb. density and 1/4" to 1/2" thickness. Frothed foam is more supportive of high foot-traffic floors than prime foam.
Prime Foam Carpet Pad
Prime foam padding costs $0.25 to $1.50 per square foot and is only suitable for light foot-traffic areas. The air pocket design feels soft, but the foam compresses easily and lasts for 3 to 4 years. Apartment complexes that replace carpet often typically use prime foam padding.
Other names for prime foam padding are Prime Urethane, Prime Polyurethane, or regular foam pad.
Prime foam padding sometimes comes for free with new carpet. Make sure the carpet manufacturer recommends using it with the carpet type.
Memory Foam Carpet Pad
Memory foam padding prices are $0.50 to $1.00 per square foot. This 8 to 10-lb. density padding is frothed foam infused with viscoelastic gel.
While comfortable to walk on, memory foam padding is not great for high-foot-traffic rooms.
Memory foam carpet pad is suitable for bedrooms and toddler playrooms.
Fiber / Jute / Felt Carpet Pad
Fiber carpet pad and synthetic felt costs $0.35 to $1.25 per square foot and comes mostly in longer-lasting synthetic materials. Felt carpet pad works well with concrete flooring, Berber carpets, and in high foot-traffic areas. Felts are dense and well-insulating, but not the most comfortable.
Fiber carpet padding comes in 3 types:
Natural – Jute, felt, wool, horsehair
Synthetic – Nylon, polyester, acrylic, polypropylene
Recycled – Textile fibers
Natural-fiber felt padding is more likely to mold in basements than synthetic-fiber felts.
Flat Rubber Carpet Padding Cost
Flat rubber carpet pad costs $0.75 to $3.00 per square foot and lasts 10 to 20 years. Flat rubber carpet padding has the firmest density of 19 to 22 lbs. Use flat rubber for commercial applications, loop carpets, Berber carpets, concrete floors, and high-traffic rooms.
Other names for flat rubber carpet padding are “slab foam rubber padding” or “sponge rubber.”
Waffle Rubber Carpet / Rug Pad
Waffle rubber carpet padding costs $0.50 to $1.00 per square foot. Waffle-rubber is hypoallergenic and mold resistant but has the least-firm density of 4 to 5.6 lb. This perforated rubber grips well to stabilize rugs, but isn’t as durable as rebond or urethane paddings.
Waffle rubber padding is also known as “rippled pad” or “wavy padding” due to its air-pocket design.
Carpet Underlay Cost
The average cost of carpet underlay is $0.45 to $2.00 per square foot, without installation. Flooring underlayment comes in 1/8" to 3/4" thicknesses and provides a stable, smooth, and level surface for the carpet padding.
| Type | Average Cost Per Square Foot* |
|---|---|
| Luan | $0.50 – $0.65 |
| Cork | $0.45 – $2.00 |
| Oriented Strand Board (OSB) | $0.50 – $1.50 |
*Material prices only.
Luan Underlay Cost
Luan underlay costs $0.50 to $0.65 per square foot or $15 to $20 per sheet of 4' x 8' feet. Luan is composite lumber made of tropical wood and particle board with the smoothest finish. The 1/4" thickness is the most common underlayment for hardwood, resilient-vinyl, or carpet padding.
Also known as “Lauan plywood”
Resistant to splitting and shrinking
Installs easily without much warping
Not suitable for moisture-prone areas
Cork Underlayment
Cork underlayment costs $0.45 to $2.00 per square foot and comes in rolls or sheets of 1/8" to 1/2" thickness. Cork underlayment below carpet padding helps in soundproofing apartments and shared living spaces. However, cork underlay needs a moisture barrier in damp climates.
Rolls – $0.45 – $1.00 per square foot
Sheets – $0.50 – $2.00 per square foot
Environmentally friendly
Anti-allergenic
Fire, mold, mildew, and pest resistant
Provides excellent insulation and improves acoustics
Works with many flooring materials
Stress-crack protection for hard-surface flooring
Oriented Strand Board (OSB)
Oriented strand board (OSB) costs $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot or $16 to $48 per 4' x 8' sheet. OSB is stronger subflooring than plywood since it contains more wood layers. OSB has a perfectly uniform surface for carpet padding but swells when wet.
Cost to replace carpet padding
The average cost to replace carpet and padding is $2 to $8 per square foot for labor and materials. Replacing the carpet padding alone costs $0.75 to $1.75 per square foot to pull back the carpet, remove and install padding, and re-stretch the existing carpet back in place.
The average cost of new carpet and padding installed is $250 to $1,000 for a 12' x 12' room.
| Task | Cost Per Square Foot* |
|---|---|
| Carpet / Padding Removal & Disposal | $0.70 – $1.60 |
| New Padding Material | $0.25 – $1.00 |
| New Carpet Material | $1.00 – $5.00 |
| Installation Labor | $0.50 – $1.50 |
| Total cost to replace | $2.00 – $8.50 |
*Additional costs can apply for subfloor repair, floor leveling, furniture moving, custom cuts or difficult carpeting, and transitions.
Cost to remove carpet and pad
Removing carpet and pad costs $0.70 to $1.60 per square foot, including labor and disposal. This includes prying carpeting off the tack strip nails, removing tack strips, and scraping up glue and staples. Hiring pros for carpet removal is also best to fix subfloor damage.
Carpet padding prices by thickness and density
Residential carpet padding typically has a 3/8" to 7/16" thickness with 6 to 8 lbs. density. Always use padding recommended by the carpet manufacturer for each carpet type. Otherwise, the wrong kind of padding decreases the carpet’s lifespan and voids the warranty.
| Type | Density (lbs.) | Thickness (in.) | Facts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rebond | 6 – 8 | 7/16 – 1/2 |
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| Frothed Foam | 10 – 12 | 7/16 – 1/2 |
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| Synthetic Fiber | 6.5 – 7.5 | 1/4 – 3/10 |
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| Flat Rubber | 18 – 22 | 1/4 - 1/2 |
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| Memory Foam | 8 – 10 | 3/8 – 1/2 |
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Carpet Pad Thickness
Padding is available in 1/4" to 1/2" thicknesses, and carpet manufacturers specify which padding thickness each carpet needs. Thicker padding is more comfortable but not suitable for high-traffic rooms or Berber carpets.
Carpet Pad Thickness By Area
Area Type | Recommended Thickness |
|---|---|
High-Traffic | Thinner and firmer pad with 8 lb.+ density |
Living Rooms / Bedrooms / Low-traffic | Thicker and softer padding with 6 to 8 lb. density for more comfort |
Berber & Short Pile | No thicker than 3/8" to avoid carpet damage |
Carpet Pad Density
Residential carpet padding typically has a 6 to 8 lbs. per cubic foot density rating, or firmness. Paddings with higher ratings up to 10 lb. are the most-supportive and durable for busy rooms, yet denser padding feels the hardest underfoot and costs more.
| Traffic | Density (lbs.) | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Light | 3 – 6 |
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| Average | 6 – 8 |
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| High | 8 – 10 |
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6 lb. vs. 8 lb. Carpet Pad
A 6-lb. carpet pad is softer but dense enough for residential use. An 8-lb. carpet pad costs more and is firmer, longer-lasting, prevents carpet wrinkles, provides greater support, and is better for high-traffic areas.
| Type | Average Cost Per Square Foot | Differences |
|---|---|---|
| 6 lb. | $0.30 – $0.50 |
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| 8 lb. | $0.35 – $1.00 |
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*Material prices only.
8-Pound Carpet Pad Cost
Carpet padding with a density of 8 lbs. per cubic foot costs $0.30 to $0.80 per square foot. Costs depend on the padding features, thickness, and brand.
Choose 8 lb. density padding for high foot-traffic areas.
| Thickness (Inches) | Average Price Per Square Foot* |
|---|---|
| 5/16 | $0.35 – $0.40 |
| 3/8 | $0.30 – $0.60 |
| 7/16 | $0.35 – $0.80 |
| 1/2 | $0.40 – $0.60 |
*Material prices only.
What Is The Thickest Carpet Padding Available?
The thickest carpet padding available is 1/2" or 12.7 mm, which costs $0.30 to $1.10 per square foot and comes in rebond, polyurethane foam, and memory foam.
Carpet Pad R-Value
R-value is the insulating value of carpet padding. High R-value pads trap more heat for warmer rooms. Add the carpet and padding R-values together to calculate the total insulation factor.
| Type | R-Value |
|---|---|
| Rebond | 1.0 – 2.0 |
| Prime Foam | 1.0 – 2.0 |
| Frothed Foam | 0.7 – 1.7 |
| Waffle Rubber | 0.7 – 1.4 |
| Flat Rubber | 0.4 – 2.6 |
| Synthetic Fibers | 0.9 – 1.8 |
Carpet padding prices by brand
The best carpet padding brands are TrafficMaster, Future Foam, and QuietWalk. Top-quality carpet padding is moisture-proof and has high-density ratings.
| Brand | Price Per Square Foot* | Features |
|---|---|---|
| TrafficMaster | $0.35 – $0.45 |
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| Future Foam | $0.25 – $1.00 |
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| DMX 1-Step | $1.00 – $1.30 |
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| QuietWalk | $0.50 – $0.80 |
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| StainMaster | $0.65 – $1.20 |
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| Healthier Choice | $0.60 – $1.10 |
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| Shaw | $0.50 – $1.00 |
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*Material prices
Carpet padding FAQs
What Goes Underneath Carpet?
Carpet padding is a sheet of foam, rubber, felt, or spongy material that goes underneath the carpet for protection. Installers glue or staple the underlay for carpet to subflooring. Under the padding is a subfloor typically made from plywood or OSB that creates a level surface.
Does Carpet Need Padding?
Carpet padding protects carpets, helping them to last longer, feel more comfortable, and insulate better. Carpets without padding deteriorate faster. Padding also creates a quieter home, protects the subfloor, and is more vacuum-friendly.
Carpet padding is not moisture-resistant and will trap dampness and grow mold if used with indoor-outdoor carpets outside.
When To Replace Carpet Padding?
Replace carpet padding when:
New carpet has a warranty that requires new padding.
Padding has worn-out places from high foot traffic.
Pads and carpeting have permanent pet odors or chemical stains.
Flooring has mold, mildew, or other heavy water damage.
New carpet needs a different type of compatible padding.
Old carpeting is no longer sound-absorbent.
Can I Reuse Carpet Padding?
Installers typically replace padding when installing new carpet. Worn-out padding is less-supportive for joints and can have smelly stains, mold, or mildew that affects new carpet. Some carpets require new specific padding to maintain the warranty.
Reusable padding is:
Less than 3 years old
Free of uneven areas
In low-foot-traffic rooms
Longer-lasting flat-slab rubber or frothed foam in good condition
Is Upgraded Carpet Padding Worth It?
Most new and upgraded carpet padding makes carpet last longer, feel better, and protects subflooring with these features:
Higher Density – Upgrading to 10 lbs. carpet pad is worth it to protect the carpet better with firmer foot cushioning.
Vapor / Moisture Barrier – This padding shields subflooring from spills from kids or pets.
Sound-Absorbing – This pad is beneficial for apartments and shared living spaces.
Mold & Mildew Resistant – Use this padding in humid climates and for people with allergies.
Eco-Friendly Material – People can recycle this padding after it wears out, and it also contains recycled materials.
How Much Does Carpet Underlay and Pad Weigh?
One roll of carpet pad weighs 30 to 90 lbs., depending on the underlay material type, density, thickness, and roll size. Most rolls are 45' long by 6' wide.
Carpet Pad Buying Guide
Carpet padding is available from home supply stores, local flooring suppliers, and online carpeting warehouses. Home Depot carpet pad costs $0.25 to $1.09 per square foot with the largest selection. Menards carpet padding is the cheapest, and Lowe’s selection is the smallest.
| Store | Cost Per Square Foot* | Available Types |
|---|---|---|
| Home Depot | $0.25 – $1.09 |
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| Lowe’s | $0.25 – $1.08 |
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| Menards | $0.22 – $0.98 |
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*Not including installation.
What is the best carpet padding?
The best type of carpet padding for each room varies depending on the carpeting it supports, the level of foot traffic, and the brand. The best carpet padding thickness for most homes is 1/4" to 7/16" with an 8 lb.+ density in high-traffic areas or under low-profile carpets.
How To Choose The Right Carpet Padding
The carpet manufacturer’s specifications or the carpet warranty lists the right carpet pad thickness needed. Installing the wrong size carpet padding damages the carpet and voids the warranty.
The padding type should suit the floor location. For example, choose moisture-protective padding for damp basements and thinner padding for radiant-heat flooring.
| Best For | Type / Style / Thickness |
|---|---|
| Radiant Floor Heating |
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| Basement Floors |
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| Concrete Floors |
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| Low-Traffic Floors With Cut Pile Carpet |
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Where To Buy Cheap Carpet Padding
Purchase cheap carpet padding from home improvement stores, online outlets, or local carpet professionals. The cheapest way to buy carpet padding is during flooring retailers’ biggest sales from August to October. However, low-quality padding shortens carpet life.
Highly discounted padding that comes with new carpet may not be the best quality or match the carpet type.
DIY Carpet Padding Installation cost
DIY carpet pad installation costs $0.25 to $1.00 per square foot on average for the padding only. Always select the padding type recommended by the carpet manufacturer.
Risks of DIY installations are:
Improper installation shortens the carpet’s lifespan and voids the warranty.
Shifting and bunching padding that creates bumps in the carpet.
Wasting padding material by cutting padding to the wrong size.
Breaking baseboards while removing them to install the new padding.
Neglecting to fix subflooring problems that can ruin the padding and carpeting.
How Much Carpet Padding Do I Need?
The amount of padding required is the same as the floor size. Multiply a room’s length by the width to calculate square footage and add 10% for waste. Convert to yards by dividing the square footage by 9. Carpet pad is commonly available in rolls of 270 square feet each.
Carpet installers take exact measurements and supply all the materials as part of a complete carpeting and padding installation.
How To Install Carpet Padding
Installing carpet padding requires a tape measure, carpet knife, hammer, safety glasses, a staplegun or hammer-tacker tool, and masking tape or moisture-resistant tape.
Steps to install carpet padding:
Make sure the subfloor is level and clear of all dirt and debris.
Nail the carpet tack strips to the floor around the room’s perimeter near the wall.
The smooth side of carpet pad goes up when unrolling the padding out from a corner across the room's longest length.
Cut the padding to end with a ¼ inch gap between the padding and the tack strips.
Repeat these steps in cutting the foam to cover the entire floor with no overlapping pieces.
Line up the padding seams and tape or staple them together.
Staple one padding edge to the subfloor. Then pull and stretch the padding tight before stapling down the opposite end to prevent carpet wrinkling.
Tape the padding seams with masking tape or moisture resistant tape.
Continue stapling and stretching out each padding piece until the floor has a uniform padding layer.
A knee kicker and carpet-stretcher tools are available for rent at local home-improvement stores for installing carpeting over the padding. Remember to lay the carpeting perpendicular to the padding seams.
Hiring A Carpet Pad Installer Near You
Carpet installers ensure a quality installation that meets warranty requirements. A pro also inspects the subflooring to guarantee proper support for long-lasting padding.
Get at least three estimates to compare.
Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide and Google..
Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for 5+ years.
Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Ask for a written contract and warranty.
Get a full breakdown of all material and labor costs involved.
Avoid making large payments up front. Come up with a payment schedule for the work completed.
Questions To Ask Carpet Installers Before Hiring
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Have you done carpet pad installations for at least 5 years?
Can you provide references with contact information?
Is it possible for you to reuse the old carpet padding?
Does this carpet require specific padding to uphold the carpet’s warranty?
What are the best carpet padding choices in density and thickness for this type of carpet?
What other extra fees can I expect?
Can you do subfloor work as well if you find damages?
Do you include moving furniture or old padding disposal in the price?
Do you offer a warranty of your work?
What’s your payment schedule?
Is cleanup included in your estimate?