How Much Does Carpet Padding Cost?

Carpet and Pad Installation Cost

Carpet and pad installation costs $2 to $8 per square foot for materials and labor. The average cost of carpet and padding installed is $250 to $1,000 for a 12x12 foot room. Carpet padding itself costs $0.75 to $1.75 per square foot to replace for labor and materials.

Carpet and Padding Installation Prices

Size	Padding Installed	Carpet & Pad Installed
Per Square Foot	$0.75 – $1.75	$2 – $8
Per Square Yard	$6.75 – $15.75	$18 – $72
10x12 Room	$90 – $210	$200 – $900
12x12 Room	$108 – $250	$250 – $1,100
12x15 Room	$135 – $315	$300 – $1,400
15x15 Room	$170 – $390	$400 – $1,700
20x20 Room	$300 – $700	$700 – $3,000
800 Sq. Ft. Apartment	$525 – $875	$800 – $3,200
1,000 Sq. Ft. House	$750 – $1,750	$1,100 – $4,500
1,500 Sq. Ft. House	$1,125 – $2,625	$1,600 – $6,700
2,000 Sq. Ft. 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 life of your carpet.
• Flat rubber padding costs the most, but it’s the only padding that can outlive carpeting.
• Using cheaper padding than the carpet manufacturer recommends shortens the carpet’s lifespan and can void its warranty.
• Most residential carpet padding is 3/8 to 7/16 of an inch thick and 6 to 8 lbs. in density.
• Berber and low-profile carpets need padding less than 3/8 of an inch thick and 8 lb. or more in density.

Carpet Padding Cost

Carpet padding is priced by the foot, yard, or roll.

Carpet Padding Cost Calculator

Unit	Average Cost
Per Square Foot	$0.25 – $1.00
Per Square Yard	$2.25 – $9.00
Per Roll	$70 – $270

*Material prices only.

Average Cost to Install Carpet Padding

The average cost to install carpet padding is $128 to $334 for an average size bedroom up to a living room.

Average Cost to Install Carpet Padding

National Average Cost	$230
Minimum Cost	$90
Maximum Cost	$700
Average Range	$128 to $334

*Total cost to install.

Carpet Padding Cost Per Square Foot

Carpet padding costs $0.25 to $1.00 per square foot for materials only and $0.75 to $1.75 per square foot total installed. The most durable padding types like frothed foam and flat rubber are $2 to $3 per square foot.

Carpet Pad Prices Per Square Yard

Carpet padding costs $2.25 to $9.00 per square yard for materials only. Prices depend on the padding quality and material type. The most expensive is flat rubber padding at $6.75 to $27 per square yard, which is reusable for re-carpeting projects.

Carpet Pad Prices Per Roll

Carpet pad costs $70 to $270 per roll on average, depending on the padding material type. The most common carpet padding roll size is 6x45 feet, which has 270 square feet or 30 square yards of material. Some wholesalers offer discounts when purchasing padding by the roll.

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Carpet Padding Prices By Type

Carpet padding material costs $0.25 to $3.00 per square foot, depending on the different types, grades, and quality. The most common type of carpet padding is rebond cushion pad that costs $0.25 to $0.80 per square foot.

Carpet Padding Prices By Type

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.

Carpet Pad Comparison

Type	Pros	Cons
Rebonded Foam	Affordable Durable Comes in wide a range of density, thickness, and prices Eco-friendly – Made from 100% recycled foam Readily available in many stores	Not ideal for heavy foot traffic Can void carpet warranty if not compatible with carpet
Frothed Foam	Long lifespan Lasts through several carpet cycles For high-traffic areas Resists damage from impact and furniture indents	Expensive
Prime Foam	Cheap Lightweight Gives a soft step	Least-durable type Not suitable for stairs, hallways, and high-traffic areas Inner air pockets collapse over time
Memory Foam	Soft and comfortable Easy on the joints	Expensive Not suitable for high-traffic areas Constant stretching can damage carpet overtime Less durable than other types
Fiber	Cheap Very durable Can be made for any level of foot traffic Breathes well Prevents carpets from stretching and developing wrinkles Effective sound absorber	Natural fibers prone to mold Less comfortable to walk on Retains dirt and dust over time Not ideal for those with allergies
Flat Rubber	Extremely durable Lasts very long Great for high-traffic areas Lasts through several carpet cycles	Expensive Not available everywhere
Waffle Rubber	Cheap Soft	Short lifespan Not a popular choice

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 inches 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 inch 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 this foam compresses easily and lasts for 3 to 4 years. Apartment complexes that replace carpet often typically use this padding.

Also known as Prime Urethane, Prime Polyurethane, or regular foam pad. This 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, it’s 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 Berber carpets, concrete floors, 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

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.

Also known as “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 resists mold, 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.

Other names for waffle rubber padding are “rippled pad” or “wavy padding” due to its air-pocket design.

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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 inch thicknesses and provides a stable, smooth, and level surface for the carpet padding.

Carpet Underlay Cost

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 4x8 feet. Luan is composite lumber made of tropical wood and particle board with the smoothest finish. The 1/4 inch 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 underlay costs $0.45 to $2.00 per square foot and comes in rolls or sheets of 1/8 to 1/2 inches thick. 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 4x8 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.

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Cost To Replace Carpet Padding

The average cost to replace carpet and padding is $2 to $8 per square foot for materials and labor. Replacing carpet padding only costs $0.75 to $1.75 per square foot to pull back the carpet, remove and install padding, and re-stretching the existing carpet back in place.

Cost To Replace Carpet and Padding

Task	Cost Per Square Foot
Carpet / Padding Removal & Disposal	$0.25 – $1.00
New Padding Material	$0.25 – $1.00
New Carpet Material	$1.00 – $5.00
Installation Labor	$0.50 – $1.50
Total	$2.00 – $8.50

*Additional costs can apply for subfloor repair, floor leveling, furniture moving, custom cuts or difficult carpeting, and transitions.

Remove Carpet and Pad

Removing carpet and pad costs $0.25 to $1.00 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.

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Carpet Pad Thickness and Density

Residential carpet padding typically has a 3/8 to 7/16 inch 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.

Carpet Pad Thickness and Density Chart

Type	Density (lbs.)	Thickness (in.)	Facts
Rebond	6 – 8	7/16 – 1/2	High traffic areas: 6.5 lb. and 3/8 inch
Frothed Foam	10 – 12	7/16 – 1/2	High traffic areas: 12+ lb. and 1/4 inch
Synthetic Fiber	6.5 – 7.5	1/4 – 3/10	Looped / Berber / Short Pile High traffic areas
Flat Rubber	18 – 22	1/4 - 1/2	Use 21+ lbs. for increased durability
Memory Foam	8 – 10	3/8 – 1/2	Low traffic areas, bedrooms

Carpet Pad Thickness

Padding is available from 1/4 to 1/2 inch 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.

• High-Traffic Areas – Thinner and firmer pad with 8 lb.+ density.
• Living Rooms / Bedrooms / Low-Traffic Areas – Thicker and softer padding with 6 to 8 lb. density for more comfort.
• Berber & Short Pile – No thicker than 3/8 of an inch to avoid carpet damage.

Carpet Pad Density

Residential carpet padding typically has a 6 to 8 lbs. per cubic foot density rating, or firmness. Padding 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.

Carpet Pad Weight Chart

Traffic	Density (lbs.)	Uses
Light	3 – 6	Apartments When replacing carpet often Very low foot-traffic areas
Average	6 – 8	Most residential areas
High	8 – 10	Hallways Stairs High foot-traffic areas

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 better for high-traffic areas.

6 lb. vs. 8 lb. Carpet Pad

Type	Average Cost Per Square Foot	Differences
6 lb.	$0.30 – $0.50	Cheaper Softer feel Not ideal for high foot-traffic areas like stairs and hallways
8 lb.	$0.35 – $1.00	More expensive Greater durability Better insulation Firmer feel Better support for carpet Fewer wrinkles Better for high-traffic areas

*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 vary according to the padding features, thickness, and brand. Choose 8 lb. density padding for high foot-traffic areas.

8-Pound Carpet Pad Cost

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 inch 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.

Carpet Pad R-Value

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

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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 in. with an 8 lb.+ density in high-traffic areas or under low-profile carpets.

Best Carpet Padding Brands

The best carpet padding brands are TrafficMaster, Future Foam, and QuietWalk. Top-quality carpet padding is moisture-proof and has high-density ratings.

Carpet Padding Brands

Brand	Cost Per Square Foot	Features
TrafficMaster	$0.35 – $0.45	Rebond 6 – 8 lbs. density 5/16 – 7/16 inches thick Berber-compatible Moisture barrier Superior sound control 100% recyclable
Future Foam	$0.25 – $1.00	Rebond, memory foam, flat rubber, fiber SpillSafe moisture barrier Large variety of thickness and density
DMX 1-Step	$1.00 – $1.30	100% Waterproof Allows airflow under carpet Ideal for basements or other moisture-prone areas
QuietWalk	$0.50 – $0.80	7/16 inch thickness 8 lbs. density Made of recycled synthetic fiber Superior sound reduction Moisture protection Mold and mildew resistant Ideal for berber carpets
StainMaster	$0.65 – $1.20	Rebond, memory foam, rubber Hypoallergenic Mold and mildew resistant Breathable moisture barrier 100% recyclable
Healthier Choice	$0.60 – $1.10	High-density memory foam 1/4 – 1/2 inch thickness Moisture barrier 100% recyclable
Shaw	$0.50 – $1.00	Rebond, synthetic fiber, memory foam, frothed foam Large variety of thickness and density 100% recyclable Dual R2X Moisture Barrier Extends Shaw carpet warranties by 5 – 10 years with premium or preferred Shaw padding

*Material prices

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.

Choosing The Right Carpet Padding

Best For	Type / Style / Thickness
Radiant Floor Heating	Thin but dense padding Rubber, Natural & Synthetic fiber Low R-value of 4.0 or less 3/8 inch or less
Basement Floors	Rebond, rubber or synthetic padding Pads with antimicrobial properties to prevent mold or mildew growth Mold & mildew resistant pads Vapor barrier is recommended
Concrete Floors	Rubber, frothed foam or fiber padding Vapor barrier for moisture-prone floors
Low-Traffic Floors With Cut Pile Carpet	1/2 inch padding in fiber, foam, or rubber cushions Softer padding types with 6 lb. density

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Frequently Asked Questions

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 helps protect carpets to last longer, feel more comfortable, and insulate better. Carpets without padding deteriorate faster. Padding also creates a quieter home, protects the subfloor, and are 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?

Homeowners have to 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 a new specific padding to maintain warranty.

Reusable padding is:

• Only 2-3 years old or newer
• 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 feet long by 6 feet wide.

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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.

Carpet Pad Buying Guide

Store	Cost Per Square Foot	Available Types
Home Depot	$0.25 – $1.09	Rebond Recycled Foam Memory Foam Synthetic Fiber Urethane/Polyurethane Foam Rubber
Lowe’s	$0.25 – $1.08	Rebond Urethane/Polyurethane Foam Synthetic Fiber
Menards	$0.22 – $0.98	Rebond Polyurethane Memory Foam Felt

*Not including installation.

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.

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DIY Carpet Padding Installation

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.

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:

1. Make sure the subfloor is level and clear of all dirt and debris.
2. Nail the carpet tack strips to the floor around the room’s perimeter near the wall.
3. The smooth side of carpet pad goes up when unrolling the padding out from a corner across the room's longest length.
4. Cut the padding to end with a ¼ inch gap between the padding and the tack strips.
5. Repeat these steps in cutting the foam to cover the entire floor with no overlapping pieces.
6. Line up the padding seams and tape or staple them together.
7. Staple one padding edge to the subfloor. Then pull and stretch the padding tight before stapling down the opposite end to prevent carpet wrinkling.
8. Tape the padding seams with masking tape or moisture resistant tape.
9. 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.

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Hiring A Carpet Pad Installer Near You

Carpet padding professionals 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, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
• Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for at least five 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 upfront. Come up with a payment schedule for the work completed.

Questions To Ask Carpet Installers Before Hiring

• Are they licensed and bonded contractors with liability insurance?
• Have they done carpet pad installations for at least 5 years?
• Can they provide references of past work?
• Is it possible for them 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 they do subfloor work as well if they find damages?
• Do they include moving furniture or old padding disposal in the price?
• Is the contractor offering a warranty on their work?
• What’s their payment schedule?
• If they clean up afterward, then what are the fees, and what do they include?

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