The Carpet and Rug Institute, Inc. | Dalton, GA 30722
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The Carpet and Rug Institute, Inc. | Dalton, GA 30722
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The Cushion And Carpet Go Hand In Hand.

Picture
The cushion is an unseen, but essential part of your carpet system experience. It’s well worth the time to ensure you’re picking the right one. A firm and resilient carpet cushion forms the foundation for your carpet. The right cushion acts as a shock absorber to increase comfort and extend durability. It also helps buffer sound and provides increased insulation, making a room quieter and warmer.

When selecting cushion, check the carpet manufacturer's requirements for thickness and density. A general rule of thumb for most residential carpet applications is to choose cushion no more than 7/16 inch thick and no less than 1/4 inch with 6 pounds per cubic feet density. If the carpet is a berber or a low profile carpet, choose a cushion no more than 3/8 inch thick with 8 pounds density.

The type and thickness of cushion you need varies based on traffic levels and patterns. For example, bedrooms, dens, lounge areas and other rooms with light or moderate traffic can use thicker and softer cushion. Living rooms, family rooms, hallways, stairs and other heavy traffic areas require thinner, firmer cushion.

The wrong carpet cushion can negatively affect the carpet in several ways including: diminished appearance, wrinkling and buckling, separation of the carpet seams and breakdown of the carpet structure itself. Improper cushion selection also may void any applicable carpet manufacturer's warranties.

​A Quick Guide

Residential cut pile, cut- loop, or high-level loop carpet requires a resilient, firm cushion with a thickness of 7/16 inch and no less than 1/4 inch with 6 pounds per cubic feet density. Types of cushion may be various polyurethane foams, including the very common bonded foam product often referred to as “rebond,” fiber, or rubber.​

Berber carpet or thinner loop or cut pile carpet is made with large, wide loops, and it has been found that a stable, low-flexing, cushion foundation is necessary. A thicker, softer cushion is not acceptable. Cushion thickness should not exceed 3/8 inch for these type products. Again, check with the carpet manufacturer to see if a specific cushion is required.
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100 S Hamilton St  |  Dalton, GA 30720
Phone: (706) 278-3176 | info@carpet-rug.org
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  • Carpet for the Home
    • Benefits of Carpet and Rugs
    • Indoor Air Quality
    • Environmental Benefits
    • Selecting the Right Carpet >
      • Color
      • Carpet and Rug Construction
      • Selecting the Right Cushion
      • Green Label Plus For Indoor Air Quality
    • Installation Tips
    • Cleaning and Maintenance >
      • Cleaning Essentials >
        • Vacuuming
        • Cleaning Spots and Spills
        • Do-It-Yourself Extracting
      • Seal of Approval Program
      • Hiring a Carpet Cleaning Professional
    • Beauty of Carpet
  • Carpet for Business
    • Benefits of Carpets and Rugs
    • Carpet and Health
    • Green Building and The Environment >
      • NSF/ANSI 140 Standard
      • Sustainable Carpet Product Platform
    • Specifying the Right Carpet >
      • Carpet and Rug Construction
      • Dyeing and Color Selection
      • Size Options
      • Quality and Performance Requirements
      • Insulation
      • Sound Absorption
      • Cushion
    • Facility-Specific Considerations
    • Carpet Installation Information >
      • Installation Standards and Methods
    • Cleaning and Maintenance >
      • Cleaning Essentials >
        • Vacuuming
        • Cleaning Spots and Spills
        • Do-It-Yourself Extracting
      • Seal of Approval Program
      • Hiring a Carpet Cleaning Professional
  • Testing Programs
    • Green Label Plus >
      • Carpet, Cushion, and Adhesive >
        • GLP Carpet Products
        • GLP Cushion Products
        • GLP Adhesive Products
      • Participant Documents
    • Seal of Approval Program >
      • Certifying a Product
      • Cleaning Solutions >
        • Cleaning Solution Testing Criteria
        • Certified Cleaning Solutions
      • Deep Cleaning Extractors and Systems >
        • Deep Cleaning Extractor Testing Criteria
        • Certified Deep Cleaning Extractors
        • Deep Cleaning System Testing Criteria
        • Certified Deep Cleaning Systems
      • Interim Maintenance Systems >
        • Interim Maintenance System Testing Criteria
        • Certified Interim Maintenance Systems
      • Vacuums >
        • Vacuum Testing Criteria
        • Certified Vacuums
    • Seal of Approval Service Providers >
      • Becoming a Certified Service Providers
      • Service Provider Online Application
      • Certified Service Providers
  • Industry Resources
    • Research and Resources
    • Downloadable Fact Sheets
    • Technical Bulletins and Papers
    • Installation Standards
    • Continuing Education Resources
    • Government Affairs >
      • Top Issues
      • Find Your Elected Officials
      • Take Action
      • Government 101
      • Helpful Government Links
      • Election Information
      • Register & Vote
    • Carpet Statistics
    • Helpful Links
  • About Us
    • Online Store
    • History of Carpet
    • Member Directory
    • Board of Directors
    • Become a CRI Member
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • News >
      • 2017 Annual Meeting
      • Blog
      • Newsletter Archive
      • Press Releases
      • Feature Articles
    • Contact Us
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