[Fiddler]

I tried searching but the results didnt yield much..


I am about to install carpeting in my HT - the carpet itself isn't very plush and I frankly don't care that it be very soft (i prefer it firmer in any case). This is being installed over concrete. Keeping the room warm in the winter will be important as well as keeping moisture out and having good sound characteristics. I've read a bit about padding and seen the various type online (rubber, recycled foam , etc). I use rubber or uerthane waffle on various area rugs in my house and like that, but don't know if it's suitable for whole room carpet. The store where i bought my carpet, recommended some type of padding that looks less like foam and more like fiber of some sort - the salesman there said that one is the "best" but it's also the most expensive.


with that in mind, what can you guys recommend, and what do these things normally cost? (the "best" suggested by the salesman was 84c/sq foot if i remember correctly)

 

[MacBuster]

I think they used an 8lb pad on mine, with a relatively non-plush carpet on top (I didn't want shag or anything...it's comfy, but not deep).


I also put down dricore. I don't care what they carpet dudes say about how good the underlay/pads are, I don't like the feel of carpet on concrete.

 

[Cathan]

I literally just went through this same issue earlier this week. Given that the theater is the only area with carpet on concrete, I'm not too worried about the price difference between the various grades of pad. I was however afraid of going with a true vapor barrier pad liek the 8 oz one HD uses directly on concrete. Instead I am using their 10oz pad on the part that goes on the floor and 8oz on the stairs going down to the basement and on the riser. It's a compromise really. Should the floor get wet, it's only a 11x13' section that would need to get ripped out and replaced. Not too bad.

 

[huntrm]

Just got 147 yards installed in my basement. Went with a standard 8lb pad, but a 60 ounce high quality carpet. As I understand it in my shopping and having pursued multiple quotes:


1) If you have too much pad, it will damage your carpet, especially if it's a high-quality carpet - They mentioned that a plush you might be okay on, but a berber and maybe a friz show the damage more.


2) The plastic barrier is really for what's underneath. It keeps water from above sinking into the plywood (or minimizes it). If you don't have plywood or drycore, you don't need the plastic barrier. Plus, I'm an advocate of allowing the concrete to dry out/breathe to minimize chances of mold - does this plastic barrier hinder it?


3) 6lb is too little for pad unless you rent the place out and have to replace the pad/carpet every 1-2 years.


4) Avoid polyester or PET based carpets as they will more easily show wear/tear over time.


5) Avoid EMPIRE Flooring at all times!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[mmeister]

We started out with a berber on a 6# pad and it was very firm, not a whole lot of fun to walk on barefoot but it is what it is. Well the carpet seams came apart and the carpet store offered to credit us the carpet and labor toward new. We brought home ten different samples and the one we choose was the one I thought my wife would never go for- the rather heavy shag! What a difference in comfort and sound quality! The kids now like to lay on the floor too because it's so soft.

 

[Fiddler]

the carpet is chosen - just wanted to know what the underlay should be

 

[Cathan]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Fiddler /forum/post/16838446


the carpet is chosen - just wanted to know what the underlay should be

Did you not get feedback on your specific question? Now granted you got more info then on just carpet pad selection, but that's not a bad thing, right?

 

[Fiddler]

actually not really - i was hoping to hear more on the TYPE .. meaning flat rubber / rubber waffle / poly / etc.. and also the weights of course. my particular question is what's best on concrete - what will protect against moisture and since the carpet is not very plush, what will make it last longest