carpet pad and wet areas

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First of all, never go with a cheap pad to save
money. The pad can make the world of difference
in the life of even a cheaper carpet. As everyone
knows the traffic a carpet will receives will help make
some of your decisions. I prefer a higher density
product (7lbs or more), but don't get a rock hard
pad. If you can afford a pad in the 8 to 11lb range,
Check it out the carpet you have selected or various
carpets to get a feel. **Remember to try the combination
over your substrate (i.e., plywood, wood or concrete)
notice the differences. Walk on the combo, with and
without shoes. If you have a good flooring contractor,
or retailer, they should be happy to supply you with
the test materials. Remind them a happy customers
will usually recommend them to their friends.

Another thing you should know are the types of pads
(i.e., rebound and slab/monolithic). How do tell
the difference?? A rebound, looks like a bunch of
multi-colored, chopped-up pieces of foam that has been
fused together (look for one with a webbing mesh, sign
of better quality). Remember your density numbers!!
A slab/monolithic is just as it sounds, one continous
piece and color (Stay away from the thin spongee green
contractor grade. It dead pans in high traffic areas
and under furniture). Your higher density is critical
in these pads. I believe "SCI" still make a high
density pad (dark gray in color.) It more on the
commerical side, but will worth it if don't plan
on moving anytime soon and can afford the extra cost.

Remember, also pad thickness is important. Higher
density, you may can use a thinner pad and achieve
the results you require. Thicker is not better!!!

I recently, used a 8/9lb range rebound, under a berber for
bedrooms and great room area. The neighbors and friends
when nuts and all wanted to change out their carpets.

But remember, everyone is different and that why
I suggest the in home test for a couple of days or a
week. Don't rush into a decision.

Commerical and residential pad use is quite different.
I am assuming you are looking for residential?

As for wet areas/basements, that one has every flooring
person puzzled. The first step is to do a moisture
test on your concrete slab (I'm assuming concrete slab.)
You can get a kit from a flooring contractor, have
some one do it for you or go the cheaper route.
The cheaper route, is the easy. Cut about four or
five piece of plastic (i.e., a ziploc bag, plastic
wrap or 8mil polyproylene - ziplocs are quicker to
get out of the cabinet). Chose the four or five
location on the basement slab to test (i.e., middle
of the floor, near entries, near outside walls, etc.).
Tape the plastic down on the concrete, creating a
seal. Watch for moisture to collect (up to a week).
If no moisture, you have it made, go with whatever your
heart desires. You are also lucky, this doesn't
happen very often. When you do the test, try to
plan it during a high moisture time (rain in the
forcast??).

If you find moisture, contact a floor contractor that
knows the business. They can give you ideas, such as
a concrete sealer??????? or constructing another
substrate such as water grade plywood prior to carpeting
the area.

Best bet is to test the area and then go to someone
you trust and ask for technical literature for below
grade/ground and wet areas. Also, search the net under some
to the major flooring manufacturers, such as Armstrong
for recommendations.

Hope this will help!

Danita