Whatever you do, don't scrimp on carpet padding. A thick, dense carpet pad will enhance the warmth and resilience of your carpet by providing insulation and support. Second only to selecting the right carpet fiber for your lifestyle, it's the most important thing you can do to prolong the life and beauty of your carpet.

Not only does poor quality padding invalidate many carpet warranties, but it can also make your carpet show signs of wear more quickly.

• Impact Absorption - Carpet padding absorbs up to 90% of the impact of foot traffic - without it, the carpet pile and backing have to take all the pounding. This cushioning effect can add up to 50% to the lifespan of your carpet.
  
  
• Comfort - Padding definitely creates a softer, more comfortable walking surface.
  
  
• Insulation - Padding insulates against the cold and minimizes noise.

When buying padding, remember that a thick cushion will not necessarily perform better. A cushion that's too thick can cause the backing to flex too much, and can make the carpet too soft for comfortable walking and balance, which can be dangerous. A padding with medium thickness and medium to medium-high density is usually best.