Carpet Pad
The cushioning layer installed under broadloom carpet. Pad density and thickness affect feel, lifespan, and warranty.
Carpet pad sits between the subfloor and the carpet, providing cushioning, sound dampening, and extended carpet life. Pad density (lb per cubic foot) and thickness (inches) determine performance.
Residential broadloom typically uses 6-8 lb density pad at 7/16" or 1/2" thickness. Heavier-density (10+ lb) pad is used for high-traffic commercial. Most carpet warranties REQUIRE a specified pad spec to be valid — installing the wrong pad voids the warranty.
Always include pad as a separate line item with the spec number visible. "Premium pad" upgrades are an easy add-on that customers happily pay for once they understand the difference.