Carpet padding selection depends primarily on your traffic patterns and carpet type. For high-traffic areas like hallways and family rooms, choose a denser, thinner pad (around 8 pounds density and 3/8" thickness) that provides firm support without excessive cushioning that could lead to premature wear. For bedrooms and lower-traffic areas, thicker padding (up to 1/2") with slightly less density creates luxurious comfort. Berber and low-profile carpets specifically require firmer, thinner padding to prevent excessive stretching and buckling over time.

Absolutely—quality carpet padding is arguably more important than the carpet itself for long-term performance. The padding absorbs the impact of foot traffic that would otherwise compress carpet fibers and break down backing materials. Proper padding can extend carpet life by 30-50% by reducing friction between carpet backing and subfloor while providing crucial support that prevents premature matting and crushing of fibers. Additionally, quality padding dramatically improves comfort, sound absorption, and thermal insulation properties throughout your space.

Carpet padding should always be replaced when installing new carpet, even if the existing padding appears to be in good condition. Over time, padding compresses and breaks down, losing its supportive properties and potentially harboring dust, allergens, and moisture. Reusing old padding under new carpet typically voids manufacturer warranties and significantly reduces your new carpet's performance and lifespan. Quality padding represents a relatively small percentage of total flooring cost while providing substantial benefits to comfort and longevity.