What type of padding is best to put under Berber carpet?

Carpet Cushion or "padding" is just as important as the carpet itself. There are various different types of materials used in carpet cushion. Many years ago, natural fibres (horse hair etc) were used to make a "felt" pad. Synthetic fibres are now used. Felt is used typically were there is commercial traffic and a greater need for sound/acoustic insulation. The large majority of carpet cushion sold/used today is made from rebonded urethane foam chip material. This rebonded (rebond) product combines both reclaimed urethane chips from recycling old mattress/upholstery foam and new (prime) urethane foam. This method is the most cost effective and is scalable in both density and thickness. A moisture barrier is attached to resist absorbtion of liquid spills penetrating through the carpet. This underlayment (underlay) does a good job providing support for all types of stretched installations. Many years ago a composite material of clay & rubber was used to make carpet cushion. This provided ... more