Choosing the Right Carpet Cushion Couldn't Be Easier

To make choosing the proper cushion simple, the Carpet Cushion Council is providing the following minimum recommendations for separate carpet cushion used in different traffic areas of the home. These recommendations have been adopted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under UM72a as its requirements for cushion used in FHA-financed housing.*

Minimum Recommendations for Residential Applications

TYPE
KEY CHARACTERISTICS
 
CLASS 1
CLASS 2
 
weight,
oz./sq. yd. min.
density,
lbs./cu. ft. min.
thickness,
in. min.
weight,
oz./sq. yd. min.
density,
lbs./cu. ft. min.
thickness,
in. min.
Prime 2.2 0.375 Not Recommended for class 2
Grafted Prime 2.7 0.250 2.7 0.250
Densified Prime 2.2 0.313 2.7 0.250
Bonded 5.0 0.375 6.5 0.375
Mechanically Frothed 10.0 0.250 12.0 0.250
             
Rubberized Hair Jute 40.0 12.3 0.2700 50.0 11.1 0.375
Rubberized Jute 32.0 8.5 0.3125 40.0 8.9 0.375
Synthetic Fibers 22.0 6.5 0.2500 28.0 6.5 0.300
Resonated Recycled Textile Fiber 24.0 7.3 0.2500 30.0 7.3 0.300
             
Flat Rubber 56.0 18.0 0.220 64.0 21.0 0.220
Rippled Rubber 48.0 14.0 0.285 64.0 16.0 0.330
  URETHANE   FIBER   RUBBER
Maximum thickness for any product is 0.5 inches.

Class 1: Light and Moderate Traffic such as living, dining, bedrooms, and recreational rooms. Class 2 cushion may be used in Class 1 applications.

Class 2: Heavy Duty Traffic, such as lobbies and corridors in multi-family facilities, and all stair applications.
This chart illustrates products that meet minimum guidelines. Better grades of carpet cushion than the minimum suggested are always recommended when possible to provide more support and cushion for carpet. In areas where heavy use is expected, the Carpet Cushion Council suggests using firmer grades of cushion. These areas include stairways, halls, and areas where heavy furniture is used (such as living rooms and dining rooms). Softer cushion may be used in bedrooms and lounge areas where use is lighter and a plusher "feel" is desired.
*HUD requirements have been in use for over 20 years, and have been proved to work. In addition, the Carpet Cushion Council in cooperation with other associations, has conducted extensive testing on different types of cushion to see how they perform in use. Ask your floor covering dealer for cushion that meets or exceeds these requirements. The UM72a standards include other technical characteristics for each type of carpet cushion. Please contact the Carpet Cushion Council for further details.