How Much Does Carpet Padding Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Carpet padding is one of those line items that can sneak up on you when you’re upgrading your flooring. Expect to spend $510 on average, with most projects landing between $170 and $850, depending on where you live, how much square footage you’re covering, and the material you pick. Hiring a professional carpet installer not only ensures a smooth installation but also helps you avoid unexpected costs while enhancing comfort and durability.

Carpet Padding Cost Factors

Several variables influence what you’ll spend on carpet padding—think size, thickness, density, and the going labor rates in your area.

Size

The more square footage you need to cover, the higher the final bill will be. For example, 200 square feet of padding might cost as little as $150, while a 2,000-square-foot install can top $7,000.

Thickness

Thicker padding costs more, but it isn’t automatically the best choice. The ideal thickness depends on your carpet style and the amount of foot traffic the area receives. In high-traffic areas, such as hallways, opt for a thinner, firmer pad with an eight-pound density for added durability. 

For living rooms and bedrooms, thicker, softer pads with a density of six to eight pounds provide extra comfort underfoot. If you have Berber or short-pile carpets, use a thin pad that is no more than 3/8 inch thick to prevent damage and avoid voiding your warranty.

Density

Denser pads withstand wear better, although they feel slightly firmer underfoot. Most products fall between six and eight pounds per cubic foot. For high-traffic areas, such as entryways and hallways, consider padding with a density of up to 10 pounds per cubic foot for increased durability. While denser pads cost more and feel firmer, they offer longer-lasting support.

Labor

Plan on paying a local carpet installer $3 to $11 per square foot to swap out your carpet. That rate covers materials and labor for the pad, underlayment, and carpet itself.

If you only require padding, expect to pay between $0.50 and $1 per square foot to have a contractor help install it. Professionals recommend installing an underlay underneath, which is often included with the cost of padding installation.

Removal

Removing the old carpet and pad costs $0.50 to $5 per square foot, which includes labor and disposal. The removal process involves pulling the carpet from the tack strips, cutting it into small pieces for easy transportation, and removing old glue if necessary.

Carpet Pad Cost by Material

There are several types of carpet padding material to choose from. The most budget-friendly option is rebonded foam, which costs $0.25 per square foot for materials and $0.75 per square foot for installation. On the high end, flat rubber costs up to $3 per square foot for the padding or $3.75 with installation.

Rebonded Foam

Rebonded foam carpet padding installation costs between $0.75 and $1.55 per square foot. It's a popular, affordable, and eco-friendly option made from 100% recycled foam, reducing landfill waste. However, it's less durable than other materials, making it best suited for low-traffic areas. Keep in mind that rebonded foam isn't compatible with all carpet types and may void your carpet’s warranty.

Prime Foam

Prime foam padding costs between $1 and $2.25 per square foot installed. Often included free with new carpet purchases, prime foam feels soft initially, but doesn't last long. The material compresses quickly, with a lifespan of only three to four years. You'll need to replace it frequently, so it's best suited for light-traffic areas.

Fiber, Jute, or Felt

Fiber carpet padding costs $0.85 to $2 per square foot with installation. Natural and recycled options are made from sustainable sources, making them eco-friendly, reusable, and biodegradable.

Felt carpet padding is the most common type of natural fiber, known for its high density and long-lasting durability. Felt can also withstand heavy foot traffic and offers excellent insulation, but it doesn't give the softest cushion. Avoid placing felt padding in damp areas, such as basements, as natural fibers are susceptible to mold growth.

Waffle Rubber

Waffle rubber carpet padding prices range from $1 to $1.75 per square foot with installation. Waffle rubber pads are hypoallergenic and mold-resistant, featuring a rippled air-pocket design.

Memory Foam

Memory foam padding installation costs between $1 and $1.75 per square foot. Memory foam provides a supremely soft feel underfoot, cushioning your joints. However, it's less durable than other similarly priced pads and isn't suitable for high-traffic areas. The flexibility of memory foam can cause the carpet to stretch over time, potentially leading to long-term damage.

Frothed Foam

The cost to install frothed foam padding ranges between $1 and $2.75 per square foot. Made from polyurethane or urethane foam, frothed padding is more durable than prime and rebonded foam, making it a better choice for high-traffic areas.

Flat Rubber

Flat rubber carpet padding costs between $1.25 and $3.75 per square foot with installation. While the most expensive padding option, it's also the densest and most durable, with a lifespan of up to 20 years. It’s suitable for most carpet types, including Berber and loop carpets, and is durable enough for use over concrete floors.

Does Carpet Padding Increase Home Value?

Quality carpet padding does more than just improve comfort—it can also boost your property's market appeal. When potential buyers walk through your home, they'll notice the plush feel underfoot that comes from proper padding, even if they can't see it. A professional installation with premium padding signals that you've maintained the home meticulously, potentially increasing your asking price compared to homes with worn or missing padding. 

Additionally, the improved insulation provided by high-quality padding can lower energy bills, another selling point that savvy buyers appreciate. If you plan to sell within a few years, investing in durable padding, such as flat rubber, can provide the best return on investment.

Budgeting for Carpet Padding Installation

To save money on your carpet padding installation, consider the following tips:

• Choose appropriate thickness: Opt for the thinnest padding suitable for your space to reduce costs.

• Consider repair vs. replacement: If your padding is damaged, ask a carpet pro if repairing it is more cost-effective than replacing it.

• Select budget-friendly materials: Materials like rebonded foam can lower your expenses.

• Compare contractor prices: Request bids from at least three local carpet pros so you can weigh cost against experience.

• Look for discounts: Keep an eye out for closeout deals or end-of-season sales to snag padding at a better price.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.