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Frequently Asked Questions
Commercial Cushion
What is HQ Living Commercial Carpet Cushion made of, and how does it differ from existing pads?
HQ Living Commercial Carpet Cushion is made from closed-cell, cross-linked polyethylene foam. Unlike traditional polyurethane pads that absorb moisture like a sponge, our foam is inherently water-resistant and does not retain moisture. It's also low-VOC and meets California Section 01350 emissions standards, with no Prop 65-listed chemicals, offering an alternative to many conventional rubber commercial pads. In addition to its performance benefits, the material is lightweight and easy to cut, making installation faster and more efficient.
What glue is approved to use with HQ Living Commercial Carpet Cushion?
HQ Living Commercial Carpet Cushion can be used with pressure-sensitive adhesive or latex carpet cushion glue.
Can this be used with carpet tiles?
HQ Living Commercial Carpet Cushion is not recommended for carpet tile installations as carpet tiles are designed to adhere directly to the subfloor. Adding cushion underneath increases the risk of the carpet tiles shifting over time.
Will this perform well in high-traffic areas?
HQ Living Commercial Carpet Cushion is designed specifically to withstand high-traffic areas in commercial spaces.
What is the density of HQ Living Commercial Carpet Cushion?
The 3/16" (5mm) Purple cushion is a 5.5-lb polyethylene cushion, offering superior durability for high-traffic commercial spaces. The 1/4" (6mm) Orange cushion is a 4-lb polyethylene cushion, offering the same protection with slightly more comfort underfoot. Pound for pound, polyethylene is denser and more resilient than urethane while being more comfortable than rubber, meaning you get the comfort and support of a heavier traditional pad with improved durability and recovery over time. Density numbers may differ, but real-world performance is comparable.
What carpet types are compatible with HQ Living Commercial Carpet Cushion?
Both thicknesses of HQ Living Commercial Carpet Cushion are approved for use with a wide range of commercial broadloom carpets, depending on the application and customer preference. Carpet tiles are not approved for use with this product.
Hard Surface Underlayment
What flooring applications will the product work under?
Our hard surface SKUs are designed for use with vinyl plank (5mm or thicker), laminate, attached-pad laminate, engineered wood and solid wood floors.
Can product be used on both wood and concrete subfloors?
We've designed two innovative products to simplify installation based on your subfloor type. LayerX™ is our premium solution for concrete subfloors, featuring an integrated 6 mil vapor barrier and peel-and-stick tape that eliminate the need for additional moisture protection products. It can also be installed over wood subfloors without engaging the overlap, offering added flexibility depending on your project requirements. LayerBase™ is specifically engineered for wood subfloors, offering a breathable design that supports proper acclimation. It can also be used over concrete subfloors, but a separate vapor barrier would need to be included to provide proper moisture protection.
Can this be used with attached-pad laminate/luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring?
Yes, both of our hard surface underlayment SKUs are approved for use with attached-pad laminate and LVT flooring. When used as directed, they can help enhance overall floor performance by providing added stability, moisture management and support beneath the locking system.
Does this underlayment provide sound reduction?
Yes, these products are engineered to reduce both impact sound (footsteps) and airborne sound transfer between floors, helping to create a quieter, more comfortable space. Please reference our independent, third-party laboratory testing results found on our website.
Does this product provide moisture protection?
Yes, both hard surface underlayment SKUs are comprised of closed-cell cross-linked polyethylene foam that makes them inherently impermeable to moisture. LayerX Underlayment includes a built-in moisture barrier to help protect your flooring from moisture vapor coming up through concrete subfloors. Always follow flooring manufacturer installation guidelines for best results.
Can this product help smooth minor subfloor imperfections?
This underlayment line is designed to help minimize minor subfloor irregularities; however, it is not intended to correct major unevenness. Subfloors should be properly leveled according to flooring manufacturer requirements prior to installation.
Is this underlayment suitable for radiant heated floors?
Yes, these products are compatible with most in-floor radiant heating systems. Be sure to confirm temperature limits and installation requirements with both the flooring and radiant heat manufacturers.
Residential Cushion
What carpet styles are most compatible with HQ Living Residential Carpet Cushion?
5/16" (8mm) Blue is recommended for low- to medium-pile carpets such as loop, Berber, pattern and stair applications; 7/16" (11mm) Green is recommended for medium- to high-pile carpets such as texture and twist.
What is HQ Living Residential Carpet Cushion made of, and how does it differ from existing pads?
HQ Living Residential Carpet Cushion is comprised of closed-cell, cross-linked polyethylene foam that is inherently impervious to water compared to most traditional polyurethane pads that soak up moisture like a sponge. In addition to its waterproof performance, the material is lightweight and easy to cut, making installation faster and more efficient.
What is the density of HQ Living Residential Carpet Cushion?
HQ Living Residential Carpet Cushion is a 3-lb polyethylene cushion. Traditional carpet pads are typically made from urethane foam, which is a different material and cannot be directly compared by density alone. Pound for pound, polyethylene is denser and more resilient than urethane, so a 3-lb polyethylene cushion performs similarly to an 8–10-lb urethane pad. This means you get the comfort and support of a heavier traditional pad with improved durability and recovery over time. Density numbers may differ, but real-world performance is comparable.
Can this product be used with radiant heat flooring?
Yes, reference the carpet manufacturer's temperature setting guidelines.
Can HQ Living Residential Carpet Cushion be glued down on a concrete subfloor?
HQ Living Residential Carpet Cushion can be perimeter-glued down using a pressure-sensitive adhesive or latex carpet cushion glue, but full-spread application is not approved.
When installed on concrete subfloors, do adjacent runs of cushion need to be duct taped together?
Yes, duct tape can be used to seal all seams of the cushion.
What is the R-value of HQ Living Residential Carpet Cushion?
HQ Living Residential Carpet Cushion is an excellent thermal barrier. 7/16" (11mm) Green cushion has an R-value of 1.81. 5/16" (8mm) Blue cushion has an R-value of 1.19.
What are the STC and IIC of HQ Living Residential Carpet Cushion?
HQ Living Residential Carpet Cushion was tested by an independent, third-party laboratory. It performed very well, and the results were an IIC of 93 and an STC of 60. A rating of 50 or above will satisfy the minimum requirements of the International Building Code (IBC). The test reports can be found on our website.
Can this be used on stairs if I wanted to carpet my stairs?
Yes, HQ Living Residential Carpet Cushion is approved for stair installations. Please reference the instructions on our website.
Can carpet tile with adhesive be placed on top of HQ Living Residential Carpet Cushion?
HQ Living Residential Carpet Cushion is not approved for use with peel-and-stick carpet tiles.
How much does a full roll weigh?
The 5/16" (8mm) Blue cushion weighs 38 lbs per roll, while the 7/16" (11mm) Green cushion weighs 40 lbs per roll, which is roughly half the weight of traditional polyurethane cushions with the same coverage.
Rug Pad
Will this make my rug slip?
No, our rug pads are designed to provide excellent grip between the rug and the floor, helping to prevent sliding or shifting. The textured underside creates traction without damaging the floor surface, keeping your rug securely in place under everyday use.
Will this mold if used outside?
No, our waterproof rug pads are made with moisture-resistant materials that do not absorb water like traditional foam or felt pads. They're also infused throughout with antimicrobial protection for additional peace of mind in outdoor spaces.
Does this rug pad stain either luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or hardwood floors?
No, HQ Living Rug Pads are safe for use on LVP, hardwood, tile and other finished floors. Unlike rubber-backed pads that can discolor floors over time, our non-staining material helps protect the floor's finish while providing cushion and grip.
Will this rug pad affect the height or feel of my rug?
Yes, our rug pads add a slight cushion underfoot that enhances comfort without noticeably raising the rug's profile. They provide just the right balance of softness and support.
Can this rug pad be trimmed to fit my rug?
Yes, our rug pads are easy to cut with scissors or a utility knife, so you can trim them to match the exact size and shape of your rug for a perfect fit.
Can I use this rug pad on carpeted floors?
Rug pads work best on hard surfaces (wood, tile, LVP). On carpeted floors, grip may be reduced because the pad sits on top of the carpet fibers rather than directly on a hard surface.
Does this rug pad help protect my flooring from dents and wear?
Yes, in addition to preventing slippage, the cushion of our rug pad helps distribute weight evenly (especially under furniture), reducing pressure points that can lead to dents or premature wear on your flooring.