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No, thick carpet padding isn’t necessarily better than thinner padding. The appropriate padding thickness will depend on the type of carpet and the amount of foot traffic in the area. 

For example, thick padding works well in low-traffic areas, like bedrooms, where you have soft and plush carpeting. However, thick carpet padding can damage low-pile carpet, which is used in the busiest parts of your home (like hallways and entryways). For that reason, it’s best to use thinner, heavier padding underneath carpet in high-traffic areas.

The first step in budgeting for carpet is to determine the amount of carpet you need and the type of carpet you want. You might be tempted to opt for the least expensive option if you have a limited budget, but a low-quality carpet won’t last as long as a high-quality one. When accounting for future carpet repair costs, it makes sense to buy the best-quality carpet you can afford.

While not always required, experts recommend removing baseboards before removing old carpet and installing a new one. This practice leads to a smoother process and a cleaner, more professional-looking finish. Removing the baseboards allows for a seamless carpet installation without the risk of damaging either the carpet or the trim. It also provides a good opportunity to repaint or stain the baseboards and inspect the underlying wall for any issues. If you prefer a quicker option, you can carefully cut the old carpet along the edge of the baseboards, but this may result in a less polished installation for the new carpet.

In most cases, carpeting isn’t kind to the wood that it’s attached to. Most carpet installation uses adhesive or nailing strips, both of which will damage wood. Conversely, you can choose to use an adhesive designed to be removed from wood, in which case carpeting can actually protect your hardwood stairs.