Lowe's usually has a sale come November where the pad is free with purchase of carpet. Talk to the sales person and ask when their sale will be. Their carpets are very nice quality. But as with every thing you get what you pay for. My BIL use to work for them -he's a carpet installer-and he put their carpet in my old house. Seeing as how you are in Ohio I know you see the commercials for Empire Carpet. DO NOT use this outfit -their carpeting and padding is the worst right along with their workmanship.