Types of Rug Pads

Types of Rug Pads

In order to choose the best rug pad for your home, it’s best to be informed of the most popular types of rug pads and what situations they are used in.

• Felt Rug Pads: Felt rug pads are most popular for their great cushioning and comfort. Because of their natural texture and thickness, these rug pads also provide extra soundproofing and noise-reduction for your room. Not only that, but felt rug pads will not damage hardwood floors beneath them; in fact, they will actually protect the floor from damage. To choose the best felt rug pad for your room, consider what pad thickness and density will pair best with your rug’s size and weight. 
• Rubber Rug Pads: Rubber rug pads are primarily known for their strong grip and thin construction. Even with their secure grip, rubber rug pads will not damage the floor beneath it, whether that is a hardwood floor or carpet. These rug pads will hold the rug firmly in place to prevent slipping, bunching, or shifting. Not only do these benefits establish the rug as a safe accent, but they also save the rug from being damaged by excessive movement/sliding. These rug pads also come in different levels of quality, sizes, and shapes to match your rug.

Types Of Rug Pads (Continued)

• PVC Rug Pads: PVC rug pads have a similar construction to rubber rugs with a netting/open weave design. They too provide a solid grip to the rug and floor, but they have the added benefit of being waterproof and mold resistant. With these qualities and general affordability, PVC rug pads are frequently used in outdoor spaces alongside bathrooms and mudrooms. When choosing the best PVC rug pad for your room, select one based on the rug size and its texture. 
• Memory Foam Rug Pads: Memory foam rug pads are highly luxurious as they are well cushioned and crafted to provide pressure relief to you, your rug, and your floor. These rug pads naturally conform to the shape of your rug and prevent the rug from forming creases, folds, or wrinkles. However, memory foam rug pads should be used exclusively on hardwood floors, since they do not have enough grip strength to keep the rug still on carpet. In fact, it is wise to use a memory foam rug pad with heavier furniture or be stationed in low-traffic spaces where there is little danger of slipping.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Rug Pad

• Rug Type: Consider what rug pad you’re pairing with your rug. For example, high pile rugs will likely not need the full support of a felt or memory foam rug pad, but a flat-weave or low pile rug may benefit from the added support. Similarly, natural materials like wool and cotton have a higher level of comfort on their own, so they may not need the same thickness or style of rug pad as synthetic rugs.
• Floor Type: Rug pads should protect your floor and not risk damaging the flooring at all, whether your room is tile, hardwood, or carpet. Rubber rug pads are highly recommended for carpeted surfaces, but they are diverse enough to work on hardwood and tile floors as well. Foam-based rug pads are primarily used on hardwood floors to provide the best grip and comfort. 
• Rug Size: Some rug pads like felt and memory foam do not have the same grip strength of rubber rug pads. Because of that, smaller lightweight rugs tend to slide more easily when they’re placed on these rug pads. Large area rugs can typically weigh these pads down and keep them secure, as can furniture. In addition to that, be sure to choose a rug pad that is slightly smaller than the rug so that it does not extend past the rug’s edges.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Rug Pad (continued)

• Rug Thickness: Both rugs and rug pads come in different thicknesses to suit your room’s needs. If you already have a very high rug, then you want to avoid adding a tall rug pad beneath the rug. If the rug and rug pad are too tall, they will present a tripping hazard. However, you should also choose a thickness that fits well beneath your rug’s size and shape to provide your ideal level of cushioning and support. 
• Environment: The setting of your rug and rug pad will help you choose the best rug pad for your situation. High traffic areas frequently use rug pads with greater grip strength to prevent slipping and folding. However, low traffic spaces or areas weighed down by furniture can handle felt and memory foam rug pads. One other key component to consider is what weather/moisture the rug may be exposed to. PVC rug pads are waterproof and moisture resistant, so they are best suited for outdoor spaces and bathrooms.