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Rug Size Guides

What Type Of Rug Pad is Best for Hardwood Floors

In the process of buying a rug, many people skip over the rug pad, considering it as an optional and unnecessary add-on. However, rug pads are highly important for extending the life of your rug, providing secure grip, and even protecting the flooring beneath it. Rug pads are especially important for wood floors, and when you are shopping for a rug pad for these rooms, it is vital to intentionally choose the best rug pad material for rugs on hardwood floors.

Learn More About Rug Pads

  1. Why You Need a Rug Pad for Hardwood Floors
  2. Types of Rug Pads for Hardwood Floors
  3. Benefits of Felt Rug Pads
  4. Benefits of Rubber Rug Pads
  5. Benefits of Combination Rug Pads
  6. Which Rug Pad is Best for Your Hardwood Floors?

Why You Need a Rug Pad for Hardwood Floors

One of the most important reasons to purchase a rug pad is for the protection of both your rug and the flooring beneath it. The rug pad will serve to protect the floor from scratches and dents, but it will also help secure the rug and prevent slips and falls. Many people fear that a rug pad will damage the floor and cause discoloration, but with the right rug pad, you will actually protect the floor from that staining and the damages detailed above.

Queen Size Runner Rug

Types of Rug Pads for Hardwood Floors

Some of the most popular rug pads for hardwood floors are felt, rubber, and combination pads. With each of these three materials, the pad will serve to protect the floor and increase the longevity of your rug. Even so, not all rug pads are made equally. The material will dramatically impact the pad’s grip strength, plushness, quality, and price, so you must carefully consider what purposes you would like your rug pad to fulfill and what material would best fit those purposes. To help you make that decision, we’ve created a brief summary of the best rug pads for hardwood floors and what pros and cons they offer.

Benefits of Felt Rug Pads

Felt rug pads are often used where you want extra comfort and plushness. These rug pads come in different thicknesses and composition, but they are perhaps the most comfortable option of all the rug pads. Plus, they also provide soundproofing and sound absorption through their plush fibers. Like other rug pads, they also extend the life of the rug by dispersing weight more evenly across the surface and providing more resilience for the rug. One drawback to felt rug pads is that they do not have the same grip strength as other rug pads, so small rugs typically are not paired with felt rug pads. Medium and larger heavier rugs (along with any overlapping furniture) are often enough to weigh the pad down to prevent slips, but this is still an important facet to note.

Round rug for queen size bed
Queen Size Runner Rug

Benefits of Rubber Rug Pads

Rubber rug pads are a great go-to for anyone needing a secure grip. The rubber rug pad will not slip and slide on the flooring, which means that there is little danger of the rug moving around the room. They may not have the same cushioning as felt rug pads, but they still provide additional comfort and soundproofing. By acting as a buffer between the rug and floor, the pad helps the rug bounce back better from foot traffic as well. Rubber is also a moisture resistant material, so along with protecting the floor from dents and scratches, a rubber rug pad will also protect the floor against moisture from spills and stains.

Benefits of Combination Rug Pads

Combination rug pads are made of both felt and rubber, which means that they have the best of both worlds. These pads share the bountiful plushness of felt rug pads while featuring the secure grip of rubber rug pads. They are extremely versatile in the types of rugs they pair with and how they can protect wood floors, tiles, and other types of flooring. One item to note with both combination and felt rug pads is that they tend to be thicker, so they do not fit well right inside a doorway or any spot that may be a tripping hazard.

Round rug for queen size bed

Which Rug Pad is Best for Your Hardwood Floors

The three rug pads listed above are all great options for hardwood floors. Ultimately, the best rug pad for hardwood floors is the one that fits your room’s comfort level, layout, and daily functionality. Felt rug pads are ideal for adding comfort to luxurious living rooms and bedrooms, but without the proper anchoring or natural weight, they may become a slipping hazard. Similarly, rubber rug pads feature excellent grip strength, but they don’t have the same comfort of felt or combination rug pads. Even combination pads have their drawbacks with pricing and height. Suffice to say, there is no “best” rug pad; there is the best rug pad for you and your needs. You must determine your specific wants and needs to choose a rug pad that gives enough comfort and security within your budget.


Drying rugs is an important part of taking care of them. With the advice listed above and the general care instructions for your rug, you can safely dry the rug’s surface and deepest fibers in safe, effective ways. Remember, having patience with your rug as it dries and optimizing airflow are the keys to maintaining your rug and eliminating any lingering moisture.

Protection Information
Protect against common mishaps, such as:
Accidental rips, tears
Accidental stains from food and beverage or human and pet bodily fluids
Delamination, loose threads and torn seams
Minor burn and heat marks (up to 1 inch)
Protection Plan also includes:
  • No deductibles or hidden fees
  • Receipt-less claims process
  • 24/7 customer support

See the full Terms and Conditions here.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I purchase the Protection Plan?

It’s as easy as adding the Protection Plan - along with the product you want covered - to your cart and checking out!

What happens after I purchase the Protection Plan?

Once you purchase coverage, you will receive a welcome email, giving you access to your dedicated portal (where you will be able to view your coverage information and file a claim).

When does my plan coverage begin?

Accidental damage coverage begins day 1 of purchase, while defects in materials and workmanship are covered as soon as the 30-day return period expires.

How do I file a claim?

You can file a claim by going to getmulberry.com/login and by logging into your portal. Or you can simply contact the customer support team 24/7 via [email protected].

What happens after my claim is approved?

If damage is beyond repair, Mulberry will replace your product or will reimburse you for your product. If a repair is needed, Mulberry will coordinate technician cleaning or repair. Mulberry will repair your product up to its original retail price.

What if I return my product or want to cancel my Protection Plan?

You are able to cancel your Protection Plan by contacting Mulberry or by logging into your customer portal. Within the first 30 days of purchase, you will receive a full refund.

What if I exchange my product for another?

You can exchange your product for an identical product, without it affecting your warranty purchase. If you exchange your product for a different item, you will need to cancel your existing coverage and purchase a new plan, as coverage is tied to the specific product with which it was purchased.

What countries is coverage available in?

Currently, coverage is only available in the United States, including Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico.

Are there any coverage exclusions?

The Protection Plan does not cover damage that occurs during product delivery, pet damage (other than bodily fluids), odor elimination, intentional abuse of the product, or theft or loss of the product.

Can I purchase the Protection Plan for someone else?

Yes. All protection plans are transferable in ownership.

Coverage by

Mulberry is a best-in-class extended warranty provider that works with retailers to provide customers with accidental damage protection on their purchased products.

The Mulberry Protection Plan is a 1- and 5-year extended coverage program that protects against accidental damage to your rug.

Mulberry provides a quick, online claims process and does not require a receipt to file a claim.

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