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Best Rug Pads

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Your area rug needs a rug pad regardless of its thickness or quality material. A pad does more than just provide support or keep the rug in place. A good rug pad can protect your hard floors and preserve the life of your area rug. 

Choosing the right pad, however, can be a challenge. There are many products on the market and some of them promise you the world. It is not until you get these pads home, though, that you realize their inefficiencies. 

What makes for a good rug pad? We’re glad you asked!

The best rug pads offer the right amount of thickness and excellent quality. We have compiled a list of the best rug pads that provide both durability and stability. Keep reading to learn about them all!

General Tips For Choosing Rug Pads

The material that you choose for your rug pad matters. You may think that synthetic materials are okay because, after all, the pad goes underneath the rug. Synthetic products, however, can damage your hard floor leading to costly repairs. 

It is best to go with natural products when selecting the right rug pad. Avoid a vinyl known as PVC, which is made from petroleum-based chemicals that do not belong in the home. 

PVC-based products cannot absorb or release moisture. They are, therefore, more prone to develop mildew and mold within their makeup. You may find that it costs more to get mold out of your home than buying a more expensive rug pad from the start. 

Those looking to save money in the long run, then, often choose rug pads made from natural products. Felt is a popular material used in the construction of durable pads for various reasons. A felt pad allows for proper air circulation, which prevents mold. 

Felt is also eco-friendly. Many manufacturers create felt rug pads from recycled materials. Old carpet pieces are the perfect choice for pads of this sort. 

Wool is another option for naturally based pads. This material choice, however, may be more expensive than felt because of the effort that goes into making a wool pad. 

Those who choose wool, though, are not disappointed. This type of material is naturally flame retardant and the ideal choice for winter months. Wool holds heat quite well, which means that you do not have to leave the heater on as long to warm up the house. 

You do well to pick natural material when selecting your rug pad. It is also a good idea to know the rug size for which you are shopping.

Smaller Area Rugs

Small Jute Rug Farmhouse Rug Pad

Small rugs are prone to slip and bunch, which means that they need rug pads with strong grips. Low-profile pads that have thick rubber grips underneath and felt surfaces that become one with the rug are ideal choices. 

Waffle designs are the perfect choice for small area rugs. These types of grips are cross-directional and, thus, prevent slipping and bunching in all directions. 

You especially want to choose a waffle design in a highly trafficked area. The likelihood of your small area rug slipping from underneath your house guest is high when the product is placed at the front door. 

Medium Area Rugs

runner rug in kitchen rug pad

Medium area rugs are large enough to hold fast to some traffic. The rugs, however, are not thick enough to completely prevent slipping and bunching. 

You need rug pads, then, with good gripping action as well as an acceptable cushion. Medium area rugs do not have to be accompanied by the lowest profile pads, which means that you have options. 

You can choose extra cushion or opt for minimal comfort with these area rug types. It is important, though, to choose a pad designed to provide good air circulation since you likely won’t lift your medium area rug as often as you would a smaller piece. 

Large Area Rugs

Large Area Rug Kitchen Rug Pad
Area Rugs For the Kitchen

Larger area rugs are probably capable of holding their own. It is, therefore, not necessary to find the lowest profile pads to support these rug types. 

Your focus when choosing a pad for your large rug should be comfort. Pads that provide extra cushion and some gripping power are ideal choices to provide support for large rugs. 

You may also consider pads that provide great insulation as well as sound reduction. It is imperative that your large area rug pad has excellent air circulation. The likelihood of mildew and mold if great with a large rug because you are not likely to move it as often. 

The majority of large rugs are capable of standing on their own without bunching or slipping. There are, however, those thinner rugs that slip and bunch when placed in heavily trafficked areas. 

You should consider purchasing a lower profile rug pad if our large area rug is thin. Buying a pad with string gripping and excellent cushioning is the ideal choice when your rug is thinner than average. 

Gorilla Grip Original Felt + Rubber Underside Gripper Area Rug Pad 

The Gorilla Griff rug pad gives you thickness all while providing a firm grip. The bottom of the pad has a rubber grip that becomes one with the floor. Meanwhile, the top of the pad is made of felt so that the rig easily meshes.

The cushion on this rug is made of .25-inches worth of condensed needle punch felt, which lends to more durability that protects your floors. This pad’s thickness also contributes to reduced sound in a room. 

This product is made of 100 percent recycled felt and is hypoallergenic. The Gorilla Griff pad is also resistant to mildew and mold because of its design that allows air to flow through the product. 

Pros: 

  • Pad can bet trimmed to fit the need
  • High quality means that you won’t have to replace it as often
  • Great for use around walkers and wheelchairs

Cons:

  • Not as thick as other pads in its class
  • May not grip hardwood floors as well as others
  • Not big enough to fit underneath large and some medium area rugs

Get one on Amazon here

RUGPADUSA, 8’x10′, 1/4″ Thick, Basics 100% Felt Rug Pad

You get protection and certified Green products when you choose this rug pad by RUGPADUSA. This product is made of recycled felt through and through. Leftover carpet fibers are the foundation of this pad. 

The felt rug pad by RUGPADUSA does a great job of protecting your floors from damage. This product works especially well for large rugs that are thick enough to stay in place on their own. 

You can consider the rug pad by RUGPADUSA as additional support that provides another level of comfort every time you walk across the floor. 

This product is Green label certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute for low VOC, which means that is mildew and mold resistant. 

Pros: 

  • Excellent cushion for bedrooms
  • Enhances the feel of cheaper area rugs
  • Thick yet lightweight

Cons:

  • Pad may not be thick enough for highly trafficked areas
  • The rubber grip does not hold up well on all hard floor surfaces
  • Bulge in pad may prevent a smooth appeal

Get one on Amazon here

mohawk Home Dual Surface Felt and Latex Non Slip Rug Pad

This dense pad is designed for use with all area rug types. The Mohawk rug pad is made of recycled felt and provides about ¼-inches worth of thickness. You can feel the added cushion when you walk across your throw rug. 

The support that the Mohawk provides is intended to be firm. There is a brown rubber backing that secures the pad to the floor. The fiber grip also works to combat slips that could prove detrimental to you and your house guests. 

This rug pad is the ideal choice for hard surfaces because of the rubber grip designed to connect with wood and other floor types.

Pros: 

  • Plushness enhances the overall feel of the area rug
  • Thickness adds height to the carpet
  • No slipping when you move across the area at a fast pace

Cons:

  • May require trimming
  • Rough padding surface
  • Not ideal for small children and pets

Get one on Amazon here

RUGPADUSA, 9’x12′, Ultra Black 22 – 1/4″ Thick (FELT + RUBBER) 

The thickness and unique design are what sets this rug pad by RUGPADUSA apart. This product has a cross-directional waffle design that prevents slipping. On top of the pad is felt material that prevents your rug from slipping off the pad. 

Natural products make for durability. The rubber underneath the pad is thick enough to last for many years. The felt on top of this product is ⅛-inches and condensed so that you get the most out of it. 

This pad is not just for holding the rug in place. The thick felt combined with the rubber bottom provides absorption along with reduced sound so that there is less noise in the room. 

There is also the element of floor protection. The Anchor Grip pad protects your floor against scratches because of its hypoallergenic and POV-free materials. This product is also resistant to mold and mildew. 

Pros: 

  • Excellent felt design
  • Does not slip
  • Cushion makes rug more comfortable to tread

Cons:

  • Some designs do not come with rubber bottom
  • Product smells after continuous use
  • May not be ideal for highly trafficked areas

Get one on Amazon here

Rug Pad USA, 7/16″ Thick, Felt and Rubber

This rug pad does not disappoint with its mixture of rubber and felt material. On the top, you get felt that connects with your rug to prevent slipping. The bottom of the pad is just as secure with dense rubber (7/16 inches) that grips the floor. 

This pad does not sacrifice comfort for security. The product’s felt is thick enough to provide plushness that can be seen and appreciated every time you walk across the surface. 

There is certainly more to this rug pad that meets the eye. This product works to trap harmful particles that fall through the rug and may harm the floor’s surface. The felt pad by Rug Pad USA, then, acts as a guard against scratches. 

The design of this product also offers an absorbing impact that provides additional support as you walk. The felt pad by Rug Pad USA is CRI Green label and LEED certified because of its high-quality and eco-friendly materials. 

Pros: 

  • Cushion enhances moderately priced and economical area rugs
  • Ideal for customization
  • Great for small area rugs

Cons:

  • Not ideal for use right out of the package
  • May slip when used underneath medium and large area rugs
  • May not be thick enough for use with significantly thin area rugs

Get one on Amazon here

RUGPADUSA, Anchor Grip, 2.5’x12′, 1/8″ Thick, Felt + Rubber,

The thickness and unique design are what sets this rug pad by RUGPADUSA apart. This product has a cross-directional waffle design that prevents slipping. On top of the pad is felt material that prevents your rug from slipping off the pad. 

Natural products make for durability. The rubber underneath the pad is thick enough to last for many years. The felt on top of this product is ⅛-inches and condensed so that you get the most out of it. 

This pad is not just for holding the rug in place. The thick felt combined with the rubber bottom provides absorption along with reduced sound so that there is less noise in the room. 

There is also the element of floor protection. The Anchor Grip pad protects your floor against scratches because of its hypoallergenic and POV-free materials. This product is also resistant to mold and mildew. 

Pros: 

  • Excellent felt design
  • Does not slip
  • Cushion makes rug more comfortable to tread

Cons:

  • Some designs do not come with rubber bottom
  • Product smells after continuous use
  • May not be ideal for highly trafficked areas

Get one on Amazon here

DoubleCheck Products Non Slip Rug Pad 

DoubleCheck holds up to its name with this thick rug pad that prevents slips. The rubber grip is firm enough to hold to a wood floor. This product is not overwhelmingly thick, though, which means that you can add it to your room without doing much rearranging. 
The DoubleCheck rug pad is designed to prevent bunching, which is often a problem in households where children and pets reside. This product, then, is the ideal choice for heavily trafficked areas. 

This rug pad prevents mildew and mold with its design that allows for even air circulation. The DoubleCheck pad can essentially prevent damage to your floor and preserve the life of your rug by keeping everything in place. 

Pros: 

  • Does not slip
  • Great for placing underneath furniture
  • Thin enough to fit into any room

Cons: 

  • Not ideal for use on polished wood surfaces
  • Product does not last as long as others in its class
  • Not ideal for those looking for incredible thickness

Get one on Amazon here

Conclusion

The DoubleCheck pad is ideal when your rug is in heavily trafficked areas. This product provides excellent airflow that prevents mildew all while preventing damage to your hard floors. 

You may consider the Gorilla Griff rug pad if you have allergies. The hypoallergenic material can prevent a reaction that leaves you out of commission for days. The Anchor Grip pad may be ideal for heavily trafficked areas because of its durability. 

Your choice of rug pads should not be sporadic. You should only choose the product made with natural materials and guaranteed to last for a long time.

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