A rug pad protects both your rug and your floor, adds cushioning underfoot, and keeps your rug from slipping. Choosing the right one depends on your floor type and what you need the pad to do.
Hardwood and hard surface floors
Use a non-slip rug pad with a felt and rubber combination. The rubber grips the floor without damaging the finish, while the felt layer cushions the rug and protects the hardwood from scratches. Avoid pads with adhesive backing, as they can leave residue or damage hardwood finishes over time.
Carpet
On carpeted floors, use a pad with a waffle or open-weave rubber design. This type grips the carpet fibers and prevents the rug from bunching or shifting. Felt pads are not recommended on carpet as they tend to slide.
Tile and stone floors
Use a rubber or rubber-felt pad. These provide strong grip on smooth, hard surfaces and help prevent slipping. Make sure the pad is rated safe for the specific tile or stone finish in your home.
Thickness
- Thin pads (1/8 inch): Best for low-profile rugs or areas where door clearance is a concern.
- Medium pads (1/4 inch): The most common choice, offering a good balance of grip and cushioning.
- Thick pads (1/2 inch or more): Best for high-traffic areas or anywhere extra comfort underfoot is a priority, such as a bedroom or living room.
Protection vs. cushioning
- Protection-focused pads are thinner and prioritize keeping the rug in place and protecting the floor from scratches and dye transfer.
- Cushioning-focused pads are thicker and add comfort underfoot, reduce noise, and extend the life of the rug by absorbing foot traffic impact.
- For most homes, a felt and rubber combination pad offers both protection and cushioning in one.
Sizing tip
Your rug pad should be about 1-2 inches smaller than your rug on all sides so it stays hidden and does not curl up at the edges.
If you need help selecting the right pad for your rug or floor type, contact our Customer Care team.
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