Our editors do independent research and tests of the recommended products. We may receive a commission on the purchases made from the selected links.
If you’re the lucky owner of the area rug, it’s time to think about getting a rug pad. They serve many purposes – they help you keep the rug safely in place and provide a soft cushioning effect. Rug pads will provide additional softness or even soundproofing, depending on the type of material used. The ideal rug pad protects both the flooring and the rug from unwanted excessive wear. With so many options available – how do you know which one to pick? Read on to discover the best rug pads available on the market.
Our Top Picks – Best Rug Pads
Here, the best rug pads of 2022.
Best Overall: Mohawk Ultra Premium Recycled Felt Pad at Amazon
Gorilla Grip Thick Extra Plush Felt Pad at Amazon
Rug Pad USA Felt Pad at Amazon
Gorilla Grip Extra Strong Rug Pad at Amazon
Veken Non-Slip Rug Pad at Amazon
Durahold Plus Felt and Rubber Pad at Amazon
Mohawk Home Dual Surface Rug Pad at Amazon
Best Overall: Mohawk Ultra Premium Recycled Felt Pad
[wptb id=2553]
When it comes to quality rug pads, the Mohawk name is always a striking choice.
Do you dream of cushioned comfort? You can’t go wrong with a Mohawk rug pad. The soft 1/4″ felt cushion gives a plush underfoot sensation, as well as improved protection for the flooring beneath from abrasion and wear. Your rugs will receive extra cushioning without damaging the floors by using a long-lasting felt material without a latex backing.
Under the rug, the felt acts as a cushion and as a protective layer for the hardwood floors. Because it’s slick on floors, it should only be used under the large area rugs with furniture on top to keep them in place. Buy a grip-enhanced version if you need a stronger grip.
Gorilla Grip Thick Extra Plush Felt Pad
[wptb id=2556]
Gorilla Grip is a market leader in high-quality home products. Meant to last for years, this rug pad is made of extremely thick condensed needle punch felt for added protection. It has naturally thick fibers that effortlessly hold the bottom of your rug.
These slip-resistant and non-sticky rug pads help eliminate rug wrinkling and slippage, even in the heavily-trafficked parts of the house, making it the best solution for a busy home. It’s slip-resistant and has a natural rubber underneath that is highly resilient, it helps to stop rug movement.
The pad is a perfect fit, with no protrusions in any direction. Even if the rug is subjected to a great deal of lateral force in high-traffic areas, it will not move. The nicest part is that there is no chemical odor and the rug feels wonderful under your feet as you walk on it. It is well worth the money. Don’t let a cheap rug pad harm your rug, your floor finish, and your indoor air quality. Choose only high-quality products.
Rug Pad USA Felt Pad
[wptb id=2558]
When compared to other types of flooring, ceramic tiles and natural stone are particularly chilly and hard. Wouldn’t it be great to soften them up a bit? Adding an extra-thick rug pad for warmth and comfort is easy with RugPadUSA’s Eco Plush solution.
It has a thickness of 0.5 inches and is made entirely of heat-press felt. Along with additional cushioning, you’ll benefit from sound absorption and floor insulation.
These felt rug pads are entirely safe for all types of floors. Moreover, they are LEED, and CRI Green Label Plus certified.
Rugs that are not protected by rug pads wear out more rapidly. As well as traveling through and below the rug, dirt also stays at the top of a rug pad. Extra-thick and plush rug pads make the cleaning easier and protect the rug fibers from dust.
Gorilla Grip Extra Strong Rug Pad
[wptb id=2560]
It comes in a number of sizes, each with a dual-sided grip that prevents the rug from folding and slipping. Aside from that, it is constructed using an open-grid technology that helps air to flow and reduces the accumulation of dust and waste. Unlike adhesive rug pads, these non-adhesive rug pads are made of high-quality materials that will endure for years, allowing you to keep your rugs in place for longer.
For ease of installation, the most common sizes are provided. You can also trim the rug pad using household scissors to create custom sizes and shapes. To place the rug pad correctly, lay it down first, then put the rug on top. Measure how much you need to cut and trim away any leftover material.
Veken Non-Slip Rug Pad
[wptb id=2562]
This hard surface floor rug pad is available in all popular sizes. Veken rug pads are made of high-quality materials that will last for years. In addition, the manufacturer offers a 2-year risk-free purchasing support guarantee. If you discover any flaws or issues with your product, they will replace it at no additional cost.
It’s perfect for keeping the rugs in place. A strong grip ensures that rugs stay in place and don’t bunch up or slide around during routine everyday use. It protects the floors against everyday wear and tear. You can walk in high heels, kids can safely rug and play around – the floors will stay protected, and the rug won’t move. Additionally, the thick rug pad provides area rugs with an extra layer of cushioning, which increases the overall comfort of your house. Rug pads should be placed on a dry clean floor. Remove creases by smoothing them out. Make sure that the new rug is flat and will remain flat during use.
Note: this rug pad should not be used on stairwells.
Durahold Plus Felt and Rubber Pad
[wptb id=2564]
Durahold rug pad is perfect for thin rugs. It will be less noticeable beneath the rugs. Durahold Plus is an excellent choice because of its 0.25-inch height, far less than the majority of rug pads.
Durahold Plus provides some cushioning but not quite enough to elevate the rug. The rough rubber grips any hard surface effortlessly and protects your floors from damage.
Designed and manufactured in the USA, DuraHold Plus is made of natural rubber that doesn’t damage the floor. This pad’s upper surface is covered with thermal-set ridges in a distinctive pattern of chevrons that run in different directions, allowing it to hold the rug.
Its superior natural rubber latex composition in a unique, exclusive hexagonal “tire tread” layout on DuraHold’s backing helps to keep the rug securely in place. There are no animal or plant-based fibers in the padding, so they will not disintegrate, emit gases, or cause allergies. This rug pad is entirely synthetic and chemically inert.
Mohawk Home Dual Surface Rug Pad
[wptb id=2566]
With its thick felt and rubber construction, the Mohawk rug pad offers many of the characteristics of premium rug pads at a more affordable price. The 100% recycled felt gives excellent cushioning for your steps, while the rubber bottom ensures good traction. The medium thickness, which measures 1/4-inch thick, is suited for different kinds of rugs. Its non-slip grip locks the rug in place.
Latex slip-resistant underside will help you prevent any slipping and tripping incidents. The rug surface remains flat on the floor, making cleaning easier.
The rug pad is available in a wide variety of square, round, and rectangular sizes. You won’t have a problem finding the one that fits your rug.
Types of Rug Pads
It is important to consider the material of the rug pad, mainly because various materials are intended for different types of flooring. If you’re on a budget, you can go with PVC; if you want to keep your rug in place, you can go with rubber; and if you want to keep your rug attached to a piece of furniture, you can go with felt.
Felt Rug Pads
Felt pads are fantastic for providing additional padding and comfort, but they are not particularly effective at holding the rug in place. As long as the rug is huge and heavy enough, this won’t be an issue. The thickness provides some additional protection for your floor as well as additional insulation beneath your feet. Felt pads are usually of better quality because they are excellent “shock absorbers,” which helps to preserve your rug from damage.
Rug pads, which are completely made of felt, are ideal for use beneath rugs made of heavier materials and also when furniture is used to hold the rug in place. Felt rug pads do not stand up well to moisture, making them unsuitable for use in wet areas such as the patio, bathroom, or kitchen.
Rubber Pads
The thin and sticky rubber pads are used to protect surfaces from damage. Compared to felt, they offer almost no cushioning or insulation. The rubber-only rug pads, on the other hand, are ideal for tiny rugs that need to be held in place. When it comes to small and thin rugs, this is especially crucial because the rug is the only thing you see. The sap of the rubber tree is used to make natural rubber rug pads. They’re a better option for the environment and your health than PVC. When used alone, rubber rug pads provide little cushioning. Since they don’t add a lot of height to your rug, they’re ideal for areas with low doorway clearances and thin rugs.
PVC Rug Pads
Rug pads made of PVC are less costly, but they might damage the floor if used incorrectly. When used on vinyl or hardwood floors, plastic chemicals can cause discoloration or invalidate the warranty. These non-slip surfaces are made at a low cost.
It is not uncommon for PVC rugs to be filled with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which release noxious fumes into the air. PVC rug pads may also harm hardwood, Pergo laminate, and vinyl floors by causing stains, discoloration, or other damage. Using PVC pads under outdoor rugs is less of a concern. PVC pads should be avoided in most circumstances.
Best Rug Pads for Hardwood Floors
Rug pads give cushioning and support for your rug, but they should also protect the wood and other floor types, which are particularly subject to damage from spills and scratching when cleaned.
A good rug pad acts as a buffer between the rug’s underside and the floors, making it a worthwhile investment.
Foam and felt are the primary materials of the finest rug pads for hardwood floors, which serve as a protective layer between the rug and the floor. It’s easy to choose a size that works for your rug, and some rug pads can even be cut to match your needs.
When it comes to safety and performance, natural rubber is the top pick for hardwood floors because it is both safe and durable. Wooden floors and coatings are safe with this product. When used on your flooring, natural rubber will never leave a residue.
Eco-friendly natural rubber rug pads are also better for the environment. This is critical since many plastic pads include chemicals that can “off-gas” when they’re used. It is this “off-gassing” that eats away at the floor finish, not the rug pad itself. Since it is made from hevea brasiliensis tree sap, the rubber used by trustworthy producers contains no hazardous chemicals or chemicals, it is completely natural.
To protect hardwood floors, you should use felt or rubber rug pads. Your hardwood floors will be more comfortable to walk on thanks to the extra padding provided by the felt and the non-slip grip provided by the underlay.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Rug Pad?
Rug pads are not all created equal. There are a number of factors to keep in mind when choosing a rug pad, including the type of flooring, the size of the rug, and the thickness of the pad.
Choosing a rug pad with a decent level of hold is critical if your floor is made of slick materials like wood or laminate. A heavy rug pad might lift a thin rug, putting you at risk of tripping over it. You may wish to choose a thicker pad for an area rug in order to make it more comfortable to walk on.
Compatibility of Your Flooring with the Material
On a carpeted floor, a single rug pad can be perfect, but on hardwood, it might be a tripping hazard. A special rug pad may preserve the pristine appearance of your hardwood floors while staining the luxury vinyl flooring beneath them.
There is no one-size-fits-all remedy to this problem. There are, however, a few points to keep in mind.
Consult the vinyl floor’s installation instructions if you plan to use a rug pad on top of them. Some pad materials are prohibited by many manufacturers (PVC is a good example).
Carpet-specific rug pads are available if you’re installing the pad on top of the carpet. Rubber-based pads may eventually wear out the carpet, so be careful while using them.
With the exception of these two, most rug pads may be used on both tile and hardwood floors.
Nevertheless, given the amount of money you’ve spent on your flooring, I’d still follow the recommended guidelines to be on the safe side.
Size of a Rug
The first thing you’ll need to know is what rug pad size do you need.
It all comes down to the size of the rug, as you might expect. The following are typical rug sizes, along with the corresponding rug pad measurements:
[wptb id=198]
You will need a rug pad 2′′ smaller in both length and width. On all four sides, the rug pad will be 1′′ shorter. Even though you can cut a rug pad larger than your rug, don’t go much shorter than the suggestions above!
Purpose
Rug pads are often purchased for one or both of the following reasons:
- Extra comfort. Rug pads enhance the comfort of your home by giving additional support and padding beneath your rug. Felt and memory foam can be used to cushion rugs. Indoors, cushioned rug pads are most commonly used.
- Protection. To prevent the rugs from sliding around, use non-slip rug pads. In most cases, they are constructed of natural rubber, latex, or PVC. They work best in high-traffic areas and outdoors.
Some rug pads provide two functions at once. Using a layer of rubber or latex, they’ll hold your rug in place and cushion your steps.
A dense rug pad would be problematic in high-traffic places like hallways and foyers, where people may trip over it.
The majority of rug pads have the same dimensions as conventional rugs. ‘ If needed, you may cut them to the desired length using a pair of scissors.
Thickness
Rug pads that are thicker are more comfortable to walk on. This means that if you choose a thicker rug pad, your rugs will be comfier. Rugs may be kept in place by using thin rug pads, which have a high level of grip and protect the rug from shifting. My personal recommendation is to avoid using rug pads thicker than 1/4″ in heavy traffic areas and under the small area rugs, such as hallways or entryway rugs.
Conclusion
Rug pads help to prevent slipping by anchoring your rug firmly in place. If you’re looking for extra comfort, some thicker rug pads have a cushioned effect, which is a nice bonus. I tried to feature all the best and high-quality rug pads for your home. I hope you will now make the right choice without breaking the bank.
