The Rug Pad: Why You Need It and How to Choose the Best One

When shopping for an area rug or runner rug, very rarely do we think about the rug pad. But in our book, a rug pad is actually as indispensable as your rug. It’s your rug’s secret partner, the invisible force that keeps your rug intact and in place. Think of it as your rug’s less glamorous—but equally important—twin. So if you’ve been asking yourself if you really need a rug pad, the short answer is a resounding YES. Here’s why.

What Is a Rug Pad?

A rug pad is a thin underlay placed under a rug to support and anchor your rug. It’s usually made of a grippy, rubbery material on both sides that allows it to cling to both the rug and the floor. Aside from preventing the rug from sliding on hardwood, stone, or tile floor, it also serves as a protective barrier between the rug and floor. 

Note that a rug pad is not the same as the foam pad used under wall-to-wall carpet.

Why You Need a Rug Pad

1. Rug pads can help prevent accidents.

A rug pad’s most important purpose? Safety. Rug pads have a nonslip grip that anchors the rug firmly to the floor. This keeps your rug from sliding all over your hardwood floor and bunching up. 

How about for rugs under the bed or other heavy furniture? Yup, you need rug pads for those, too!

2. Rug pads protect your floor.

Rugs, in general, protect your floor by acting as a buffer between your floor and anything that can spill or fall on it—think liquid beverages, mud, dirt, heavy objects, and the like. They also keep your furniture legs from scratching or leaving scuffs on the floor. Having a rug pad underneath your rug reinforces that protection.

In some instances, rug pads can also protect your floor from your rug, as some rugs can leave visible marks on the floor.

3. Rug pads can make a room feel cozier.

Lining your floor with a rug pad, especially the cushy one, adds an extra layer of warmth and comfort underfoot. But did you know it also helps absorb sound and dampen noise? Some rug pads can even improve indoor acoustics.

4. Rug pads make your rugs look good for a long time.

Aside from preventing wrinkles from forming on your rug, the rug pad also acts as a shock absorber. It reduces the impact of feet and takes the strain off the rug fibers, preserving the pile and structure of your rug. By reducing wear, your rug pad helps prolong the life of your rug.

How to Choose a Rug Pad

As great as rug pads are, not all of them are created equal. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing the best rug pad for your floor. 

Material: Some rug pads are made from natural materials, like natural rubber and felt, and some are from synthetic, like thermoplastic rubber and polyester, which are usually more affordable and offer the same benefits. Whichever you pick, a good rug pad is made from durable and sustainable materials that are safe to use in your home. 

Size: How big your rug pad should be will depend on the size of your rug. Ideally, you’d want your rug pad to be at least an inch shorter than your rug on all sides so that it remains out of sight. A shorter rug pad also allows the rug to taper to the floor, preventing a tripping hazard. 

Thickness: Your rug pad’s thickness can be a matter of preference, desired comfort level, and placement. A slimmer rug pad works best in hallways, outdoors, near a doorway, and spaces where there is rolling furniture, like a home office. A thicker rug pad or a cushioned rug pad works best in places where comfort is more important, like the living room, bedroom, nursery, and playroom.

Other Features: Aside from their standard features, some rug pads also offer additional benefits like water resistance, which makes it easier to clean and maintain.

Ruggable Rug Pads

We know how important rug pads are, which is why Ruggable rugs come in two equally important pieces: the Rug Cover and the Rug Pad. Thanks to our proprietary Cling Effect technology, these two pieces can be attached, detached, and reattached to each other without losing their grip. So you can wash your Rug Cover—or switch it out for another one—and attach it back to your Rug Pad.

Because we know rug pads are not one-size-fits-all, Ruggable offers two types of Rug Pads to complement our Rug Covers. Both are made of recycled and latex-free materials and are generally safe to use on most types of flooring, including hardwood floors. While our Rug Pads cater to different needs and rooms, both offer the same nonslip, easy-to-clean features that we know you all need. 

The Classic Rug Pad

Our Classic Rug Pad features a slim and lightweight design, which works best in high-traffic spaces or where a low-profile rug is preferred, like under doors or rolling furniture. It goes with any indoor or outdoor Ruggable Rug Cover. 

Thickness: 4 millimeters or one-eighth of an inch thick

Great for: Indoor and outdoor spaces where a thinner rug is preferred or required, like hallways, entryways, by the door, or under rolling furniture.

The Cushioned Rug Pad

Our new Cushioned Rug Pad is designed to provide extra padding and comfort for your feet while keeping your Rug Cover in place. 

Thickness: 10 millimeters or two-fifths of an inch thick, with an extra middle layer for plushness 

Great for: Indoor spaces where you may crave extra cushion, such as the kitchen, living room, nursery, or bedrooms

How to Clean Your Rug Pad

Rug pads are generally easy to clean and can be wiped or spot-cleaned—and Ruggable Rug Pads are no different. For dry messes, simply sweep or vacuum on a low-suction setting to get rid of dirt and debris. For wet messes, spot-clean the area with soap and water, then allow the Pad to dry laying flat.