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.
Tip: Some materials might cause damage or discoloration on some floors, so it’s always wise to check with your flooring manufacturer before purchasing one.
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.
Tip: Ruggable Rug Pads are already designed to be shorter by at least an inch than our Rug Covers. So if you have an 8’x10’ Rug Cover, our 8’x10’ Rug Pad works perfectly fine.
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.
You might also like
47 Comments
When will the new padded version be available. It is absent from your web site.
Hi, Sandi! Thanks for your interest! We are happy to say that our Cushioned Rug Pads are back in stock! 🙌
You can find them by visiting the following link: https://myruggable.com/rug-pads
I’ve searched the entire site but cannot find the extra cushion pad for sale or as an option. Help!
Hi, Lisa! Thanks for your interest in our Cushioned Rug Pads! You can find them by visiting the following link: https://myruggable.com/rug-pads 🤗
This is frustrating, I see that the comfort pad is a real thing but can’t find anywhere to actually buy it on your website and really no mention of it anywhere in the store. What gives?
Hi, Kyle! Thanks for your interest in our Cushioned Rug Pads!
Unfortunately, our Cushioned Rug Pads were out of stock for the latter part of Novemeber, but we are happy to say that they are now back in stock! You can find them by visiting the following link: https://myruggable.com/rug-pads ✨
We have new bamboo floors. Will your rug pads work with this type of flooring? We aren’t supposed to use rubber or latex backing so bamboo can breathe!
Hi, Paula! We have not tried our Rug System on bamboo floors ourselves, so we recommend double-checking with your flooring manufacturer to be extra cautious.
For reference, Both our Classic and Cushioned Rug Pads (bottom layer) consist of a 100% recycled polyester surface and a thermoplastic rubber bottom, which is a latex-free, synthetic material most commonly used in yoga mats. Our Cushioned Rug Pads have an additional 100% recycled polyester middle layer for added cushion.
Hope that helps! 😊
We installed Coretec flooring, which is a luxury vinyl tile. They recommend finding a rug pad that is Safe for Hardwood Floors. Is your rug pad safe for hardwood floors and non-discolouring?
Hey there, Marilyn! Our Rug Pad (bottom layer) consists of recycled polyester and thermoplastic rubber (a latex-free synthetic material most commonly used in yoga mats)! We’ve heard good reviews from customers who have chosen to use their Ruggable rug on both vinyl and hardwood flooring.
With that said, we always recommend double-checking with your flooring manufacturer to be extra cautious!
Can I use a regular pad, in replace to the ruggable pad?
Hi, Karina! Great question! 😄
We don’t suggest pairing the Rug Cover with other non-Ruggable rug pads. Our Rug Pad has a unique cling technology that attaches specifically to our Rug Cover and ensures that it stays in place.
I would like to order a rug with the thicker pad, but it appears that that is not an option…it’s only sold with the classic pad. I do not want to have to buy the thicker pad completely separately and have 2 pads! I see there is a drop-down arrow for which pad you want when placing the order, but when you click on it, nothing happens…still forcing me to have the classic pad.
Help!
Hi, Nina! Feel free to visit the following link to view the Cushioned Rug Pads we have in stock: https://myruggable.com/cushionedpadlaunch
Please note that we do not carry our Cushioned Rug Pads in a 9’x12′ size.
Same problem as above want the cushioned pad for my 9x 12 what do you suggest?
Hi, Debi! Although we don’t have a specific time frame for this release, it is definitely in our roadmap for this year. We hope everything aligns for us to release 9’x12′ Cushioned Rug Pads in the near future 🤗
I recently ordered a runner and did not have an option for the thicker rug pad. Very dissapointed as I did not know this was an option. The thin pad sent is not worth the money I paid. Because the thicker rug pad is so expensive I am unwilling to buy. I will not buy this product again because if the pad. If you have that option but the thicker pad is out of stock it should be made clear and back ordered. I would have waited.
My cushioned pad slides all over my ceramic tile. Rug grippers will not stick to it either. So far I am not satisfied with the customer service regarding this issue.
When will the Cushioned Rug Pad be available for 9×12 rugs??
Hi, Mia! Although we don’t have a specific time frame for this release, it is definitely in our roadmap for this year. We hope everything aligns for us to release 9’x12′ Cushioned Rug Pads in the near future 🤗
Can you use this Ruggable pad with real engineered hardwoods ??? Is it safe ?
Great question, Patricia! Our 2-piece rug system is safe for hard surface or vinyl flooring. Our TPR backed rug pad has passed all flooring tests and does not leave stains!
However, we always recommend double checking with your flooring manufacturer to be extra cautious. Additionally, you may want to check out our customer reviews regarding using our rug system on various types of flooring.
We hope this helps to address your concerns!
Good morning, I recently purchase two rugs from ruggable. Both are beautiful rugs, but they both move around on my hardwood floors. How do I keep them in place?
Hi, Lori! We are so sorry to hear about this experience. We suggest ensuring your Rug System is properly set up (Rug Pad is centered under the Rug Cover, not tucked into the corners, etc.) as well as making sure the bottom of your Rug Pad and the space you are setting up your Rug is clean and free of debris prior to assembly!
If you are still having trouble with your Rug staying in place after doing the above, please feel free to reach out to our Customer Care team at support@ruggable.com. Our team would be happy to look into the matter at hand!😊
My ruggable is moving all over my hardwood floor. What can be done to correct this? I have the cushioned pad
Hi, Rae! We are sorry to hear that you are experiencing this issue. Please feel free to reach out to our Customer care team at support@ruggable.com. Our team would be happy to take a closer look into the issue at hand and help with a solution!
Same issue! I bought the cushioned pad, made sure it was all put together properly and on a clean tile floor. It slides around constantly and is really aggravating. I had another rug in this room before with a Mohawk latex rug pad under it and it never, ever budged. This is 3x the price and I’m constantly adjusting it. Any tips on how to fix it would be great as I otherwise really like the ruggable.
Hello-
I’m trying to buy a ruggable to protect my hardwood floor under my dining tables+chairs.
Will the classic pad work? or will I need the thicker one.
Thank you!
Hi there, Olivia!
In this situation is it entirely up to you and what you prefer! Our Cushioned Rug Pad is thicker and will offer more cushion and comfort under foot while our Classic Rug Pad is thinner and is better for things such as door clearance or rolling furniture. However, aside from that, our Rug Pads are made with the same materials and will ultimately function the same.
If you have any additional questions please feel free to reach out to our Customer Care team at support@ruggable.com!
Olivia, did you end up getting the thicker one or classic? I want to buy the thicker but worried whether the chairs will go in and out easily.
I would like to order the 9×12 rug with the cushioned rug pad… do you have any suggestions? that is not offered at this time. Thanks!
Hi, Shelby!
As you mentioned, we unfortunately do not offer our Cushioned Rug Pad in a 9’x12′ size at this time. We do not recommend using multiple Rug Pads under a single Rug Cover and we do not recommend using other rug pads with our Rug Cover as the two pieces were designed to be used with one another.
We do apologize that we are unable to offer further assistance but if possible we would suggest you maybe try an 8’x10′ if it will work in your space, otherwise a 9’x12′ with the Classic Pad would be your best option!
Hello,
Just wondering if there is any ETA for the cushioned rug pad for 9×12 sizes?
Thanks!
Hey, Beth! That’s a great question.
As you mentioned, our Cushioned Rug Pad does not come in a 9’x12′ size at this time. But we are working on it! We don’t have an exact time frame at this time, so stay tuned on our social channels or sign up for our newsletter by visiting Ruggable.com for future product updates. 😊
Hi there, also have the question on if your rug pads are safe with Coretec floors.
Thanks!
Hi, Tiffany!
Thanks for reaching out!
Our 2-piece rug system is safe for hard surface or vinyl flooring. Our TPR backed rug pad has passed all flooring tests and does not leave stains. However, always recommend double checking with your flooring manufacturer to be extra cautious. ✨
I’m considering ordering one of your outdoor rugs. It will be on a covered patio but some rain will get to the rug. Do you recommend one of your pads? If so, which one?
Thanks,
Catherine
Hi, Catherine! We always recommend using a Rug Pad with our Rug Covers. The Rug Pad has a unique cling technology that keeps the Rug Cover attached to the Rug Pad. Our rugs will not bunch or slide!
As for which Rug Pad to use, we don’t recommend using the Cushioned Rug Pad outside. However, our Classic Rug Pad and Outdoor Rug Covers are perfect for all outdoor spaces!
We hope this helps! Please feel free to reach out to our Customer Care team at support@ruggable.com for additional assistance or questions.😊
Are your rug pads face for vinyl floors?
Great question, Kim! We are happy to share that our 2-piece rug system is safe for hard surface or vinyl flooring. Our TPR backed rug pad has passed all flooring tests and does not leave stains.
Additionally, we’ve heard good reviews from customers who have chosen to use their Ruggable rug on vinyl flooring. However, with that said, we always recommend double checking with your flooring manufacturer to be extra cautious.😊
Are your rug pads safe for vinyl floors?
Hey, Kimberly! Our 2-piece rug system is safe for hard surface or vinyl flooring. Our TPR backed rug pad has passed all flooring tests and does not leave stains.!
However, we always recommend double checking with your flooring manufacturer to be extra cautious.
Just checking in on the 9×12 cushioned rug pad ETA…hoping to purchase a rug and some runners soon, and wanting the cushioned pad for the larger (9×12) rug. Thanks!
Thank you for your interest, Rachel! Our Cushioned Rug Pad does not come in a 9’x12′ size at this time. But we are working on it! We don’t have an exact time frame at this time, so stay tuned on our social channels or sign up for our newsletter by visiting Ruggable.com for future product updates. 😊
Hi, Joyce! We are sorry to hear that you are not entirely pleased with your rug! In regards to the sliding, we first recommend double checking and ensuring proper assembly as that can often lead to issues with the grip if not done correctly. Please feel free to use the following link for our assembly instructions:
https://myruggable.com/small-assemble
If the issue persists please feel free to reach out to our Customer Care team at support@ruggable.com! Our team would be happy to see what other remedies they can offer as well as help with any other questions you may have.
I am very interested in purchasing your rugs for my kitchen. I have a very heavy kitchen table that will sit on the rug. What type of pad would you recommend.??
Hey there, Karen! We look forward to having you shop with us.😊
Our rugs work great under furniture including dining tables! As for which Rug Pad to choose, it is ultimately up to you and what you prefer. For our Cushioned Rug Pad, you may see some indents overtime that should settle after removing the furniture from on top of the rug and giving it time to rest. However, if you are concerned about indents, our Classic Rug Pads are lower profile and would have a less noticeable mark/dent! Additionally, we may suggest using furniture pads for the legs of your table and/or chairs to be extra cautious as you are worried about the weight of your dining table. The furniture pads should help provide a bit of a buffer and will also help with issues such as dragging or moving your furniture across the rug.
We hope this information and tips are helpful!❤