When it comes to choosing the , is one of the most important factors to consider. The right pad will protect your and from wear and tear, while the wrong pad can cause damage.
Here are a few tips (and product options) for when you find yourself asking “ ?“
Deciding Between a Thick Rug Pad vs a Thin Rug Pad
When it comes to choosing a , you have two main options: thick or thin. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.
Thick are great for adding extra and support to your . They’re also ideal for use on hard floors since they’ll provide a softer surface for your feet. However, thick can also make your feel stiff and less comfortable.
Thin offer a more minimalist approach, and they’re often more affordable than thick . They’re also easier to vacuum, which can be a major consideration.
Thick Rug Pads
Common Thick Rug Pad Sizes
tend to be at least 1/4″ thick, however, they can range from 1/4″ to 1/2″ in .
Benefits of Thick Rug Pads
- More :
If you’re looking for a little extra underfoot, thick are a great option. They provide an extra layer of , which can make your feel softer and more comfortable. A can also help extend the life of your by protecting it from wear and tear. - Extra Protection
Rug are great for protecting your floors from wear and tear, and they can also help extend the life of your rugs. They’re especially useful if you have high-traffic areas in your home, or if you have pets or small children who might accidently spill something on your . can also help prevent your furniture from slipping and scratching your floors. - Soundproofing
One of the benefits of using a is that it can help to soundproof your home. This is especially useful if you live in an apartment or condo and want to reduce the amount of noise that comes through your ceilings and walls. By absorbing some of the noise, a can make your living space much more peaceful and quiet. - Provides Insulation
If you’re looking for a little extra warmth underfoot, a can provide some welcome insulation. This is especially useful in cold weather, or if you have hard floors that tend to be on the chilly side.
If you’re looking to keep things toasty indoors, it’s best to use some thick felt on your heated floors or in hot areas. have a high thermal resistance that’ll block out the heat and keep things comfy.
Common Thick Rug Pad Material
Felt
Felt are a great option because they are thick and provide a lot of , which can help extend the life of your . It’s also relatively inexpensive, so it’s a great option if you’re on a budget.
Eco-Plush pads are made of tightly woven 100% recycled felt, made from new unused carpet fibers and yarn. They're great for cushioning and protecting your floors, and they also help soundproof and insulate your home.
- Free Shipping
- Custom Cut
- 6 Shape Options (square, rectangle, oval, runner, round, octogon)
- 3 Thickness Options (1/4", 3/8", 1/2")
- Made in USA
- 10 Year Guaranteed Warranty
- 100% Heat-Pressed Felt
- Soundproof
- Thick Cushion
- Safe For All Floors and Finishes
This rug pad from Mohawk is crafted with sustainable felt, providing long-lasting protection for your floors. The dense cushion adds a plush, comfortable feel to your rug, and can be easily resized with scissors.
Recommended for use under heavy furniture or larger area rugs, this pad is not intended to prevent slipping. Consider the felt with latex backing for a non-slip option.
- Made in America with sustainably sourced felt
- Reduces long-term damage and floor discoloration from rug backing
- Provides plush cushioned comfort with a dense cushion
- Available in 1/4" and 3/8” thickness for additional cushioning options
- Easily resized with scissors to fit any rug's size
- Easy to clean with spot cleaning or professional cleaning options
Memory Foam
Memory is a great choice for a because it’s thick and cushiony, providing a soft surface to walk on. Plus, it’s effective at gripping the so your doesn’t slip and slide around.
Looking for a little extra cushioning for your floor and rug? Cloud Comfort has got you covered! Made with 100% viscoelastic memory foam, it's designed to provide a supportive layer of protection for larger area rugs. Plus, it's super comfortable – just like a mattress!
- Free Shipping
- Custom Cut
- 6 Shape Options (square, rectangle, oval, runner, round, octogon)
- Made in USA
- 10 Year Guaranteed Warranty
- Soundproof
- Waterproof
- Thick Cushioning
- Safe For All Floors and Finishes
Felt + Rubber Combo
If you’re looking for a that will provide both and grip, a felt combo is a great option. This type of material is thick and durable, making it ideal for high traffic areas. It’s also great for use on hardwood floors, as it will help to protect the from scratches and scuffs.
Superior-Lock's plush cushioning and high-performing checkered natural rubber backing provide a unique anchor for your rug while preserving its beauty and extending its life.
This felt rug pad is great for keeping your area rug in place and preventing bunching, creeping, and curling. The rich, dense felt core also helps soften the rug and prevent floor damage. The grooved natural rubber backing also helps keep the rug from moving around.
- Free Shipping
- Custom Cut
- 6 Shape Options (square, rectangle, oval, runner, round, octogon)
- 2 Thickness Options (1/4", 7/16")
- Made in USA
- 10 Year Guaranteed Warranty
- Strong Grip
- Needle-punched Felt Layer
- Soundproof
- Safe For All Floors and Finishes
Thick Rug Pads Are Best For:
- You might want to consider a or if your furniture is heavy and could potentially damage your floors.
- Thick, high pile rugs. If you’ve got a big, thick , such as a Persian or , you’re going to want a equally hefty . Something like a 100% will do the trick and won’t damage your .
- If you have children.
- If you’re looking for a soundproofing option. Soundproofing can help absorb impact noise and improve your room’s ability to deflect sound.
Thin Rug Pads
Benefits of Thin Rug Pads
Some benefits of having a thin include:
- They are less expensive than thicker
- Low profile. They don’t add much height, so your doors won’t catch on them
- They’re easy to trim to fit any size
- Strong grip
Common Thin Rug Pad Material
Natural Rubber
One of the most common materials used for is . This material is very durable and provides a great grip, which helps keep your in place. It’s also a relatively affordable option, making it a great choice for many people.
If your rugs keep slipping and sliding in high-traffic areas, Super-Lock Natural is the best rug pad for you. It has a waffle design that allows air to flow between the rug and flooring, and also provides a comfortable level of cushioning.
This mat is made in the USA with over a pound of natural rubber per square yard. It's denser and heavier than comparable latex and PVC pads, so it won't scratch your floor, strip the finish, or stain.
- Free Shipping
- Custom Cut
- 6 Shape Options (square, rectangle, oval, runner, round, octogon)
- Made in USA
- 10 Year Guaranteed Warranty
- Strong Grip
- Easy to Clean
- Eco Friendly
- Safe for All Floors and Finishes
PVC (we recommend products without use of harmful chemicals such as Phthalates)
PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a common material used in
. It’s often chosen for its durability and affordability. PVC can last for years, making them a good investment for your home.
This low-profile rug pad is the perfect partner for high-end, high-maintenance rugs. Its solid construction (as opposed to open-weave) means more padding is in contact with your floors, providing maximum grip, floor protection and a comfortable level of cushioning.
- Free Shipping
- Custom Cut
- 6 Shape Options (square, rectangle, oval, runner, round, octogon)
- Made in USA
- 10 Year Guaranteed Warranty
- Strong grip
- Waterproof
- Low Profile
- Easy to Clean
Felt + Rubber Combo
Felt and are two of the most common. Felt is a great material for a because it’s thick and cushioned, which will help protect your from scratches and wear. is also a popular choice for because it’s durable and provides a firm grip, which will keep your from sliding around.
This low-profile, high-performance rug pad has some serious gripping power, making it perfect for high-traffic areas where you don't want your rug slipping around. RugPro combines a thin layer of felt with a solid natural rubber backing to keep your rug in place.
A good rubber backing will keep your rug from sliding around and offer more coverage than a traditional waffle-style rug pad. RugPro uses a natural rubber backing that contains more real rubber and less clay fillers, so it won't flake and degrade over time.
- Free Shipping
- Custom Cut
- 6 Shape Options (square, rectangle, oval, runner, round, octogon)
- Made in USA
- 10 Year Guaranteed Warranty
- Strong grip
- Low Profile
- Needle Punched Felt
- Thermo-bonded For Long Life
Thin Rug Pads Are Best For:
- If your is a or smaller, you might want a thinner with a natural grip instead of a thicker one. In this case, a non-slip with a could grip floors, keep your in place, and prevent slips.
- A thinner is a better option when you’re using medium-size or larger in high-traffic areas. For example, you need a slim but durable where the door is opened frequently.
The Pile Height of The Rug Can Help Determine the Size Rug Pad You Will Need
When choosing a , the of your can be helpful in determining the size you will need.
An with a higher will require a thicker to prevent the from slipping and to protect the floors beneath.
Conversely, a with a lower can usually get away with a thinner . Ultimately, it is important to choose a that will provide the right amount of and support for your particular .
Area Rugs With 1/4" or Lower Pile Height (Flat Weave Rugs/Runners)
If you’ve got a thin or flatweave rug, you’ll want to use a ⅛ or ¼-inch rug pad to keep it from slipping, bunching up, or curling at the ends. A felt and rubber combo works best with flatweave rugs, giving it a natural grip and preventing sliding, bunching, and wrinkling.
Area Rugs 1/4" to 1/2" Pile Height
The right size will give you the perfect amount of for comfort, and also help to protect your . A medium will usually match best with a ¼ or ⅜-inch .
Area Rugs Above 1/2" Pile Height
If your is ½-inch or more, matching it with a thick pad can result in tripping hazards. Too much can cause overly high levels and make movement uncomfortable. In this case, it might be best to choose a thinner pad, or even no pad at all (depending on the type of ). Depending on the situation and , we recommend a pad that is ¼ inch thick.
Rug Pad Sizing FAQs
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The needs to be a little bigger to cover your completely. Add an extra inch or so at the corners. This will give you the full coverage you need and prevent any bunching or wrinkling.
