An Introduction to Wool Rug Pads
For years, wool rug pads were not used. People didn’t know about them and didn’t even realize that they were available. It wasn’t until the 1990s that wool rug pads became a popular alternative to foam rug pads. Wool rug pads are known for their comfort and softness, and they have become a staple in the industry. Wool rug pads are now widely used by both professionals and consumers.
Wool rug pads are made from wool and are available in different levels of thicknesses for different rugs. Wool rug pads can be used under almost any type of area rug, to provide a soft, comfortable surface for your feet.
Wool rug pads are a good choice for people who are concerned about the health of their rugs and are looking for a natural, non-toxic option to go underneath their area rug.
Why Do I Need a Rug Pad?
When it comes to rugs, they’re all about layering. It’s not a matter of if to pad, but how and where. A rug pad is an essential tool to protect your rug and keep it in safe, pristine condition. A little bit of padding under the area rug can make all the difference in the world: It’s the Teflon of rugs.
Padding is protective, and a good rug pad will protect your rug from spills and stains. It’s like wearing suspenders and a belt.
Padding is preventive. It prevents your rug from bunching up and sliding off the edge of your rug pad. Without a rug pad, you could actually end up damaging your rug by putting stress on the edge.
How Do Rug Pads Work?
Rug pads are typically used on hardwood and tile floors. They add a soft cushion between the floor and the rug, thereby reducing the amount of abrasion that occurs. A rug pad will also keep the rug in place so that it does not slip when you and your family are walking on it, which can prevent slipping and falling injuries.
Most rug pads these days are designed with two sides. One side provides the cushion or comfort and sits facing up to attach and grab the rug, usually in felt or wool material, but also available in synthetic material, and the other half is backed with a thin rubber lining to adhere to the floor. Preventing it from moving.
What Are The Benefits of Using a Wool Rug Pad?
Which Type or Size Rug Pad is Best For My Rugs?
The type of rug pad that you use depends on the type of rug that you have. If your rug has a high pile, then it will require a thicker pad than if your rug has a low pile. The thickness of the pad will also depend on whether or not you are using a woven or a non-woven pad. There are many different types of rug pads available on the market today.
This helpful cheat sheet will help you find the best rug pad for your needs and will also help you determine which is best for what size rug you have.
| Size of Rug | Type of Rug Pad You Need |
|---|---|
|
Medium Size |
A Balance Of Cushioning And Non-Slip Grip |
|
Small Size |
Strong Grip & Low Profile
|
|
Large |
Thick Cushioning With Minimal Grip
|
How Much Does a Wool Rug Pad Cost vs Synthetic Rug Pads?
Wool rug pads provide many benefits over synthetics, but there is a significant price difference.
Wool rug pads are one of the most popular options for rug pads that are natural and eco-friendly, but they are also some of the most expensive pads as well. Synthetic rug pads on the other hand are relatively less expensive, but synthetic pads are not as eco-friendly as wool pads and tend to be much less durable.
The price of a wool rug pad will vary greatly depending on the size you are looking to buy.
For example, the Contour Lock from Rug Pad USA, one of the most trusted rug pad manufacturers in the USA, ranges in price from $44 at the smallest, to $908 at the largest. Note, these are some of the highest quality rug pads you can find and they are made from natural materials which will almost always be more expensive compared to synthetics, which you can find cheap versions of anywhere on Amazon.
Where Can I Get a Wool Rug Pad?
We mentioned Rug Pads USA above. We love sending our readers there as they create eco-friendly, all-natural rug pad options.
You can find a few of their best-selling and most popular below.
Rug Pro
These rug pads are designed for use in high-traffic areas like hallways, entryways and stairways to prevent the rug from slipping on hardwood floor.
RugPro combines a thin layer of felt with a solid natural rubber backing.
Felt has a very high tensile strength and is designed to wrap around and hold the bottom of your rug to prevent rug shifting, bunching & buckling.
This rug has a solid natural rubber backing for extra durability and to keep your rug firmly anchored to the floor and is highly rated by customers.
- Where It’s Made: USA
- Best For Securing low pile rugs to wood floor/hard floors
- Features: Low profile, Non slip rug pad
- Material: Wool/felt pad & natural rubber
- Warranty: 10 Years
Superior Lock
Superior-Lock marries plush cushioning with one-of-a-kind, high-performing checkered natural rubber backing.
You can anchor your rug securely to the floor. It also protects the floor and extends the life of your rug. This wool rug pad is highly rated by customers that have purchased this product.
- Where It’s Made: USA
- Best For: Glossy finishes that are prone to staining with synthetic
- Features: Sound proof, eco friendly, highly secure, long-lasting, odor-free, safe for all rugs, floors and finishes
- Material: Recycled wool/felt & natural rubber
- Warranty: 15 Years
Contour Lock
Contour-Lock is a 1/8” felt and rubber rug pad. It offers a firm grip and moderate levels of cushioning, without making your rug bulk.
Contour-Lock protects floors from scratches and rug backs, which also makes it for rugs with rough backings; it’s well suited for flat-woven rugs, like an oriental rug.
- Where It’s Made: USA
- Best For: Flat-woven rugs; small rugs inclined to bunch
- Features: eco-friendly, safe for all floors; moisture and mildew resistant
- Material: 100% Recycled wool/felt & natural rubber
- Warranty: 10 Years
