Do I need a rug pad?
When shopping for a rug, one of the most common questions we get from our customers is “do I need a rug pad?”
The answer depends on the type of flooring the rug is intended for. But first, a quick lesson in rug pads.
1.) What does a rug pad do?
Rug pads are a fabric or rubber layer with a grippy surface placed beneath area rugs to prevent them from slipping, sliding, or otherwise moving when stepped on. They are usually sold as oversized sheets and are intended to be "cut to fit". This allows you to hide them perfectly beneath your rug!
2.) What types of rug pads are there?
Rug pads come in a huge variety of sizes and materials, each with their own benefit. From felt, rubber, a hybrid mix, and even memory foam, whatever your need, there's a rug pad out there for you!
The most common rug pad you'll find in a big box retail store will be the "rubber mat" variety. These are essentially rug-sized versions of the rubber shelf liners you might find in the kitchen aisle. They rely on the rubbery texture of the material to provide the grip you need. They're ideal when a firm grip is a priority, and typically offer a medium amount of cushioning thanks to the rubber construction. They can be made from either synthetic or natural rubber. As an additional benefit, rubber is moisture resistant, making them ideal for a damp environment such as an entryway, bathroom, or kitchen.
Another type of rug pad is the hybrid "sticky" adhesive fabric variety. These are typically made from a very thin composite hybrid fabric made from several recycled materials and are coated with a tacky layer that helps to grab onto not only the rug above, but also the hardwood or tile below. But don't worry! They shouldn't damage your flooring, as the adhesive is more akin to a Post-It note than glue. These work great to keep your rug in place, but can be a bit tricky to place since they tend to stick to themselves. The upside to a hybrid rug pad is usually reflected in the low cost, as the recycled nature and thin profile make them naturally more affordable than a rug pad made from a more premium material. The downside to these is that they are less moisture resistant than a synthetic or rubber material, so they may be less tolerant of a damp environment. They also offer less of a cushion than a thicker pad, though their low profile can be ideal for rugs placed near a doorway.
The final, and most expensive, type of rug pad are made from memory foam. These are the highest profile and most supportive pad available. They offer outstanding comfort and cushioning, though they may have some trouble staying in place on hardwood floors.
Our rugs are made with a rigid backing to ensure that they lay fat and won’t bunch or curl under heavy traffic. When used on carpet, they don’t require any other layer beneath to keep them in place. When using one of our rugs on hardwood, we typically recommend using a rug pad to help secure them.
Any commercially available rug pad will work, whether they be the “sticky” adhesive type or the rubber mat variety. Just trim the rug pad to fit and place beneath your new rug, step back and enjoy the view!