Getting a rug pad is a great way to protect hardwood floors, provide maximum comfort and keep your rug in place. However, there are various types of rug pads available. Some are noticeably thicker than others, so you’ll need to decide the thickness that you would like before you pick out a rug pad. This complete rug pad thickness guide will tell you everything that you need to know to make sure that you purchase the rug pad that is right for you.
What Is A Rug Pad?
A rug pad is an extra cushion that sits in between your rug and the floor. These pads are known for helping protect hardwood floors, provide a bit of cushion and prevent excessive wear and tear to your rug.
Advantages Of Using Rug Pads
Rug pads are known for providing extra comfort more than anything. However, there are several other advantages to owning a rug pad that every rug owner should learn about. They provide an additional layer of effective insulation for an affordable price while simultaneously helping you to protect the flooring under your rug.
Rug Pads Protect Hardwood Flooring
Hand-knotted rugs are notoriously thin which can make it easy for the hardwood floors underneath the rug to become damaged. Spills will often leak through the rug, and there will be wear and tear on the floors. When you place a rug pad underneath your oriental rug, there will be an additional layer of floor protection to prevent hardwood floor damage.
Pads With A Strong Grip Will Hold Rugs In Place
Rugs that slide along the floor can be dangerous and difficult to clean. When homeowners opt for a rubber rug pad the natural rubber will grip the floor underneath the rug pad, helping keep your rug in place.
Rug Pads Help Extend The Life Of Your Rug
Providing your rug with an extra inch of cushioning will help it bounce back after being walked on. A simple 1/2 inch rug pad can help your high pile rug stay beautiful, and help you save money on repairs due to portions of the rug having a low pile.
Prevents Damage From Concrete Floors
Concrete floors are notorious for not being smooth. Small pieces of jagged concrete stick up from the floor and slowly scrape against your rug. Over time, this can make natural fibers fray or put holes in your rug.
A layer of protection between a concrete floor and your rug is essential to save you money on costs from floor damage and preserve your rug. A damaged hand-knotted rug will be worth significantly less than a well-preserved antique rug.
Increases Air Circulation
Hand-knotted rugs made from natural fibers, such as wool, are known for growing mold and mildew. Putting a rug pad underneath your rug helps promote air circulation, preventing the excessive growth of mold and mildew.
Rug Pad Are Great For Sound Proofing
If you have floors that echo, or neighbors that live underneath of you, picking up a rug pad is a must. Thick rug pads will instantly help you reduce the sound echoing in your house. They’ll make sure that the neighbors underneath your apartment can’t hear your footsteps, instantly creating a more pleasant environment for everyone.
Protect Your Rug From Heated Floors
Heated floors are a wonderful idea if you don’t want to step on cold floors in the morning. However, the consistent heat that rugs are exposed to can slowly damage rugs. It will make natural fibers weaker and make your rug look worn sooner. A rug pad that provides additional cushioning will act as the perfect buffer to help keep your gorgeous hand-knotted rug looking new.
Purchasing The Correct Sized Rug Pad Is Crucial
When purchasing a rug pad, it’s important to remember that the rug pad should be slightly smaller than the rug itself. You do not want the rug pad to be visible underneath the rug.
To determine the size that you need, measure your rug. Then, subtract 1-2 inches from those measurements. This will tell you what size your rug pad should be. Remember that the edges of rugs should slightly hang over the rug pad to hide the rug pad.
If you cannot find a rug pad in the correct size, purchase one that is larger. Then, trim the rug pad down to the size that you need.
What To Consider When Choosing A Rug Pad
After deciding on the size and material that you prefer, it’s important to consider the thickness. Rug pads are available in various thicknesses up to 1/2 inch thick. How thick your rug pad greatly depends on the benefits that you want to see from your rug pad.
Cushion Preference
If you want a rug pad to provide a bit of cushion, it’s important to get one that offers the maximum amount of thickness. You are more likely to find a rug pad that is thicker in memory foam or natural rubber than you are felt. Keep that in mind when shopping for a rug.
Non-Slip Rug Pads
No matter how gorgeous your rug is, you can’t help but get annoyed when it starts to slowly slide across the floor. It can be a pain to vacuum and create a hazard for small children running through the house. That’s why pads with an excellent grip are always a great option!
When shopping for a non-slip rug pad, make sure that you pick a natural rubber rug pad. These naturally have a strong grip on the floor underneath them to hold your rug in place. For additional cushion underfoot, purchase a rug pad that is a combination of rubber and felt.
Eco-Friendly Rug Pads
Rug pads that are made from synthetic materials are known for releasing VOCs into the air. These chemicals are known hormone disruptors and can cause significant side effects. These side effects include but are not limited to, a sore throat, eye irritation, organ damage, and breathing problems.
Eco-friendly rug pads are a better choice for the health of you and your loved ones. Opt for rug pads that are made of natural rubber and felt. These provide a combination of cushion and non-slip benefits. Jute rug pads are another natural choice that provides a subtle cushion.
Price
Before buying a rug pad, it’s important to figure out your budget. Rug pads are available in every price range, but usually thicker rug pads are more expensive.
However, rug pads can usually save you quite a bit in the long run because you do not have to spend as much money on repairs for your rug down the road. Because of that, it can be well worth it to save up your money to buy a high quality rug pad.
The Size Of Your Rug
Smaller rugs are more likely to slip and slide all over the floor. It’s best to purchase a non-slip rug pad for small rugs and mats.
Medium sized area rugs require a combination of cushion for comfort and a strong grip in a rug pad. A pad that is made of both felt and natural rubber is the perfect choice for this size rug.
Larger area rugs that are less likely to move out of place will be fine with a rug pad that is not designed to have an excellent grip.
Location
Make sure to consider the location of your rug when choosing a rug pad. Rugs that are placed near doors need a low profile rug pad to make sure that there is ample room for the door to open and close.
If your rug is placed in a high traffic area, a low profile rug pad is also recommended. Over time, a thick rug pad will not bounce back into shape, and it will need replaced. You won’t have this problem with thinner rug pads.
Rugs that are held in place by furniture don’t require a pad with a strong grip. Instead, opt for a product that provides the comfort that you want in the area.
It’s also important to keep in mind that all rugs don’t need a rug pad underneath them. Rugs that are in areas with no traffic will be fine without something underneath of them.
Warranty
Before you pick up a new rug pad, it’s important to read the fine print to determine what kind of warranty is offered. Most high quality products offer at least a ten year warranty! These may be a bit more expensive, but you’ll save money in the long run because you won’t have to replace your rug pad as often.
Waterproofing
Rugs that are going to be in areas with a lot of spills, such as the kitchen or dining room, need a waterproof rug pad. This can also come in handy in high traffic areas, such as an entryway. When people wipe their feet on a rug after coming in from the rain, you won’t have to worry about it damaging your rug pad. Waterproof rug pads are perfect for every home that has children or pets.
FAQ
Do I need a rug pad on hardwood floors?
You do not have to purchase a rug pad for hardwood floors. Your rug will not damage your floors. However, most people choose to in order to provide an extra layer of protection for the floors from other things, such as normal wear and tear or spills. However, you might want to purchase a rug pad for your rug. These are a great way to protect your rug from wear and tear, and to keep your rug from slipping all over the floor.
What type of rug pad do I need?
Opt for a natural rug pad made from felt, jute, or natural rubber. If you need a pad with an excellent grip, natural rubber is a great idea. Large size rug pads designed for area rugs should be mostly felt as area rugs are less likely to slip.
How thick should a rug pad be?
A rug pad that is designed for comfort should be 1/2 inch thick. Rug pads that are being used for non-slip purposes can be thinner at 1/16 inch. When deciding how thick your rug pad should be, consider what benefits you would like to get from it.
How much smaller should a rug pad be?
A rug pad should be one inch smaller than the rug on all sides. The rug should carefully hang over the edges of the rug pad so that you cannot see the pad underneath the fabric. The one inch margin starts where the edge of the fabric starts. Do not include the fringes of your rug when measuring it.
In Conclusion
Finding the perfect rug pad is easy once you know what you’re looking for! For more tips and trips on rugs, check out the rest of our blogs!