There are many different options available for rug pads, but not all of these options will suit every application. It is best to buy a pad that is specially designed for use under an area rug. Avoid cutting pieces of under-carpet padding to fit your rug, as rug pads have unique qualities not found in carpet padding.

What to Consider When Choosing a Rug Pad

Though it’s often overlooked, a rug pad has many benefits beneath an area rug. Keep these different considerations in mind and prioritize when choosing a material for your area rug, as each type of material has different benefits.

Safety: Preventing a rug from slipping underfoot is one of the main reasons why a rug pad is important. This is especially important with smaller rugs and those that are found in entryways and hallways.Comfort: A rug pad beneath an area rug makes for a thicker, cushier floor covering. This can be important for heavy-traffic areas or play areas and recreation rooms.Soundproofing: A rug pad can help deaden sound in a room.Environmental impact: Some rug pad materials are 100 percent natural or made from recycled materials, while others are synthetic materials that may outgas small amounts of chemical VOCs (volatile organic compounds).Cost: If budget is an issue, you will want to consider the comparative costs of different rug pad materials. For example, it’s possible to spend as little as $25 for an 8 x 10 economy polyester pad, or as much as $300 for a top-of-the-line memory foam pad.Protection of floor and rug: Some rug pads have an open weave design that allows air to circulate between the rug and the floor. This can be an important consideration for controlling humidity that can damage hardwood floors or the rug.

Check With the Flooring Manufacturer

Before selecting your rug pad, check the recommendations of your flooring manufacturer. Some types of materials found in rug pads may not be recommended for use on certain flooring types, as they may cause damage to your floor. For example, a rug pad made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) can cause discoloration in vinyl flooring and certain types of hardwood finishes. Even laminate floors often hailed as ‘indestructible,’ are not necessarily immune to damage from inappropriate padding. Always check your floor’s warranty to determine if any materials are prohibited from use, and never use any type of product or material that is not recommended by the manufacturer.​

Types of Rug Pads

The are seven types of rug pads currently available. Carefully consider their characteristics to select the type best for your situation.

Felt

Rug pads made from 100 percent felt are typically made from recycled natural and synthetic fibers woven together to make a relatively thick and cushy pad at an affordable price. Felt pads may include fibers of wool, cotton, polyester, nylon, and other materials, all visible in the woven pad, which usually has a grayish color. Felt is one of the most popular of all rug pad materials, but slipping can be a problem with felt pads placed on hardwood or tile, especially with small rugs. In these cases, a hybrid felt/natural rubber pad will be a better choice (see below).

Good for: All floors where a thick cushion is wanted and slipping is not a concern.

Natural rubber rug pads tend to be fairly thin, starting at about 1/10 inch, so they can be a good choice where you want a low profile.

Good for: Any flooring type, especially hardwood.

Good for: Any flooring material where both grip and cushion are needed.

Good for: Damp locations, like kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor locations

Unlike PVC and other synthetic foams, memory foam is relatively stable with little potential for outgassing or staining hardwood floors. Several thicknesses are available, ranging from 1/4 to 1/2 inch.

Good for: All flooring materials.

Good for: Outdoor locations; non-wood indoor floors in damp locations.

For laying an area rug over carpet, look for a specially designed rug-to-carpet pad. These pads are typically made of polyester with a vinyl coating and are made to prevent the rug from bunching up on the carpet underneath.

Good for: Outdoor rugs, pet areas, moist areas; between carpets and rugs.