Our favorite was the Room&Board Natural Rubber Rug Pad for its impressive quality and steadfastness against sliding. This rug pad didn’t move at all, even when our testers took a running start. Here are all of our top picks for the best rug pads on the market. While we noticed this rug pad didn’t fit perfectly under the test rug, it does come in a variety of sizes (from 2 x 3 feet to 10 x 14 feet) that might work for your rug needs. And, if what you order isn’t a perfect match, you can always trim the edges for slight adjustments. This rug pad isn’t advertised as being cushioned, but, after placing several Legos under the rug pad, our testers noted that it actually cushioned their steps surprisingly well. Others have compared the cushion effect of this rug pad to “walking in your favorite sneaker while barefoot.” In terms of maintenance and longevity, the Room & Board rug pad is easy to wash, mildew-resistant, and highly durable thanks to the natural rubber material. Testing proved its durability with no flaws, tears, or other wear after vacuuming and rough treatment. It’s available for purchase at a median price point and won’t need to be replaced for a long time. For all of these reasons and more, the Room&Board Natural Rubber Rug Pad is the best overall option for safety, cost, and effectiveness. Price at time of publish: $29 When testing, our team observed that the 3 x 5 foot rug pad did not fit under a rug of the same size, so you may need to trim the edges if this occurs. However, this rug pad comes in more than 30 size options, so you’re sure to find one that fits your needs. Another characteristic of this particular rug pad is that it works on both hard and soft surfaces. If using it on hardwoods or tile, simply place the latex side of the rug pad down; for carpets, the felt side. This rug pad runs slightly more expensive than others on our list, but you’re getting a high value for the price. Price at time of publish: $34 The open weave design isn’t particularly thick or cushioning. However, it was able to absorb some of the shock during the Lego test, adding a barrier between the small toy and our testers’ feet. It’s available in seven sizes and can be returned within 90 days if you’re unsatisfied. Overall, this rug pad is a low-cost option that still gives you a high-quality result. Price at time of publish: $8 This rug pad is available in a range of sizes, but if you can’t find one that fits your needs, you can easily trim it down one to two inches. While our testers noticed the rug did slip a little, this particular rug pad is designed to cushion rugs under pieces of furniture or heavy throw rugs, so slippage is not typically an issue. The design of this rug pad is highly durable and built to last for many years. And while it’s not machine-washable, most messes can be spot cleaned with a mild detergent. Price at time of publish: $37 While this option runs a little higher in price than others on the market, you’re receiving extra perks, such as the synthetic material (with no animal or plant fibers), and custom trimming to make sure the rug pad fits your exact rug measurements. This no-slip rug pad is a particularly great option for households with pets and small children. This rug pad comes recommended by Joanna Mahserdjian, owner of Upstate Rug Supply, who says its durability makes it one of her favorite picks on the market. Price at time of publish: N/A Other bonus features of the Crate & Barrel Rug Pad are its 15-year warranty and CRI Green Label Certification—meaning the material doesn’t off-gas or release potentially harmful chemicals into your home. The material is also specially designed not to stain your floors and is easy to cut through should it need trimming around the edges. Price at time of publish: $80 Despite the suction capabilities, these rug pad grippers don’t damage the floor when removed and can be washed while still attached to the rug. They can also be peeled off easily when you’re ready to remove them—however, once removed they will not adhere back on, making them essentially single-use. Our testers noted that even when kicked and vacuumed, these rug pads didn’t move, making them a good investment to prevent slips. Price at time of publish: $16 for 4 It can’t, however, be used on heated floors, or have any heat applied to it. Our testers noticed the rug pad easily wrinkled, and when they tried to steam the wrinkles out, it started to melt. Due to this heat issue, it’s best to use this rug pad indoors in a controlled temperature. Price at time of publish: $48 for 2x3 Size Our testers noted that while the waterproof capabilities are impressive, the price is a touch high for a rug pad that’s missing significant cushioning and non-slip gripping. That’s not to say there’s no cushioning, but when our team placed a Lego under the rug pad, they could still detect it when walking across the rug. So, if you’re in the market for a rug pad that will survive the happy chaos of a pet-filled home, this is a good option. If you want more features, you should consider other options on our list. Price at time of publish: $210 We noticed that these squares are highly durable and somewhat cushioned, but do not grip the floor as well as others we tested. If you’re concerned about possible slips, you can always get rug tape to help better secure the rug pads to the floor. If you don’t need all 12 rug pad squares that come in the pack, the leftovers are compact and can be easily stored. Price at time of publish: $24 This rug pad is highly versatile because it comes in several sizes and can be trimmed down to fit unique rug shapes. It also has an extremely strong grip to keep the rug from sliding—making it ideal for both windy and humid climates. The polyester material is also simple to clean, so when the elements start to make it grimy, it can be washed with ease. Price at time of publish: $49 Our tests took real-world scenarios into consideration—such as a stray object getting lost under a rug (cushion test), and the possibility of pets and children running across the rug (slip test)—to determine which rug pads would hold up the best in your home. After comparing each rug pad in the categories of quality, effectiveness, durability, and overall value, we narrowed down our options to bring you this list.
What to Look for in a Rug Pad
Material
Different materials are better suited to specific types of flooring. Common rug pad materials include PVC, an affordable option, rubber, which grips the rug and holds it in place while providing extra cushioning, and/or felt, which is better for carpeting or rugs anchored by furniture because it doesn’t provide much grip. “I like a rubber-backed felt pad,” says Mahserdjian. “It holds the rug in place, keeping it from shifting (goodbye tripping hazard!).” She suggests selecting a thin felt size, “nothing too thick and bulky!”
Thickness
If you’re looking for a rug pad that provides extra cushioning, thickness definitely matters. A good rule of thumb is to choose a rug pad that’s between 1/8 and 1/4 of an inch thick, with a thinner pad better for high traffic areas and a thicker pad better for larger, heavier rugs. A lot of this decision will depend on personal preference, though, so feel free to go bigger or smaller. Overall, it’s best not to go over 1/2-inch thick.
Size
You’ll want a rug pad that’s smaller than your rug by 1-2 inches on all sides. Sticking with these dimensions will ensure your pad stays hidden, plus keeps the edges flat against the floor to prevent tripping. Be sure to double-check the sizes of both your rug and the rug pad of your choice before making any purchases.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Madison Yauger is an Assistant Commerce Editor covering all things bed, bath, and design for The Spruce. For this article, she reached out to a design expert and owner of a rug store, researched the different types of rug pads, and reviewed testing insights from our team to glean a full picture of these products. Madison has been writing in the lifestyle space for five years, with over 120 bylines at Real Simple, Martha Stewart Living, People, and more. You can do this by either vacuuming and using a wet mop or Swiffer to clean the floor. As far as cleaning the actual rug pad, Mahserdijan suggests periodically vacuuming your rug pad—no more than every few months, as necessary.
