Why You Need a Rug Pad Under Your Area Rugs

You search excessive and low for the proper rug then simply plop it on the ground with out a lot as a second thought, solely to have the inevitable occur: Dents from heavy furnishings, annoying wrinkles, or worse—probably an accident slipping on a wonky nook. The apparent repair here’s a rug pad, however the higher method would have been to get one earlier than you had a purpose to.

Whereas security is first on the lengthy listing of rug pad advantages, do you know that rug pads can truly prolong the life and situation of your space carpets and flooring? And that’s not insignificant as a result of rugs—and flooring—can each be main investments price defending. However before you purchase simply any outdated rug pad, there are a selection of key particulars to remember when looking for one, from its materials to how you can discover the fitting form and measurement on your rug. That will help you navigate these difficult waters, we turned to the professionals for his or her perception on all the pieces it’s best to know before you purchase a rug pad. 

The first operate of a rug pad is to stop slips and falls, however these items might be simply as useful for rugs themselves. In line with Ben Hyman, co-founder and CEO of Revival Rugs, rug pads exist to guard three issues: You, your flooring, and your rug. 

“Rug pads assist lengthen a rug’s lifespan and high quality as a result of they forestall direct contact with the ground, shielding it from mud and different particles,” says Hyman. “Plus, it permits the rug to put flat, so it doesn’t bunch.” Take into account a rug pad an additional layer of assist between your flooring and heavy furnishings, cushioning the burden of your furnishings to stop indents throughout. 

Whereas the concept of shelling out further cash to buy a rug pad can appear pointless, Katy McColl Lukens, editorial director of Annie Selke, says to think about it as a needed funding. “A pad will assist forestall any harm to the flooring beneath, and it’ll additionally hinder wear-and-tear on that hand-knotted Moroccan wool you saved up for.”

Not all rug pads are created equal. A fundamental Google search will reveal quite a lot of choices, most of that are fabricated from felt or an “eco-friendly” artificial materials. Vintage rug professional Omri Schwartz of Nazmiyal Rugs says that almost all of rug pads we see lately are comprised of both horsehair, felt, rubber, or jute, every bringing its distinctive profit to the desk. 

“Some rug pads could mix a few these supplies, resembling rubber for grip and felt for cushion,” he says, whereas others will add in a layer of padding to offer a rug extra “physique”. That stated, Schwartz doesn’t suggest putting in a extremely comfortable pad below a skinny or flat woven rug because the disparity in thickness can look unusual and even trigger you to journey.

“Usually the thickness of the rug itself helps information which kind of pad it’s best to go for,” notes McColl Lukens. “For instance, you probably have a better pile rug, it’s best to use a heavyweight or dense rug pad.” In case your rug is thinner, finest to make use of one thing that’s additionally low profile.

By way of materials, most consultants agree {that a} rug pad that includes a mix of felt and rubber makes for the perfect pairing. “You should buy 100 p.c felt rug pads, however a rubber composite is often higher, because it combines each recycled felt and pure rubber,” says Hyman. He additionally recommends steering away from “non-stick” pads which can be fabricated from skinny gridded rubber, which may fuse into the underside of a rug after years of use, harming each the rug itself and in the end, the flooring.  

It’s precisely because it sounds: Grip is supposed to anchor the rug to the pad, whereas cushioning gives an added layer of consolation and provides. 

Earlier than making a rug pad buy, McColl Lukens highlights the significance of serious about the place the rug will go. For those who’re planing to put a chunk in a high traffic space, such because the entry or kitchen, or on a slippery floor, resembling within the toilet, you’ll need one thing that provides a strong grip—these are often the fashions which have extra rubber in them. In case your rug is for a bed room or if you happen to’re layering a rug on prime of one other (sure, you continue to want a rug pad, even in that occasion!), a strong or barely thicker pad that provides softness and physique can be a greater guess.

“Thinner rug pads are okay for pile rugs that have already got a cushion,” says Hyman. “Nevertheless it’s at all times good to go together with a pad that has a rubber backing to keep away from staining the ground or stripping it of its end.”

Most rug pads might be lower to the proper measurement, so purchase one which’s barely bigger than your rug so you will have room to customise it. You at all times need a rug pad to be fully hidden below your rug and to be roughly one inch lower than your rug’s general measurement on all 4 sides, notes Hyman. Right here, trimming is essential.

Seize a ruler to determine the size and width of the rug you will have. Then use a felt-tip pen to mark the place to trim your rug pad and a pair of sharp, heavy-duty scissors to chop it. “Subtract 2-inches out of your rug’s measurements, and that offers you the size of the rug pad,” says Hyman. “So you probably have a rug that’s 7’7” by 10’2”, you’ll need a 7’5” by 10’ rug pad.”

Don’t overlook: You may at all times go smaller however not larger, so measure twice and lower as soon as! You probably have a spherical, oval, or an irregularly formed rug, you’re higher off tracing the rug’s form in your pad after which fastidiously trimming it by sight to a smaller measurement, says McColl Luken.

“No matter what individuals will let you know, all pads will disintegrate over time,” says Schwartz. “So all pads must be thought of disposable and non permanent.” Briefly, it’s not price overpaying for a rug pad. Consider them as one thing that may serve a function for a time frame as a substitute of buying an costly one and pondering it’s going to final ceaselessly. For optimum efficacy, most mavens suggest changing your rug pads each three to 4 years years. Two good occasions to start out recent with a brand new rug pad are if you’re shopping for a brand new rug or having your rug professionally cleaned.

Any of the next rug pads will serve your area nicely, so use this as a leaping off level on your search.

Each reasonably priced and versatile, Revival Rug’s premium pad is comprised of a ⅛” thick felt and rubber rug pad, which gives each grip and cushioning. Manufactured from 100 p.c recycled felt and pure rubber, it’s not solely secure for all flooring however is moisture- and mildew-resistant as nicely. 

Purchase: Premium Rug Pad, Beginning at $79.99 from Revival Rugs

Accessible in quite a lot of sizes and shapes (oval, included!) this foolproof choice guarantees to maintain your rug anchored in place. Made out of 100 p.c recycled artificial fibers, this skinny however barely comfortable piece might be simply trimmed to your most popular measurement. 

Purchase: Grey Premium High quality Rug Pad, Beginning at $26.99 $17.02 from Rugs USA

Made out of recycled artificial fibers and all pure rubber, this versatile pad comes with a non-skid backing that forestalls slipping, wrinkling, and bunching. The cushioned piece—with loads of constructive critiques to again it up—gained’t stain your flooring and might operate simply as nicely on laminate, hardwood, or tile.  

Purchase: Mohawk House® Twin Floor Rug Pad, Beginning at $17.99 from Mattress Bathtub & Past

For those who’re working with hardwood flooring or robust surfaces, this polyvinyl grip pad is the way in which to go. Skinny but efficient, it’s going to safe your touchdown pad in place with out including to the pile of the rug.  

Purchase: Help Grip Rug Pad, Beginning at $10.00 from Anthropologie