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Add cushion, support, and stability to your rugs and carpets.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
The number one reason to use a rug pad is for safety.
To find the best rug pads, we tested them in our lab.
For more about how we tested rug pads, see our testing process below.
Credit: Amazon
You wont be able to make smooth, long cuts on the pad with regular scissors.
Awool rugfelt less slippery and safer to walk on with this rug pad under it.
During testing, we pushed it around with our feet, and it did not move an inch.
The Loloi Grip Rug Pad can be used with linoleum, tile, carpet, or hardwood.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock
We had mixed feelings when it came to vacuuming with the pad.
If we went the other way aroundfloor to rugit was a bit tricker, but still possible.
It is Green Label Plus Certified, which means it has low chemical emissions.
We detected no funkysmells from off-gassingat all, even up close.
The rug pad comes in assorted sizes and shapes including square, round, oval, and runner options.
The pad is available in oval, rectangle, round, runner, and square shapes.
The rug moved around somewhat when we pushed on it during testing.
We also had issues with the rug bunching up when we ran the vacuum over it.
Its easily dented and might not be the best choice under heavy furniture.
For starters, its extra thick at 7/16 inches and feels cushiony and supportive.
There is also a 14 inch option available, if you need a flatter option.
Its also water-resistant, so it shouldprotect hardwood floorsfrom moisture if liquids spill.
The rug pad completely stabilized aslippery shag rugin our testing lab.
During the weight test, we noticed that the pad had slight indentations.
Keep in mind that this rug pad is more expensive than many of our other picks.
But we think its totally worth it if youre looking for superb cushioning and quality.
It comes in 26 sizes.
It cant be used on top of carpets.
We also noticed that pulling the grippers off the floor took a lot more effort than we anticipated.
But, the good thing was that we didnt notice any residue or damage left on the floor.
In addition, we didnt smell anystrong odors.
One important notethese are for hard floors only, not carpet.
Plus its comfortable and offers adequate cushioning.
Our Testing Process
First, we evaluated the rugs without the rug pads underneath for accurate comparison.
We laid them out and pushed them around with our feet to see how much they shifted.
Next, we walked on the rugs to assess the cushioning, support, and stability.
We also vacuumed each rug.
The cushioning is soft, making the rug springy and nice to step on.
Another downsidethe rug shifted a lot when we vacuums.
It also doesnt have a lot of cushioning.
Credit: Target
One of the things we liked was that there was no odor whatsoever, even up close.
Felt rug pads with rubber backings give you the best of both worlds.
She adds that rug pads made from synthetic materials may off-gas or release potentially harmful chemicals in the air.
At 1/8th of an inch thick, the Nuloom Brody Rug Pad is ideal to use with flat weave or low-pile rugs.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock
I recommend looking for a rug pad labeled Low VOC and/or made from natural materials, Del Vento says.
Thickness
Rug pads are usually between 14 to 12 inch thick.
The ideal thickness depends on the bang out of rug, where its placed, and personal preferences.
Floor punch in
When it comes to buying the right rug pad, floor punch in matters.
For an area rug, first considerhow thick the rug is.
Flatweave area rugs should use an 14 inch rug pad as a flatweave is thin, Daley says.
Using a thicker rug pad will only lift the height of the rug and provide a tripping hazard.
Your Questions, Answered
Should a rug pad be the same size as the rug?
Are rug pads necessary?
Rug pads canprotect your floor and rugsfrom damage due to wear and tear from daily use and heavy furniture.
Does a rug pad make a rug softer?
In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.
Credit: Amazon
The Mohawk Rug Pad is made of felt and rubber, and we tested the 3/8-inch thick option.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock
Credit: Amazon
The Rug Pad USA Cloud Comfort Memory Foam Rug Pad is nice and plush at 7/16 inches thick.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock
Credit: Amazon
The Gorilla Grip Grippers are adhesive strips, rather than a pad the same size as the rug.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
