Types of rug pads

Felt pads

A dense felt pad adds cushion and helps the rug lie flat. It protects the rug from grinding against a hard floor, which is where much of a rug’s wear comes from.

Plain felt has little grip on its own. It works best under large, heavy rugs held in place by furniture.

Natural rubber pads

A thin rubber pad grips both the floor and the rug, so it is the usual choice for runners, small rugs and kitchens. It adds very little height, which helps where a door has to swing over the rug.

It gives almost no cushion. Choose natural rubber rather than PVC or other plastics, which can stick to or stain some floor finishes.

Felt and rubber combined

A felt top bonded to a natural rubber back gives cushion and grip in one pad. It suits most hand-knotted and flat-woven rugs on hard floors.

A thickness of about a quarter inch is common for living rooms and bedrooms. Use a thinner pad in entries and under doors.

Pads for rugs on carpet

A rug laid on wall-to-wall carpet tends to creep and bunch. Rubber made for hard floors does not grip carpet, so use a firm felt pad or one sold for rug-on-carpet use.

Pads to avoid

Avoid cheap waffle-grid pads made of PVC or other plastics. They can flatten, crumble, stick to the floor or discolor its finish over time. Check the label and choose natural rubber.

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