Are you considering placing an area rug on your hardwood floors? Have you heard of the many benefits that come with bringing warmth, style, and comfort to your space? If so, then youโre probably wondering if you need a pad underneath the area rug for it to stay in place.
A pad underneath an area rug on hardwood floors is essential for providing cushion, insulation, protection against scratches and dents, and non-slip support. Investing in a good quality, felt rug pad is one of the best investments you can make for your floor and rug.ย
In this blog post, I will discuss in detail the importance of a rug pad in preventing slips and prolonging the life of your area rug, as well as cover all the important factors to consider when shopping for a pad.
I will also review the top rug pad product on the market, so you can make an informed decision when it comes to choosing one for your home.
Is A Rug Pad Necessary On Hardwood Floors?
Here are some of the key reasons why you should use a rug pad on your hardwood floors:
โ Prolongs Life Of Hardwood Floors:
A rug pad will help protect and prolong the life of your hardwood floors by absorbing any shocks from foot traffic and furniture, thereby reducing the wear and tear on your floor.
It also helps reduce friction between the rug and hardwood floors, which helps protect them from scratches.
Avoid buying cheap and low-quality pads. While they may seem like a good choice at first, they will not last long and could potentially damage your hardwood floor.
Cheap pads can contain abrasive materials that scratch and dull your floorโs finish. In addition, these pads often do not adhere securely to the floor, resulting in a shifting and slipping rug โ posing a safety hazard.
โ Adds Cushion And Comfort:
A rug pad adds a layer of cushion between the floor and your feet, making it much more comfortable to walk on. This is especially important if you have kids running around or elderly people who need extra cushioning.
It also helps absorb more noise, reducing the sound of footsteps and furniture movement.
โ Maximize Airflow:
Rug pads are an essential accessory for hardwood floors, as they promote optimum air circulation. Airflow between the floor and rug helps prevent dirt and dust from being trapped in the fibers of your rug and allows for easy vacuuming.
This keeps the underside of your rug clean, preventing it from becoming a breeding ground for allergens and bacteria. Additionally, airflow prevents moisture from becoming trapped, which can cause damage to both your flooring and rug over time.
By providing ample airflow, you reduce the risk of developing mold or mildew under your rug.
โ Warms The Floor:
Although hardwood floors are generally warm compared to other hard floor surfaces like tile, they can be cold to the touch, especially in wintertime. A rug pad helps provide some insulation and warmth, making it much more comfortable to walk on.
โ Provides Non-Slip Surface:
Many area rugs have synthetic or natural fiber backings that are quite slippery when placed on a bare wood floor. A rug pad provides a non-slip surface, which helps keep the rug in place and also reduces slipping, tripping, and falling hazards.
โ Available In Various Sizes:
Rug pads are available in a wide range of sizes, so youโll be able to find one that fits your area rug perfectly.
If you prefer a more bouncy feel on your floor, the ยฝ inch thickness is an excellent choice. Itโs important to choose one that is at least 1 inch smaller than the rug, as this will allow for a taper along the edge and prevent your heel from getting caught on the edge of the rug.
โ Does Not Contain Toxic Fumes:
When shopping for a rug pad, itโs important to consider the material it is made of. Many area rugs contain toxic fumes that can spoil your indoor air quality.
A rug pad made from materials such as 100% felt will not emit any toxic fumes, thus making it safer for your family.
It is essential to avoid those containing rubber or latex. Not only do most rugs contain hazardous chemicals that can harm your indoor air quality, but they will also leave a yellow stain on your hardwood floor.
If the pigment becomes permanent, it will be difficult to remove and may require professional intervention, resulting in costly repairs.
Whatโs The Right Pad For Your Space?
When it comes to selecting a pad, there are several factors to consider:
The first step is to determine what kind of hardwood flooring you have. Depending on the material, different types of pads may be better suited for your needs.
For example, natural rubber works well with engineered hardwood floors, while felt and rubber combinations offer grip and cushioning for solid hardwood floors.
And if youโre using an area rug on laminate or tile flooring, youโll likely need a felt, foam pad, or felt and rubber combination with good cushioning.
Once you determine the type of pad that best fits your floor, itโs time to think about the rug itself. The same rule applies here โ youโll want to choose a pad based on the texture and thickness of your rug.
A thin pad may be enough for a braided cotton area rug or smaller rugs, but if you have something thicker like wool or an antique Persian, an extra cushion might be in order.
If your area rug is still sliding on the rug pad, you can make it stick with Velcro strips or rug grippers. That way, your room will have a neat and secure look!
Final Thought!
Investing in a quality rug pad is an essential decision if you want your floors to remain beautiful and well-maintained for years.
For this reason, I recommend investing in a natural felt rug pad, such as the RUGPADUSA 1/2โณ Thick โ 100% Felt โ Protective Cushioning Rug Pad. This product is made from 100% recycled fibers and contains no toxic or synthetic materials that could ruin your floor.
Not only is this rug pad free of rubber or latex, but itโs also heftier and more compressed than the majority of other pads on todayโs market โ making it the ideal companion for hardwood floorings!
