A rug pad works as a buffer between your floor and rug and makes all the difference for your rug’s functions, feel and look.
Rug underlay provides many benefits to your rug and the floor. It provides a foundation for your rug and provides additional comfort underfoot. It helps the rug keep its shape more effectively by reducing movement-induced friction. Thus it reduces wear and prolongs the life of your rug. Most importantly, it protects your floor from scratches.
Different types of rug pads meet different needs. For example, some are good for cushion, others are better for non-slip protection, and some offer both.
However, it is usual for people to wonder- “are non-slip rug pads worth it?” Or “are non-slip rug pads necessary?”
No worry!
After reading this write-up, you will have the answer to the question: do I need a non-slip rug pad?
Do Rugs Need a Non-Slip Pad?
Yes, your rug needs an anti-slip rug pad—and here’s why.
Rug is an excellent addition to any home. But there is always the issue of moving it around due to foot traffic and the risk of slipping out.
Most rugs tend to slip on the floor. Marble and wood floors are a common type that makes rugs slip. Sliding or bunched-up rug is a serious safety issue and tripping hazard for everyone, including kids, pets, and people with limited mobility.
That’s why, unless your rug has an anti-slip backing (like suede), you will need a rug pad. Sitting underneath your rug, the pad secures the rug to your floor to prevent it from bunching up or sliding around as you walk across it.
Non-slip rug pads add a layer for safety and protection. A no-slip rug pad’s most crucial role is ensuring your rug is firmly anchored in place and reducing the risk of slips and slides. This is particularly important in high-traffic areas.
Another advantage is non-slip pad prevents the rug from shifting while vacuuming and moving furniture.
Non-slip pads are designed to use on any floor type, including carpet, laminate, and tile. However, if your floor is slick, like hardwood, only cushioned rug pad won’t be the best option for you. You should go for a “cushion-grip” rug pad for hardwood floors.
Non-slip cushion rug pads offer both gripping and cushioning action. This type of rug underpad is made of combined materials. Typically, they have felt surface and rubber backing.
The felt surface adds an extra level of plush to your rug, making it perfect for an entertainment room or bedroom. On the other hand, the gripping rubber bottom grabs onto the floor.
Mohawk Home non-slip rug pad gripper (model: BFR-810) comes with a latex rubber backing that helps keep the tug in place. The felt surface offers a cushion and protects your flooring from possible long-term damage. The manufacturer has marked it safe for all hard surface flooring, such as hardwood, vinyl, laminate, and tile.
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Are non-slip rug pads good for hardwood floors?
Both your rug and hardwood floors are valuable investments. When choosing a non-slip rug pad for hardwood floors, go for a quality one.
Experts suggest to good quality anti-slip rug pad made from natural fibers such as wool or felt on top and 100% natural rubber backing.
Natural rubber rug pads are one of the safest options for hardwood floors. Natural rubber backing is non-adhesive and free of toxic chemicals. So it won’t stain or discolor your hardwood floor.
An inferior or cheap-quality rug pad may contain harmful components that can damage your hardwood floor and rug.
Are rubber-backed non-slip rug pads bad for hardwood floors?
100% natural rubber backing rug pad is not bad for hardwood floors. Ensure it doesn’t include any additional ingredients such as clay or sand. If the pad includes these components, it is best to avoid them.
Gorilla Grip Felt and Natural Rubber Rug Pad offer superior cushioning and grip. The 100% natural rubber backing of this pad prevents rug movement and bunching. Plus, its ultra-durable and thick needle punch felt side offers you a cozy feeling and comfort underfoot.
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Which side of a non-slip rug pad goes up?
If your rug pads are made of a combination of materials such as felt on the top and natural rubber on the bottom, for hardwood and other similar surfaces, place the pad beneath your rug with the felt side up. That means the felt side will face the bottom of your rug, and the rubber side faces the floor.
For carpet, place the pad under your rug with the rubber side facing up and felt side down.
Learn more here.
How do you keep a large area rug from slipping?
There are two ways. First, you can anchor it by placing heavy furniture on it.
Second, you can place a rug pad underneath your area rug. When choosing a rug pad for a large rug, go for one that features memory foam on top and natural rubber on the backing. The memory foam will provide you with luxurious cushioning underfoot, and the rubber will provide grip on the floor.
Final words
The perfect placement of an anti-skid rug pad beneath your rug brings peace of mind. You can rest knowing that your rug won’t move an inch.
If you are having trouble finding the best non-slip rug pad, my best non-slip rug pad review can greatly help you.