When buying a rug pad it is best to buy a pad that is specially designed for use under an area rug.
Should you use padding under and area rug.
All area rugs no matter type thickness or size need rug pads to protect them and the floors they lie on.
Rug pads are not just an upsell for the rug sellers.
Rug pads prevent shifting of the rug when it s walked on.
Pick a rug pad size that matches the area rug.
There are many different options available for rug pads but not all of these options will suit every application.
So if you have an area rug that is 8 x 10 you would want it to be 7 10 x 9 10 which is 2 less on each dimension or 1 inch less on each side.
The most important benefit is that the rug pad will keep your rug from slipping and getting bunched up.
Should you or shouldn t you use under pad for oriental rugs.
It s sometimes recommended to include the use of double sided carpet tape on your rug pad to better.
A good rule of thumb is one inch less on each dimension.
Like the cushion under a wall to wall carpet a good rug pad helps to protect the area rug from wear and tear by absorbing the majority of the impact from foot traffic the pad is designed to compress and bounce back even a firm pad will do this slightly which takes the strain off of the rug fibers.
A rug pad is designed with a surface that will stick to both the floor and the rug.
This is especially important if you are placing the rug on a hard slick surface like tile or hardwood.
Bunched up or sliding rugs are a safety issue and potential tripping hazard for everyone but especially kids pets and people with limited mobility.
If you ve just bought an oriental rug chances are the rug seller would have advised you to buy an underpad to protect your rug most people eye this advice with suspicion as they presume the rug seller is just trying to make some quick cash.
What type of padding should i use under an area rug on a hardwood floor.
Don t rely on the rug label for an accurate measurement.
Generally you want the area rug pad to be slightly smaller than the area rug itself so it doesn t show.
Rug pads are thin underlays that are made specifically for use under area rugs or scatter rugs.
Rug pads should always be hidden underneath the rug hence the need to make them smaller than the rug.
A rug pad company can trim the pad for you in many cases.
Benefits of rug padding.
Placing a pad under a rug not only prevents the rug from slipping on your hardwood floor it also makes the rug more.
For instance an area rug 4 feet wide and 6 feet long should have a pad the same size trimmed 1 to 1 5 inches on all sides.
Otherwise a pad can be trimmed with a utility knife and a large straightedge.