FAQ: Do I Need a Rug Pad for My Area Rug?
When you purchase a new area rug, you may wonder, “Do I need a rug pad for my area rug?” Yes, you do. There are several reasons why, such as making the floor more comfortable for walking and helping extend the life of your area rug because rug pads can help reduce fraying edges.
Our artistic designers at Rachel Brosky Interiors can help you choose the perfect size and thickness for your area rug!
Why Are Rug Pads Necessary?
There are several great reasons as to why area rug pads are necessary other than providing added comfort, including:
- Safety: Rug pads can keep you safer by preventing tripping hazards from shifting rugs.
- Flooring Protection: A rug pad protects your rug from damage caused by friction between it and the floor. It also reduces scratches and dents, especially in high-traffic areas.
- Noise Reduction: Rug pads work together with an area rug to absorb sound, making your home quieter and more peaceful.
- Insulation: Using an area rug pad, especially on hardwood or tile flooring, can help keep you and your feet warmer during the colder months.
How Thick of a Rug Pad Do I Need?
To answer the question, “How thick of a rug pad do I need?” Think about your area rug and the surface it’ll be on. Low-pile rugs on hard floors should have a thin ⅛” rug pad to create grip without adding height. If you place a low-pile rug on top of another, a thin rug pad is still the best choice to prevent the top rug from shifting.
Thicker rug pads are best for high-pile rugs. For the most support and a luxurious feel underfoot, a high-pile rug on a hard floor should have a pad between ¼” and ½” thick. High-pile rugs layered on another rug should be the same thickness as that for a hard floor. A thicker pad helps prevent the top rug from sinking into the one beneath it. Regardless of the thickness you choose, your rug should overlap the pad by an inch on all sides, making the rug pad invisible.
How Do I Clean an Area Rug Pad?
When vacuuming your rug, it’s essential to clean the pad, too. If dirt doesn’t have a chance to settle in, it’s much easier to remove. It’s best to avoid using the washing machine to deep clean your rug pad. Instead, wash it in your bathtub with mild soap, gently agitating it with your hands. Squeeze the water out without twisting the pad, and let it air dry. When completely dry, you can return the pad to its spot and place the area rug over it.
What Are the Types of Area Rug Pad Materials?
When selecting a rug pad, you can choose from various materials, such as:
- Felt pads: A felt pad offers more cushion but lacks grip. You can use a felt pad under a large rug area because the rug’s weight will help keep it in place.
- Rubber mats: Rubber mats offer the most grip but minimal cushion. For the best of both worlds, we suggest a felt pad with a rubber backing.
- Memory foam: A memory foam pad's high-density foam provides superior cushioning and support. Its thickness makes it a fantastic choice for heavier, high-pile rugs.
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): A PVC pad is an excellent option for outdoor rugs on your patio or front doors. Due to the synthetic, plastic materials can withstand the elements.
Shop Area Rugs Near Elizabethtown, Kentucky
The experts at Rachel Brosky Interiors are here to help you find the ideal area rug and rug pad for any room in your home. We offer many interior design services and are the area’s premier Hunter Douglas window treatments dealer.
Contact us online or call (270) 982-0887 today to schedule an in-home consultation. Rachel Brosky Interiors is in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, and we proudly serve the surrounding areas, including Brandenburg, Vine Grove, and Bowling Green.
