The 6 Best Rug Pads of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Other Options We Tested

Durahold Plus Felt and Fiber Rug Pad

A no-longer-sold version of this rug pad was rated as our former Best Overall pick due to its durable construction and non-slip grip, which proved effective across a variety of surfaces. While we haven’t yet gotten our hands on the newer version, it has a similar look and composition that makes us think it would perform comparatively well. Just note neither option is waterproof, so it might not do the best at protecting your floors from spills.

How We Tested the Rug Pads

After researching the most beloved, top-rated rug pads currently on the market, we gathered 18 options and put them to the test in The Lab. Over the course of two days, we evaluated the overall effectiveness of each option—running, dancing, and jumping on the rug pads to see how easily they slid, bunched, or slipped. To simulate real-life scenarios, we used a vacuum on rugs that were outfitted with each of the rug pads to see how much movement there was. We also performed the “LEGO test,” placing a LEGO block under the rug pad and walking on it without shoes to notice how much cushioning each option had. We then tested the rug pads’ durability by judging the strength of each option and noting if there was any wear and tear visible after putting all of our weight into pulling them from both sides to see what stretched. Finally, we assessed the rug pads’ value by comparing the retail price with their overall quality. After ranking each rug pad in the categories of quality, effectiveness, durability, and overall value, we narrowed down our options to bring you this list.

What to Look for in a Rug Pad

Material

The most common rug pad materials include PVC, rubber, foam, and felt, all of which have varying levels of cushioning and grip. PVC and rubber are grippier and tend to work best for high-traffic areas, as they’ll generally slide the least. (The pads that provided the best grip during testing—the Annie Selke Solid Extra-Grip Rug Pad and the Room & Board Natural Rubber Rug Pad—were made of rubber.) Foam and felt pads, such as the Mohawk Ultra Premium Rug Pad, have a thicker feel that works best for rugs that are already situated underneath furniture.

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You can also find options that combine a variety of materials, like the Crate & Barrel Multi-Surface Thick Rug Pad, a reversible option with rubber on one side and polyester felt on the other. “The rubber back is an important component for the non-slip function,” says Joanna Mahserdjian, owner of Upstate Rug Supply. “It holds the rug in place.”

Thickness

If you’re looking for a rug pad that provides extra cushioning, thickness definitely matters. A good rule of thumb is to choose a rug pad that’s between 1/8 and 1/4 of an inch thick, with a thinner pad better for high-traffic areas and a thicker pad better for larger, heavier rugs. A lot of this decision will depend on personal preference, though, so feel free to go bigger or smaller based on how it feels. It’s best not to go over 1/2-inch thick.

Size

As mentioned, DeLuca recommends opting for a rug pad that’s smaller than your rug by 1½ inches on all sides. Sticking with these dimensions will ensure your pad stays hidden, plus keeps the edges flat against the floor to prevent tripping. Be sure to double-check the sizes of both your rug and the rug pad of your choice before making any purchases. However, many options can be easily trimmed to match with your rug’s shape—just use scissors or a box cutter.

Floor Type

Before purchasing, you’ll want to consider what type of flooring you plan to place your rug pad on. Softer options are great for when you’re layering a rug over carpeting, especially if heavy furniture is sitting on top of the rug. Furniture tends to shift when a room is frequently used, and the rug pad can save your rug and the floor from unintentional damage. Grippier rug pads, on the other hand, tend to work better on hard floors (think hardwood and linoleum) and less well on carpeting, where it’s harder to establish a grip.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Lily Sperry is a commerce editor at The Spruce covering all things bedding, bath, and home decor. Alongside a team of 5 editors, she personally tested the rug pads at The Lab in 2022, paying close attention to which options really excelled—and why. After dealing with a lackluster felt pad for far too long, she was wowed by our grippier options to help keep her cherished Oriental rug in one spot, and protect her floors.

Our Experts:

• Joanna Mahserdjian, owner of Upstate Rug Supply.
• Katie DeLuca, Senior Merchant at Ernesta.
• Bianca Pineda, a writer at The Spruce.
• Madison Yauger, a lifestyle writer and former assistant commerce editor at The Spruce.

Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor