Short answer: for almost every area rug, yes. A rug pad is the cheapest way to make a rug safer, longer-lasting and nicer to walk on, and it protects the floor underneath. Here’s what a pad does, how it should fit, and what ours are made of and cost.
What a rug pad does
- Stops slipping. A rug on a bare hardwood, tile or vinyl floor can slide when you step on it. A pad grips both the floor and the rug so it stays put.
- Keeps the rug flat. Corners and edges are less likely to curl or bunch up, so there’s less to trip over.
- Protects your floor. The back of a rug can scuff finished wood over time. The pad sits between the two.
- Makes the rug last longer. Without a pad, the rug’s foundation rubs against a hard floor with every step. A pad absorbs that wear.
- Adds comfort and quiet. The rug feels softer underfoot and the room sounds less echoey.
- Makes vacuuming easier. A rug that doesn’t shift around is easier to vacuum.
Which rugs need one most
- Rugs on hard floors: hardwood, tile, laminate and vinyl. This is where slipping and floor scuffs happen.
- Runners and small rugs in hallways, entries and kitchens. They’re light, they get the most foot traffic, and they slide the easiest.
- Thinner rugs like kilims and flatweaves, which gain the most from the extra cushion.
- Good rugs you want to keep. A hand-knotted wool rug can last for decades, and a pad helps it get there.
How a rug pad should fit
A pad should be a little smaller than the rug. We cut ours 1 inch in from each edge, so you never see it and the rug’s edges lie flat against the floor. A pad that’s too big shows around the edges. One that’s too small leaves the edges unsupported. That’s why we cut every pad to the size of your rug instead of selling standard sizes.
Our rug pads: felt and rubber, cut to size
Our pad is a two-layer felt and rubber pad. The thick felt side goes up against the rug and gives it cushion and support. The textured rubber side goes down on the floor and grips it so the rug doesn’t slide. You get both jobs from one pad: comfort underfoot and a rug that stays put.
We cut each pad to your rug’s exact size at CAPA, our sister store in High Point, North Carolina, and bring it up to the Frederick store. Pricing is $2.50 per square foot. Some examples:
| Rug size | Square feet | Rug pad |
|---|---|---|
| 2′6″ × 8′ runner | 20 | $50 |
| 4′ × 6′ | 24 | $60 |
| 5′ × 8′ | 40 | $100 |
| 6′ × 9′ | 54 | $135 |
| 8′ × 10′ | 80 | $200 |
| 9′ × 12′ | 108 | $270 |
The price is based on your rug’s size, even though the pad itself is cut 1 inch shorter on each side. To work out your price, multiply the rug’s length by its width in feet, then multiply by $2.50. Prices are plus tax.
How to order one
- Buying a rug from us? Just ask. We already know the size and can order the pad with it.
- Already have a rug? Measure its length and width, then stop by or call us at (301) 696-0066. It doesn’t have to be a rug you bought here.
Because each pad is cut in High Point and brought up to Frederick, it isn’t same-day. We’ll tell you when yours will be ready when you order.
Still choosing a rug? See our hand-knotted rugs, read How to Choose a Rug Size, or browse rugs online.