If you have hardwood or hard surface floors, it is extra important that you have an area rug pad underneath your area rug. Not only will it protect your floors and rug from potential damage, but the right rug pad will also prevent any slipping or sliding. For homes where hard surface flooring is present, slipping/falling is an issue, an elderly human or animal (such as a dog) is present, or young kids are running around, we absolutely recommend a good rug pad. This will help prevent the likelihood of any injuries occurring due to a sliding area rug.
We also recommend a rug pad for spaces with hard surface flooring, because the rug pad will help protect the flooring beneath it. For example, if you have hardwood flooring, without a rug pad, over time your rug could cause dyes or colors to transfer onto your flooring, or could wear down the stain of the floor after constant traffic and sliding. The rug pad will also act as a barrier, protecting your flooring from any spills or stains. Most notably, a rug pad will add extra cushion, making your area rug even more pleasant to walk on.
So what type of rug pad is best for hardwood or hard surface flooring? And why?
Below we will dive into the best rug pad(s) for your flooring type, why they're the best, and where you can shop them.
Hardwood Flooring
When it comes to hardwood flooring, it is extremely important that you select a quality rug pad, that won't break down, disintegrate, or stick to your flooring. A cheap rug pad could break down over time, and potentially permanently stick to your flooring, ruining the stain, and requiring your flooring to be sanded down and refinished. For this reason, we recommend a felt rug pad, such as the SUPREME DUAL SURFACE 1/2" rug pad or the COMFORT CUSHION 1/4" rug pad.
Engineered Wood Flooring
When it comes to engineered hardwood flooring, a good rug pad is just as important as one is for hardwood flooring. Since engineered wood is so similar to hardwood, it is extremely important that you select a quality rug pad, that won't break down, disintegrate, or stick to your flooring. A cheap rug pad could break down over time, and potentially permanently stick to your flooring, ruining the stain, and requiring your flooring to be sanded down and refinished. For this reason, we also recommend a felt rug pad, such as the SUPREME DUAL SURFACE 1/2" rug pad or the COMFORT CUSHION 1/4" rug pad.
Luxury Vinyl Flooring
When it comes to luxury vinyl flooring (especially luxury vinyl plank) it is extremely important that you select a quality rug pad, that won't break down, disintegrate, or stick to your flooring. Given that most vinyl manufacturers recommend no rubber, we highly suggest using a 100% felt rubber rug pad. This means not even one-sided rubber backing is recommended. With that being said, we recommend the COMFORT CUSHION 1/4" rug pad, as it is made of 100% felt. It is also 1/4 inch in thickness, giving it a little extra cushion underfoot.