11 Best Rug Pads For Hardwood Floors In 2024
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In This Article
We spend a lot of time and effort looking for the right rugs, but the rug pad often gets neglected. So, we have compiled a list of the best rug pads for hardwood floors to help you choose. It’s essential to choose a good rug pad that does not lead to a scratched or scuffed flood. Rug pads ensure that the rugs do not wrinkle or bunch up to prevent you from falling.
If you buy a low-quality rug, it won’t be suitable for the aesthetics of your home or your health. Inferior rug pads have toxins and low-cost adhesives that stick tight to the floor, staining them and spoiling their finish. Available in a wide range of styles, colors, and designs, there’s something for everyone. Keep scrolling to pick a tried-and-tested pad that protects your rug and also your flooring.
Top Picks
11 Best Rug Pads For Hardwood Floors In 2024 To Prevent Slipping
1. Best Dual-Sided: Gorilla Grip Rug Pad Gripper
This rug pad for hardwood floors has the unique feature of being dual sided so it holds firmly to your rug as well as your hardwood floor to prevent your rug from slipping and sliding. This 5 x 8 feet rug pad is non-adhesive and slip-resistant which doesn’t allow your rug to bunch or fold over. It’s not visible under the rug, and because it’s so soft and dense, your rug feels cushioned when you step on it. It’s ideal for most hard floors including tiled and hardwood floors, and it protects them from damage, scuffs, and scratches. It features an open grid design which enhances breathability, offers noise protection, prevents dust from collecting under the rug, and also makes vacuuming easier. Here’s a review video detailing a tester’s experience with using the rug pad.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Versatile
- Strong grip
- Available in all sizes for standard rugs
- Size can be customized by trimming
- Helps keep rugs flat
Cons
- Not suitable for acrylic, vinyl, natural stone, lacquered, porous, stairs or refinished surfaces
"This rug pad gripper has earned its spot on my living room floor. It works well to ensure the cushions and rug stay securely in position. Its grip quality is undoubtedly impressive."
Did you know?
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 36,614 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
2. Best Slip-Resistant: Mohawk Home Rug Pads
This dual surface felt rug pad for hardwood floors measures 5 x 8 feet and protects floors from scratches, abrasions, and the pile of your carpet from furniture indentations. This 0.25-inch thick rug pad has a rubber backing that’s slip-resistant and prevents the rug from wrinkling and bunching. This keeps the surface of the rug smooth, making it easy to vacuum. Made from recycled synthetic fibers, this pad will not discolor or stain your hardwood floor and will provide an additional layer of padding to your carpet so that it feels plush and luxurious. The noise-reducing rug pads have tapered edges to prevent your rug from curling and reduce chances of tripping. Know more about this product in this video.
Pros
- Easy to size
- Safe for all floor types
- Absorbs noise
- Reduces wear and tear of rug
- Ideal for houses with kids and pets
- Green label certified
Cons
- It may initially have a chemical smell.
"I was so impressed by this non-slip rug pad's functionality and luxurious feel that I got one for my daughter’s room too. It keeps the rugs stable and adds a touch of cushioning."
Quick fact3. DoubleCheck Rug Pad: DoubleCheck Rug Pad
The best way to avoid accidents like tripping or slipping on a rug is to use this rug pad for hardwood floors under your carpet or rug. With a powerful grip strength, this rug pad adds cushioning to your rug without being obvious. This 2 x 10 feet rug pad can be cut and customized to your carpet size and it won’t stain your floor. It gives support and breathability to your carpet as well as holds it in place, which reduces the wear and tear of your carpet and adds to its longevity. These rug pads are also odorless, easy to clean, and are hand washable. These rug pads for tile floors also work great on wooden, vinyl, and laminate floors.
Pros
- Versatile
- Premium material
- Durable and strong
- Prevents wrinkling and bunching of rug
- Perfect for households with kids and pets
- Makes vacuuming easier
Cons
- Might leave a sticky residue on the floor over time
"I like the cushioning it offers, and thankully, it's also gentle on my hardwood floor! While the sizing was a bit off, requiring me to trim it a bit, I love that it has significantly reduced slip-and-slide incidences."
4. Best Long-Lasting: Ninja Rug Pad Gripper For Hardwood Floors
This 5 x 8 feet extra thick rug pad has super grip and is ideal to place under rugs so that they don’t slip, bunch, or skid. They provide cushioning to the rug and are great for families with kids and pets so that there are no falls or injuries. This gripper rug pad for hardwood floors has a durable, lightweight, and non-adhesive construction, making it long-lasting. It also protects your floor from scratches and scuffs. Its open weave construction gives it breathability so that dust does not collect and vacuuming is easy. They are not only perfect for hardwood floors but also work well on tiles, laminates, and acrylic surfaces.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Versatile use
- Maximum coverage
- Can be cut to customize size
Cons
- Not for use on lacquered, natural stone, vinyl, acrylic, porous, or refinished surfaces
"I gave this rug pad a test run last weekend as I had guests, and its performance impressed me. They even made cleaning my rugs pretty easy, withstanding even the pull of the vacuum. These are also easyto trim for a custom fit."
5. Best Mesh Design: Puroma Area Rug Pad
This product is designed to provide an underlay for your area rugs so that they do not slip and cause tripping accidents. Crafted with thin polyvinyl, this area rug pad adds cushioning to rugs, protects the floor from scratches, reduces noise, and adds to the longevity of your carpet. Made of PVC, it features a mesh design that adds to its breathability and prevents moisture and dust from building up. Suitable for hardwood floors, laminates, and tile flooring, this moisture-resistant rug pad is durable and thick and easy to vacuum. Though these rug pads are pre-cut to fit different sizes, they can be trimmed conveniently with scissors to meet your personal requirements.
Pros
- Non-adhesive
- Cost effective
- Versatile use
- Easy to customize
- Large surface area for better grip
- Ideal for households with kids and pets
Cons
- Some may find it too thin.
"This non-slip pad is a versatile addition to my bedroom. It works great to keep the rugs stable on the floor and is also perfectly sized, adding good cushioning to my wooden floor."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 5,638 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
6. Best Hypoallergenic: Rugpadusa Rug Pad
This 8 x 10 feet dual surface rug pad for hardwood floors is 0.25 inches thick and has felt on one side and rubber on the other. It’s safe for all floors and protects their finish while giving a cushy effect to your area rug. It features a slip-resistant, natural rubber backing that grips the floor and keeps the rug securely in place. The pad comprises 14 ounces of rubber and 22 ounces of heat-pressed felt per square yard which adds to insulation and soundproofing. The felt is 100% recycled and needle-punched so that there is no build-up of moisture. The rubber backing does not damage or stain the hardwood flooring. This rug pad is safe to use on laminate, tiles, stone, concrete, and bamboo as well.
Pros
- Odorless
- Low VOCs
- Hypoallergenic
- No glues
- No PVC
- No non-stick adhesives
- Can be easily trimmed with scissors
- Available in non-standard sizes and shapes as well
Cons
- The rubber backing may not take heat well.
"It has proven to be a transformative addition to my living space, creating a non-slip surface while adding extra cushioning. Cutting it was a bit of a workout, but it has beena practical investment for extending the life of my rugs."
7. Best Non-Adhesive: Aurrako Non-Slip Rug Pads
This rug pad is perfect for hardwood, carpeted vinyl, and tile floors with area rugs. It keeps them in place and prevents them from skidding or bunching under kids and pets while playing. They are low profile, lightweight, and non-adhesive, constructed of high quality PVC, have a good grip, and do not stain the floor. They are available pre-cut for all standard sizes and can be trimmed easily at home for unique shapes and sizes. This area rug pad for hardwood floors measures 2 x 10 feet and offers good support because of its superior thickness, breathability, and keeps rugs flat. It reduces wear and tear of your rug, increases longevity, and is easy to vacuum.
Pros
- Versatile use
- Easy to install
- Durable and strong
- Open grid design
Cons
- Some feel its thickness and grip could be better.
"After laying out this carpet pad beneath my rug, I was amazed by its ability to keep the rug in place. There are no more slipping or tripping hazards, and its extra cushioning is a plus."
8. Best Environmentally-Friendly: Enjoy Holiday Non-Slip Area Rug Pad Gripper
This rug pad for hardwood floors has an innovative open mesh design that prevents moisture and dust from building up and makes it easy to vacuum your rug. Its non-slip surface keeps your rug in place and prevents scratches on your expensive flooring. It also protects your kids and pets from nasty falls when they play on it as the rug is held firm and stable. Made from premium PVC material, it doesn’t damage or stain your floors and gives good cushioning to your rug. It’s available in various pre-cut sizes and can be customized by trimming them easily at home with scissors.
Pros
- No chemical fumes
- No VOCs
- Environment-friendly
- Durable and strong
- California 65 Standard certified
Cons
- Might stick to the floor
"This non-slip rug pad is quite effective at keeping my rugs firmly anchored, even in the presence of my playful pets. It's an invaluable addition to my home, offering that extra layer of safety."
9. Best Durable: Mayshine Basics Felt + Rubber Rug Pad
This 0.25 inches thick rug pad for hardwood floors is a combination of felt and rubber that prevents your rugs from slipping and sliding, and is safe for other types of flooring and finishes as well. Crafted from high-quality material, it’s long-lasting, durable, and suitable for heated floors. The felt layer is rough and grips the base of your carpet while the rubber backing grips the floor and keeps your carpet stable. It’s available in several pre-cut sizes, but can also be trimmed at home to customize the size.
Pros
- 16-inch thick felt
- Premium construction
- Provides good cushioning
- Makes vacuuming easier
- Safe for children and pets
Cons
- The rubber backing may not adhere well to a hardwood floor.
"I’m glad I found this product. It adds a whole new level of stability and comfort to my home's rugs. The rubberized grip does wonders, and the felt layer adds to the padding."
10. Best Customizable: Mockins Non-Slip Premium Grip Rug Pad
Crafted with an open square grid, it has a very high suction and doesn’t slip or shift when there are sudden movements or pressure. This keeps your family and pets from falling and hurting themselves while exercising, walking, or playing on them. They also provide good cushioning to your rug while keeping it stable and preventing damage to both your rug and hardwood flooring. This area rug pad is easy and simple to use and can be reversed and used on both sides because of their design. The size can be customized by cutting them with scissors at home, and the all-surface rug pads are extremely simple to vacuum.
Pros
- Versatile use
- Strong and durable
- Weighs just 8 pounds
Cons
- May not be a carpet-friendly rug pad
"It has been a solid choice for preventing slips and safeguarding my hardwood floors. It's effortlessly customizable for a snug fit, although cutting squares for that perfect edge can be tricky. All in all, it's a functional product that excels in its job."
11. Best Easy-To-Vacuum: Everythry Non-Slip Rug Pads Gripper
Constructed with high quality and high density PVC material, it can endure high traffic and is long-lasting enough to keep your rugs in place for years. The protective rug pads feature an open grid construction, have high breathability, and prevent accumulation of moisture and dust under your rug. It protects both your rug and floor from damage and provides great cushioning. Its powerful grip strength provides great suction, makes vacuuming easy, and prevents pets and family members from tripping and falling. This area rug pad for hardwood floors is available in 6 sizes and can also be customized by cutting them at home with scissors.
Pros
- Versatile use
- Hand washable
- Weighs just 3.97 pounds
- Prevents indentations on rugs caused by furniture
Cons
- May have a chemical smell upon unpacking
"This rug pad truly steals the show with its remarkable durability and non-slip prowess, even on my varnished wood floors. It effortlessly secures my rugs and ensures unhindered mobility for my chidren and pets."
How To Choose The Right Rug Pad For Hardwood Floors?
Here are a few tips on how to choose the right rug pad that can protect your rug and your flooring.
- Material: The first thing to keep in mind is to get a rug pad that’s designed specifically for rugs and not wall to wall carpets. Carpet rug pads are often made of PVC and this can cause discoloration in hardwood floors and many other floorings. Also they do not have a rubber backing that is so important to prevent area rugs from slipping and sliding. The best material for area rug padding is natural rubber, felt, and a combination of natural rubber and felt.
Jute is also used, but it tends to have a peculiar smell and is expensive. Felt and natural rubber pads are perfect for rugs with a flat weave, as the needle-punched surface adheres to the rug and the rubber doesn’t allow it to slip on the floor. If you are placing a rug on a carpet, you should get a polyester rug pad with a vinyl backing.
- Size: The rug pad should be ideally 2 inches shorter than the rug all around so that it doesn’t show on the sides. The sizes of rug pads vary between 2×3 feet to 8×10 feet, and a few manufacturers have a size chart to choose the size according to the size of your rugs. Most rug pads are easy and convenient to trim with scissors, so you can customize the size according to your requirements.
- Thickness: If you are looking for cushioning for your rug, you should go for a rug pad that’s at least 0.5 inches thick. Thinner pads work better on tile floors than hardwood floors, as they don’t provide much floor protection.
- Safety and comfort: Ensure that the rug pad has a good grip so that it adheres to both the rug and the floor well so that the rug cannot slip or slide and thus prevent you from tripping and falling. Also, it should be plush enough to provide sufficient cushioning for extra comfort when you sit, exercise, or walk on it.
- Things to avoid: Rug pads in various colors should be avoided as they can stain the flooring. Also products with adhesives can damage the finish of your floor as the glue sticks to it.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I not put on a hardwood floor?
You should not put rugs with a rough back surface on a hardwood floor. However, you can solve this problem by using a floor protecting pad that protects your floor from the rough side of the rug.
2. What can I use instead of a rug pad?
You can stick your rug to the floor with silicone or hot glue instead of using a rug pad. However, it requires more labor and time than using a rug pad. Also, they are not as effective as a rug pad.
3. Which side of the rug pad goes on the floor?
Home experts recommend that the textured side be placed down on the floor, and the softer side of the rug pad go against the floor.
4. Are rubber-backed rugs safe for hardwood floors?
Rubber-backed rugs usually contain some chemicals that can damage the hardwood flooring surface, causing discoloration and leaving permanent marks on the floor. Rug pads for hardwood floors protect the floor from the rough backing of rugs and chemicals.
5. Do area rugs ruin hardwood floors?
Some area rugs can cause scratches on the flooring if they have a rough backing. In such cases, you should place a thick and durable area rug pad under them so that they do not damage the finish of the flooring.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Wedetso Chirhah is an experienced writer and reviewer of household items, books, and more. He has researched and compared several products and considered various user reviews to create a list of the best rug pads for hardwood floors that are durable and stylish. These rug pads ensure your rug doesn’t wrinkle and protect your floors from damage. He has also provided a detailed buying guide to help you choose a suitable product for your home.
Hardwood floors are prone to scratches, and therefore, when you should choose the right rug pad for a hardwood floor, it stays protected. Rug pads also prevent your rugs from bunching up. When buying a rug pad for a hardwood floor, it is crucial to consider floor compatibility, the size of the rug, and the space available so that the rug pad does not harm your floor and is neither short nor long. Rug pads can provide cushioning as well, and if this is your need, you can look for a thick, cushioned type of pad. Moreover, it is crucial that the rug pad you purchase has an excellent grip to prevent falls or mishaps. In addition, since rug pads are concealed by the rugs, it is a wise decision to buy a simple yet high-quality rug pad.
Infographic: What Are The Advantages Of Using A Rug Pad?
Besides keeping rugs in place and providing an anti-slip base, rug pads offer numerous other benefits, making them a must-have for any home. Check out the following infographic to learn about the advantages of using a rug pad on floors.
Illustration: The Bridal Box Design Team
References
- Green Label Plus Sets a Higher Standard for Indoor Air Quality
https://carpet-rug.org/green-label-plus-sets-a-higher-standard-for-indoor-air-quality/
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