The Best Rug Pads

When rug pads do their job correctly, we forget that they're even there. When a rug pad fails, however, it's known immediately. That's because a low-quality rug pad can cause slips, falls, trips, and spills. If you're in the market for a new one, you're going to want to get a rug pad that does its job perfectly. That's why we've done the research and found the best of the best. Here, we've come up with a list of our top five favorite rug pads, from the inexpensive options to the premium picks.

Rug Pad USA Basics, 1/2″ Thick, 8’x10′, Protective Cushioning Rug Pad

Extra thick for extra comfort

Rug Pad USA is a great all-around company, and we strongly recommend their half-inch-thick option to those in search of the highest level of comfort and cushion.

Best Overall

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It’s time to upgrade your rug. This half-inch-thick rug pad is so soft and cushioned, you might even feel inclined to sleep on it. That’s why it’s a great option for families with young children and those that prefer comfort over flatness. Best of all, the materials are as good as it gets. Made out of 100% recycled felt, this rug pad is odorless, hypoallergenic, and moisture-resistant. It’s also super easy to cut to size. That being said, this isn’t a non-slip option, so unless your rug is anchored down by furniture, you may want to get a cheap non-slip pad to pop underneath it.

Pros

Trusted company
Ethical materials
Super cushioning

Cons

Not non-slip

Veken Non-Slip 5 x 8 Ft Extra Thick Gripper for Any Hard Surface Floors, White

Extra grip to stop the slips

Those with slippery floors that need a mattress pad for its anchoring power should consider this extra-grippy option from Veken.

Best Grip

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Although it can be hilarious in cartoons and movies, having a rug slip out from under you is no joke. That’s why we recommend Veken’s non-slip rug pad to anyone that has hardwood or tiled floors. Although Veken’s option is a little pricier per-square-foot than our top pick, it’s a worthwhile investment in houses with extra-smooth floors. Right out of the box it was obvious that Veken’s pad outperforms the competition in terms of quality of materials and gripping power. It doesn’t degrade or melt like many cheaper options, and it also doesn’t compress over time. Plus, the extra grip delivers a little extra cushioning, as well as greater protection from scratches.

Pros

Unmatched gripping power
Covers a lot of surface area
Durable

Cons

Pricey

Rug Pad USA, 1/4″ Thick, Felt and Rubber, 5′ x 8′, Superior Lock, Premium Nonslip Rug Padding

It's thick, it grips, it sticks

Rug Pad USA makes it onto our list yet again, with this extremely comfortable and high-quality premium option.

Best Premium

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Rug pads usually serve one of two functions: They either grip the rug to prevent slides, or they provide extra cushioning for greater comfort. Well, with this premium option from Rug Pad USA, you get the best of both worlds. Not only does this prem-o pick sport some of the best gripping action we’ve come across, it’s also extremely comfortable at 1/4-inch thickness. Made out of the high-quality, recycled felt from which Rug Pad USA’s reputation has grown, this rug pad is a premium product for a premium price. It might even cost more than the rug, but it’s truly worth it for those that don’t want to have to decide between cushioning and gripping action.

Pros

Real rubber grip pad
Made in the USA
Easy to clean and breathable

Cons

May require trimming to fit

B.Prime 5×8-Feet Non-slip Rug Underlay Pad for Hard Floors

The prime pick from B.Prime

Looking for a nonslip rug pad that won't break the bank? Look no further. This option from B.Prime is effective and inexpensive.

Best on a Budget

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You don’t need to spend an arm and a leg for a quality rug pad. This option from B.Prime may be cheap, but it does the job perfectly. And at this price range, you can buy a couple sizes larger than necessary to ensure that you get full coverage. It’s easy to cut into shape and any extra material can be placed under runners and bathmats. Although it won’t provide the cushioning of a felt pad, this rug pad will certainly eliminate that dreaded rug-skidding. B.Prime proves that cheap doesn’t always mean low-quality.

Pros

Inexpensive
Easy to cut

Cons

Minimal cushioning

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the point of a rug pad and are they necessary?

There are obvious reasons to use a rug pad, and then some not-so-obvious reasons. These padded, grip-y materials are used to keep your rug from sliding around. A bunched-up rug or a slip can actually result in serious injuries, so rug pads may be necessary in houses with hardwood floors or tiling. There are also options that can turn a flat, hard rug into a spongy, comfortable surface. This thick padding is usually found in households with young children, to curate an environment that’s soft and safe.

Rug pads can also extend the life of your rug. Without a buffer between the hard surface of the floor and the bottom of the rug, fibers get compressed and will eventually wear away. A quality rug pad will not only increase the longevity of your rug, it will also protect the floor from scratches and wear as well.

Will a nonslip rug pad leave behind adhesive residue or degrade?

There are indeed rug pads that are prone to degrading, and can even melt in high temperatures. That’s why we’ve made sure that all the options on our list are made out of durable materials. Pay special attention to the descriptions and customer reviews of rug pads, as there are some options on the market that use adhesives or are prone to degrading.

That being said, felt rug pads may shed some fibrous materials right out of the box, but once installed they will not degrade. Their longevity depends on their being walked upon, because each step helps to compress and tighten the strength of the pad. These pads in particular may have some permanent compression over their lifespan, but they will still provide ample cushioning for an indefinite period of time.