For most hardwood floors, we recommend our Superior rug pad. It is 0.160 inch thick, with a recycled felt top for cushion and a rubber grip underneath that holds the rug in place without sticking to the finish. Below is how we pick between our pads for wood floors, and what to avoid.
What a rug pad does on hardwood
- Stops the rug sliding. A rug on bare wood moves every time someone walks on it. A grip layer keeps it put.
- Protects the finish. The rough back of a rug, and the grit that collects under it, can scuff wood over time. A pad keeps the rug off the floor.
- Adds cushion. Even a thin pad makes a rug feel softer and quieter underfoot.
- Helps the rug last. The pad takes some of the wear from foot traffic, so the rug's fibers do not grind against a hard floor.
Which of our pads to choose for hardwood
Superior: the one we recommend for most wood floors
0.160 inch thick. Recycled felt top, tan rubber grip on the bottom. Enough cushion to feel the difference, thin enough that doors still clear and the rug edge stays flat. Trims with household scissors. Shop Superior
Premium: when you want maximum cushion
0.25 inch thick, our thickest pad. Recycled felt top, gray rubber grip. Choose it for living rooms and bedrooms where you want the rug to feel plush, or to make a thin rug feel more substantial. Because it is thicker, trim it with a utility knife. Shop Premium
All-Purpose: when you need a low profile
0.10 inch thick. Polyester top with a washable, non-skid rubber back. Use it in doorways, under furniture, or under thin rugs and runners where a thicker pad would lift the rug too much. Shop All-Purpose
What to watch for in any rug pad
No adhesive or sticky backing
Pads that rely on glue or a tacky coating can leave residue or mark a wood finish. Our pads grip with a textured rubber layer, not adhesive.
The right thickness for the room
Thicker is softer, but it raises the rug. Check door clearance and furniture before choosing a thick pad. If in doubt, Superior is the middle ground.
The right size
The pad should be about 3 inches smaller than the rug in each direction, which leaves an inch and a half of rug on every side. That way the pad stays hidden and the rug's edge tapers down to the floor instead of lifting. When you pick your rug size, we cut the pad to fit before it ships. See our size guide for the full chart.
Caring for your pad
- Vacuum the rug regularly so grit does not work its way down to the pad and floor.
- Lift the rug and pad now and then to clean the floor underneath.
Still not sure?
Tell us about your rug and your floor and we will tell you which pad to get. Call 1-833-RUG-PADS, email contact@rugpad.us, or answer a few quick questions and we will point you to the right pad. You can also read more on our rug pads for hardwood floors page.
