Are Rug Pads Necessary?

Undoubtedly, the right rugs have the power to completely transform the look of your interior design. It almost instantly gives any place more coziness, flair, and warmth. Rugs are essential in every way, whether you want to improve the aesthetics of your living room, dining room, office, or bedroom. But we frequently forget about the rug pad in our quest to choose the ideal rug.

You've located the ideal area rug and know just where in your house to put it. The salesperson inquires about if you would like to buy a pad to go under the area rug. Is the salesman attempting to "upsell" you on add-ons, or do you really need one?

Yes, you do require a pad underneath your area rug, is the response! A rug pad is necessary regardless of the kind of flooring your area rug will be placed on for a number of reasons. If you want to buy rug pads, traditional rugs, etc, check out The Rug Shop UK.

Rug Pad: What is it?

In terms of floor coverings for interior design, rug pads might be considered the unsung heroes. It rests between your rug and the floor, much like a rug cushion, but its functions go far beyond simple layering. To enhance the longevity and usability of your rug and the flooring, consider using a rug pad as a base.

The basic components of a rug pad are numerous materials, each of which has unique properties that enhance its usefulness. Felt, natural rubber, and synthetic mixes are common materials used to provide stability, grip, and cushioning.

Is a rug pad necessary, then? Yes, since these also significantly raise your rugs' degree of comfort. The extra cushioning reduces noise and gives the floor a luxurious underfoot appearance. Whether you're sitting, standing, or lying down, the cushioning effect of a rug pad can make spending time on your rug more pleasant.

Advantages of Using a Rug Pad

1. Safety:

To put it briefly, rug cushions prevent a rug from moving when someone walks on it. This is particularly crucial if the rug will be placed on a smooth, hard surface like vinyl, tile, hardwood, or laminate. To hold a rug in place, a rug pad is made to grasp the rug and the floor simultaneously. For example, our premium pad has a felted top that adheres to the rug with a slight amount of friction yet is soft on the back. It has a rubber bottom.

In addition to improving the rug's beauty, using a pad should also keep rugs from bunching up, which increases the risk of trips and falls. For a little more stability, it is occasionally advised to apply double-sided carpet tape to your rug pad.

2. Extend the Longevity of Your Rug:

With a pad, you may prolong the life of your rug by preventing movement and rubbing against the bottom. A rug that skates on the floor gathers dirt particles beneath it and creates friction, which can cause the rug to age more quickly, particularly if it is a finer or hand-knotted rug. Your rug will endure far longer if you place a rug pad between the floor and the rug to help minimize this damage.

3. Cleanliness:

The majority of rug pads feature bumps or ridges that help collect dirt particles that could otherwise seep into your carpet. Additionally, the airflow that these ridges and bumps create between your rug and the floor will be quite helpful when vacuuming your rug. Moreover, rug pads help keep moist spills from getting on the carpet or floor beneath your rug.

4. Preserves Your Flooring:

Using a rug pad protects both your floor and the rug. The backing of machine-made rugs frequently has a smooth surface, but in certain situations, it can nonetheless scratch or scuff a floor. Over time, a moving rug's friction along with accumulated dirt and filth can scrape your floor. These little scratches can cause damage to real wood flooring, but a rug pad will stabilize the rug and shield it from harm.

5. Comfort:

Rug pads, by virtue of their additional layer beneath the rug, offer a more cushioned walking surface. If you want even more padding underneath, there are extra-thick pads available.

6. Enhanced Circulation of Air:

Rugs that are put directly on the floor can have less airflow underneath them. An accumulation of moisture may result from this, which could promote the growth of mould and mildew. Using a rug pad, which elevates the rug a little and permits air to flow freely, helps prevent these issues caused by dampness.

7. Noise Reduction:

Hard surfaces in your living areas can amplify noise, creating echoes and disturbances. By absorbing a portion of the sound waves, rug pads lower noise levels and provide a calmer, more peaceful atmosphere.

8. Even Surface:

Certain carpets have uneven backings or textures that can make them appear lumpy or rough when placed directly on the floor. A rug pad enhances the visual attractiveness of your rug by providing a pleasant, flat surface for it to rest on.

How Is a Rug Pad Used?

Some rug pads have finished edges, while others can be trimmed. To ensure that the trimmable variety you choose fits your space and area rug precisely, purchase one that is marginally larger than the rug you currently own. The rug pad needs to be totally hidden beneath your rug. When it comes time to lay it down, the rug pad should be between one and two inches smaller around all corners, or all around if your rug is shaped like an oval or circle. When cutting the rug pad to size, mark the area with a felt-tip marker to indicate where the cuts should be made. Then, cut the pad with heavy-duty, sharp scissors.

It is a deal breaker if your rug and pad bunch up or block when a door swings open if the rug pad is being utilized beneath a doormat or in a restroom near any swinging doors. Always check that the combined loft of the rug and pad can pass the door opening and closing before cutting or customizing a rug pad.