Rug Pads for Hardwood Floors

Customer Questions & Answers

• Q:

  Do I need a non-slip pad or a cushion pad?

  A:

  Non-slip pads are best for high-traffic areas such as foyers and hallways, where thin rugs and runners are prone to slipping and sliding. Our cushion pads add a plush layer for large rugs already anchored by furniture, such as living and dining rooms. Should you decide you need a degree of both grip and cushioning, opt for a felt and rubber pad.

• Q:

  Thick vs. Thin rug pad - which is better on hardwood?

  A:

  Thicker rug pads provide more comfort. So, the thicker the rug pad, the more comfortable your rugs will be. Thinner rug pads offer high levels of grip and keep rugs lying flush with floors. With runner, hallway, or small area rugs in high traffic areas, I wouldn't use rug pads thicker than ¼’’ because they will raise the rug too high off the floor.

• Q:

  My last rug pad got stuck to my floor - will your pads stick or stain wood floors?

  A:

  No, our rug pads are safe for all hardwood floors and finishes as long as floor manufacturers instructions are followed and proper curing times are met. There are a few types of pads that may hurt floors. Some imported PVC pads can include off-gassing chemicals and they may actually react with the chemicals in your floor finish. An example of this is the use of Phthalates, a family of chemicals used to soften many PVC rug pads. They can cause floors to discolor. Another issue stems from when manufacturers use too many clay fillers in their latex blends which causes latex to break down or dry out prematurely. Our natural rubber pads are reinforced with an additional rubber coating and cured in a way to avoid premature deterioration, flaking, or fraying. Rug pads manufactured with high quality materials shouldn’t harm or damage standard wood flooring.

• Q:

  How should I measure my rug for a rug pad?

  A:

  We recommend to start with the width followed by the length of the rug. You do not need to include any fringes or tassels as this can throw off the measurement of the pad. We always recommend to round to nearest half inch for all measurements to get the best fitting pad for your rug.

• Q:

  Do you custom cut your rug pads?

  A:

  Yes, we professionally custom cut our rug pads to fit any rug dimension. All of our rug pads are cut directly from the roll by a trained staff member. Before adding a product to your cart, all you need to do is enter your rug's size and shape. We will take between 1-1.5’’ off all sides, depending on how thick the pad is. All of this will be detailed for you after you fill out the product form. If you have a more complex request, you’re free to offer alternative cutting instructions ("special instructions") as well.

• Q:

  How long should I wait to use a rug pad after newly installed wood floors?

  A:

  It is ideal to wait two weeks after installing or refinishing your floors before using a rug pad. However, it is always best to consult with your flooring manufacturer for proper floor curing times and to know which rug pad materials are best for your floors.

• Q:

  Can your rug pads be cleaned?

  A:

  Yes all our rug pads can be cleaned. All rug and carpet pads should be hand washed. They will not bleed color if you get your rugs steam cleaned. For Felt & Rubber rug pads, you can wipe down the rubber backing and vacuum the felt surface. Dirt is the #1 cause of rug degradation so keep those rugs clean! We do not recommend you put any rubber or felt products in the washer or dryer.

• Q:

  Which rug pads are best for shag rugs?

  A:

  We would recommend a felt and rubber pad like RugPro, Contour Lock or Superior Lock. If you want a low profile option, RugPro is the best fit. If you would like to add a some cushioning, Contour Lock or Superior Lock is recommended.

• Q:

  Which rug pads are not safe for hardwood floors?

  A:

  Most of the rug pads on the market are made with low quality plastics that contain toxic chemicals that can react with your wood floor finishes. These pads are made designed “stick” to your floors in order to keep your rugs in place. However, over long periods of time, the plasticizers used in these types of pads can react with the finishes on your floors – which can adhere to or permanently stain your floors. Most of these imported PVC pads usually don’t have a warranty and contain some type of disclaimer of some sort, removing the manufacturer of any floor damage liability. They often provide a short term solution a that may have long term consequences. This is a major concern and one of our most often asked questions, as the last thing you want to do as a homeowner is refinish or replace your hardwood floors due to rug pad damage.

• Q:

  Best rug pads for dampening sound or sound proofing on hardwood floors.

  A:

  We would suggest Superior Lock 7/16'' when you need a pad with grip. We help if your neighbors are complaining about noise.

• Q:

  Which pad works best with painted wood floors?

  A:

  We would suggest Contour Lock or Superior Lock --- they are both made from rubber and recycled felt. Rubber is a 100% natural material and is the safest option for unique floor finishes. If you do not need any extra cushioning and are looking for a low-profile, non-slip option, Super Lock Natural would be the best choice.

• Q:

  Which rug pads are environmentally friendly?

  A:

  We have some of the most environmentally friendly rug pads on the market. All of our rug pads are manufactured in the USA, which gives us full control over the quality of the materials we use in our pads. We don’t import any PVC padding from overseas that are often filled with high amounts of chemicals & VOC’s. Our rug pads also do not contain any glues or adhesives that can cause permanent damage to floors. Here’s why we offer the most environmentally friendly rug pads on the market: Our Cloud Comfort and SpillTech foam rug pads are completely free of formaldehyde, PBDE’s, triclosan and other harmful chemicals. Cloud Comfort is also manufactured using 100% soybean oils rather than petro based oils. Our Anchor Grip pads are made with 100% natural soybean oils, while other brands often use petroleum oils. Our Eco Plush pads are made using 100% recycled felt fibers. Our Contour Lock, Superior Lock, Carpet Lock and Rug Pro rug pads use the same recycled felt surface combined with a true natural rubber backing. Recycled felt and natural rubber are both non-toxic, sustainable materials that are completely safe for your home and won’t damage floors and finishes. Our Super Lock Natural and Nature’s Grip rug pads are produced with natural rubber derived from the sap of real rubber tree’s in Southeast Asia. Nature's Grip also uses a 100% plant jute base rather than poly or plastic.

• Q:

  Which rug pads are best for hardwood floors?

  A:

  We manufacture all of our padding with hardwood floors in mind. Thus, all of our pads work well with hardwood floors. Choosing the best rug pad for hardwood floors will depend on how much cushioning you prefer and how much grip you need. Typically we recommend the following: Smaller rugs, scatter rugs, and runner rugs - A pure grip rug pad (lower profile, higher grip) is recommended, given that these rugs are typically in higher traffic areas (hallways and entryways) and are more difficult to anchor down. Dual purpose pads will also work with rugs wider than 2ft, but be wary that padding thicker than ¼’’ may raise rugs too high off the ground, causing people to trip. For the middle group (rug sizes 4’x6’ to 6’x9’) - You should choose between a dual purpose or pure grip pad. If cushioning is important to you, then you should opt for a dual purpose pad. If you don’t want cushion or if rug thickness is an issue, then I would opt for a pure grip pad. Pure cushion rug pads won’t offer enough grip at this size and should only be used if rugs plan on being anchored down with furniture. Larger rugs (8’ x 10’ and larger) - Any one of our pads will work with rugs at this size on hardwood. With larger rugs, you will need to decide if your rug needs cushion, grip, or both. Large rugs that are anchored down or tend to lay flat on their own may only require a pure cushion pad. Larger rugs that may buckle & wrinkle. Predominantly thinner rugs such as flatweaves and Orientals will benefit from having a non slip rug pad (A dual purpose felt & rubber pad is our #1 recommendation for these types of rugs to add support and cushioned underfoot).

• Q:

  Rug pad for 8 foot round rug on hardwood

  A:

  I would suggest Contour Lock or Superior Lock. A felt and rubber rug pad is recommended with this size because it will give your rug a plusher feel and will prevent it from slipping. If you do not want any cushion, a lower profile pad like RugPro will keep rugs anchored and lying flat with floors.

• Q:

  What is the best pad for a 7' round area rug on hardwood flooring under a dining table?

  A:

  Take a look at Contour Lock, a 100% recycled felt and natural rubber pad. It is safe for all floor types and provides great cushioning without bulking.

• Q:

  I am looking for very good quality pads for my braided wool rugs that are on hardwood floors. What do you suggest?

  A:

  I would look at Superior Lock and Contour Lock. Both of these felt and natural rubber rug pads will protect your rugs and floors, stop your rugs from moving and provide you with a very good level of underfoot cushioned comfort.

• Q:

  I intend to buy hand woven shag rugs for my hickory hardwood floors. They are made from a soft shaggy yarn which sometimes varies in thickness. What pad can you suggest that will prevent the rugs from bunching and from moving on the floor?

  A:

  I recommend the superlative non-slip traction of our Superior Lock recycled felt and natural rubber pad. The needle-punched felt surface will grab hold of your rugs to promote rug evenness and prevent bunching and wrinkling. Meanwhile the grooved natural rubber backing will hold fast to your floor keeping the rugs in place.

• Q:

  I have two flat weave area rugs with very loose shapes. I want to keep them in place and neat looking on my hardwood floors. Which pads would work best for my needs?

  A:

  Contour Lock would be an excellent choice for you. It has firm gripping power and is perfectly suited to flat-woven rugs that are inclined to bunch.

• Q:

  I need an entry rug and a low-profile pad for a heavily used doorway with a hardwood floor. What kind of rug pad should I use? I was told not to use rubber, but can't find a rug without rubber backing that will still protect the floor from water.

  A:

  Please note that natural rubber is not the same thing as synthetic rubber. I think you should take a look at our low-profile Anchor Grip pad. It is made from a soybean oil-based polymer blend, has a solid and powerful grip and is waterproof. With its liquid resistant barrier, this pad will temporarily prevent spills from reaching your floor giving you enough time to clean them up.

• Q:

  What pad do you suggest for my new light colored hardwood floors? I don't want them to become discolored or marked. Also, will your pad stop sand or dirt from filtering through a rug to the floor?

  A:

  My recommendation is the Contour Lock recycled felt and natural rubber pad. This low-profile pad has a strong grip and is safe for all floors. It will not discolor or damage yours, plus it will prevent any dirt or grit from reaching the hardwood.

• Q:

  Which pad do you recommend to go under a large dining table on hardwood floors?

  A:

  I recommend a non-slip pad such as our Superior Lock 1/4". The reason to have a pad with a powerful grip is to stop wrinkling and bunching that can occur when dining chairs are moved as people sit down and then get up from the table.

• Q:

  What pads do you have for a small kitchen rug used in front of a sink area? We have just moved to this home and are quite anxious about how to properly care for our nice hardwood floors. We have never had hardwood floors before.

  A:

  I would suggest Anchor Grip. This is a non-slip waterproof pad that is made from a soybean oil-based polymer blend, and it is safe to use on your hardwood. Anchor Grip will not mark, harm or damage your floors in any way.

• Q:

  Does the Contour Lock pad have enough of a cushion to help with loud creaky hardwood floors?

  A:

  Contour Lock is not one of our sound dampening pads. I suggest Superior Lock which is also made of felt and natural rubber. This is one of our most popular pads for soundproofing and it's available in three different thicknesses. The thicker you go the better you will be able to block out noises.

• Q:

  The flooring company where we bought our hardwood floors recommends rug pads that are free of rubber or latex, either natural or synthetic. But I don't see any options on your site without rubber. Do you have rubber-free rug pads that provide a good grip?

  A:

  Yes, we do. We have a pad with an excellent gripping attribute that contains no rubber at all. It is called Anchor Grip, and it's made from a soybean oil-based polymer blend. This pad is safe for all floors and finishes and it also works well on heated floors.

• Q:

  We have nice hardwood floors underneath our area rugs. Will your Eco Plush pad protect them from staining?

  A:

  Yes, the Eco Plush heat-pressed felt pad will protect your floor for many years to come. It will not stain, mark or harm the wood.

• Q:

  I will be putting several 2' x 6' runners down on my hardwood floors. Is the 3/8" Eco Plush pad a good idea or do you recommend anything better?

  A:

  I don't recommend Eco Plush because it is not a non-slip pad and your runners will definitely move. You need something with a firm grip. Therefore, I suggest a pad like RugPro or Anchor Grip if your floor type is vinyl. Both of these pads are low profile and possess a powerful gripping attribute.

• Q:

  After I placed an order for your Superior Lock pad, the people who refinished our wood floors warned us against pads with rubber in them, saying it is hard on the wood. Does this pad contain any rubber?

  A:

  Yes, the Superior Lock pad is made with felt and natural rubber. Like all of our products, it is safe for all floors and finishes. Having said that, I recommend you contact the manufacturer of your floor and ask them if natural rubber is okay to use on their wood.

• Q:

  I have newly refinished hardwood floors and need a rug pad that will not stain or cause any damage. However, I don't know exactly what the floors were finished with. Will your Superior Lock pad be safe to use?

  A:

  Our rug pad products are safe to use on all types of floors and finishes. However, I can't really say whether Superior Lock will be okay because you don't know what finish was used.

• Q:

  I need a high-quality pad for an expensive Asian rug on a satin finished maple floor. Which of your rug pads will protect my floor and prevent sliding? Also, how do you determine the size of the pad?

  A:

  I would contact your floor manufacturer and ask them for guidelines on what is safe for your floor type. If they state that natural rubber is safe, then I would suggest our Superior Lock felt and natural rubber pad. This is an excellent pad that provides gripping and cushioning. Regarding the pad size, all you would need to do is enter your rug's exact dimensions when ordering. We will then custom cut a perfect fitting pad for you. We do this by taking about 1" off each of the four sides.

• Q:

  I have a very expensive 12' x 10' oriental rug on a hardwood floor. What pad thickness do you recommend and which type of pad is best?

  A:

  With your rug being so large, you don't need a pad with a grip. So, I suggest the Eco Plush Pad 100% all felt pad at either 1/4" or 3/8" thickness.

• Q:

  Is your Anchor Grip rug pad safe for oiled wood?

  A:

  Our pads are safe for all types of floors and finishes. But I recommend you contact your floor's manufacturer and ask them for guidelines about what they consider safe for your floor type.

• Q:

  Which type of rug pad would be best for muffling noise coming from below? My bedroom has hardwood flooring and it is directly over the furnace in the basement. I'd like to muffle that furnace noise as much as possible.

  A:

  Take a look at our Superior Lock felt and natural rubber pad. It is one of our best pads for sound dampening. I recommend the 7/16" thickness for you.

• Q:

  I would like to know if there are any type of flame retardants or other chemical additives in your rug pads. I know what they are made of but it's difficult to find out if they are treated with flame retardants. Please let me know.

  A:

  We use recycled felt and natural rubber and don't add anything to them. None of our pads are treated with flame retardants. This is because many of our customers are concerned about health issues related to retardants.

• Q:

  My shag carpet sits on a wood floor and needs some cushioning. What pad do you recommend?

  A:

  I recommend the Superior Lock felt and natural rubber pad. This non-slip pad has a generous amount of cushioning and is available in three different thicknesses. The greater the thickness the more the pad will cushion your rug.

• Q:

  Does the RugPro pad stain hardwood floors after a period of time? Also, how long do the pads last?

  A:

  The RugPro felt and natural rubber pad will not stain or mark your floor as long as you follow your floor manufacturer's guidelines. This pad should last about 15 years.

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