Why do I need a rug pad?

When consumers purchase an area rug to enhance their living space, a rug pad is essential to ensure that your rug will last for years to come. Even the most expensive Turkish or Persian rugs need support beneath them and that’s where rug pads provide value. A premium rug pad creates a cushion, provides protection against slippage as well as reduces friction between the rug and floor and ultimately extends the life of your investment. Without a rug pad, your new rug is more likely to have the fibers get crushed when everyone is walking on it. This is the main reason rugs quickly wear out and need replaced.

What Is The Purpose Of A Rug Pad?

gripcore ultimate

Choosing proper rug pads is crucial in the longevity of your area rugs. Rug pads offer many more benefits than just keeping your rug from moving or bunching. The proper rug pad reduces stress on feet and legs, makes vacuuming easier by keeping your rug flat and protects your flooring underneath the area rug.

The use of rug pads is critical for all area rugs, especially handmade rugs! Rug pads provide the following benefits:

  • Safety by providing non-slip protection on hard surface floors, such as hardwood, vinyl, tile and linoleum
  • Longevity by protecting rug fibers from being crushed and reducing the impact of feet and heavy furniture
  • Protection by preventing dye transfer, marring, staining, and scratching to the floor or carpeting beneath

Surprising Facts About Soft Rug Pads

The more cushion you have, the more strain you will cause to your rugs.

  • According to some mechanical wear tests, solid rug pads will substantially lengthen the life of your area rugs.
  • Soft area rug pads such as foam permit too much flexing of your area rugs, destroying the rug foundation and backing, causing seams to rip open on area rugs custom made from wall-to-wall carpeting
  • Soft rug pads accelerate damage from furniture legs and foot traffic.

Rug Pads On Top Of Carpet?

Grip Core Platinum shown with rug folded back

Using a rug pad on a carpeted floor, will not only protect the fibers of the rug, but it will protect the fibers in the carpet as well. This creates longevity for that area of the carpet. Reducing friction is number one when it comes to extending rug and carpet life. So, contrary to what most people think, using a rug pad on carpet is just as important as on hard surfaces.