Written by Administrator. This article is my 6th oldest. It is 710 words long.
Choosing The Right Rug Pad
Rug pads ensure that rugs stay in place rather than traveling all over the floor. Literally, rug padding is put under a rug to provide additional luxurious comfort to the rug, minimize damage to the floor, and prevent the rug from sliding excessively.
Ideally, the type of rugs and the floor type should determine the type of rug pad you choose. Outdoor area rugs require rug pads with more cushioning. In addition to a rug pad, you may want to buy a rug pad tape to secure and better position the rug
Non- slip rug pads
Non-slip rug pads offer stability and tracking for area rugs so that they stay on the intended spot. Non-slip rug pads also provide protection and shielding for the rugs themselves. They reduce wear and tear to the rugs from typical use.
Choosing the right rug pad
Sizing - All rug pads cannot be the exact size as the rug they are supposed to protect. Allow for half an inch boundary around the rug. Consider rug pads that come with warranties or one that comes highly recommended by other users.
Buy non-slip pads for hardwood floors. Non-slip rug pads will prevent the rug from sliding across the floor. Buying a non-slip pad will not only prevent slips but will protect your rug from wear and tear due to friction with the hard floor. As mentioned earlier, rug pads come in different sizes. When buying a rug pad always go for a larger size especially if you aren’t sure about the size of your rug.
Leave an inch off the boundary- The ideal rug pad should actually be around an inch shorter than the rug on all sides. This ensures that the rug touches the floor, meaning it won’t be elevated to reduce tripping hazards. Ensuring the edges of the rug are on the floor also decreases rug fraying.
Increase thickness depending on the floor hardness- The harder the floor, the more padding you should consider to feel comfortable walking on the rug. In addition, the thick padding will help your feet feel warmer especially since most hard floors tend to retain cold temperatures. Consider thick padding for your basement or concrete floor.
Jute for hard wood floors- Rug pads made from latex materials tends to cause scratches to hard wood floors. Consider using rug pads made of jute since they are less likely to scratch the floor. However since rugs can be very slippery on hard wood floors, consider jute padding that comes with additional non slip support.
Environmental friendly products- Choose rug pads made from plant based oils instead of PVC or rubber non-slip pads. These pads are made with renewable, sustainable resources and usually are biodegradable as well.
The best type of rug pad should have a dense, needle punched, non- woven, hypo- allergenic felt made of 100% synthetic fibre. This type of padding doesn’t break down chemically, or aggravate allergies, is resistant to rot and mildew, and insulates against cold floors. The padding also provides maximum protection to your rugs. It lasts a long time while protecting and keeping your rugs in place.
Benefits of the right rug pad
Protects your rug from wear and tear making it last longer and thus increasing its useful life
Makes rugs feel comfortable- richer, fuller and softer
Makes the room warmer, this is especially true for hard wood floors that tend to retain cold temperatures.
Makes your room quieter- Rug pads helps decrease sounds. Installing the right rug pad will help reduce noise
Helps keep the rug cleaner by allowing easier vacuuming and greater air flow
Prevents slip accidents that may result due to slippery floors and wrinkles on your rug
Prevents color transfer, staining and marring of your floor or rug
The right rug pad will not only help prevent slip accidents, but makes your rug more comfortable, helps reduce sounds, make rooms warmer among many other advantages.
When buying a rug pad, putting the type of floor and rugs in your home into consideration will help you choose the right padding. Ideally choose thin non-slip rugs for smaller areas such as hallways and thick, cushiony pads for larger area rugs for comfort and cushioning. Choose environmental friendly materials that are sustainable and biodegradable.