What kind of rug pad for large area rug

debo_2006

15 years ago

I purchased an 8x11 area rug and need to know what kind of rug pad to put under it. I doubt they're all created equal. The floor is wood laminate and the backing on the rug is a woven cotton (no glue). Got it at Home Goods and they don't have them on hand (well, I didn't think to ask).

Not sure if this matters but the rug is wool with 100% silk.

Any specifics I need to know when purchasing a rug pad? This is for our dining room.

Thanks.

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Comments (7)

jakkom
15 years ago
Just make sure the pad is guaranteed for all types of flooring. There are many kinds - I personally like the the latex honeycomb type sold by places like Bed Bath & Beyond. They come in either thinner or more cushion-y thicknesses, and don't deteriorate like the sponge foam pads do over the decades (some of our pads are more than 30 yrs old, and a few literally either fell apart or stuck to the floors over time - easy to get off, though, once moistened).

The best is a thin, closed cell foam padding that is very good, but more expensive - most carpet stores sell it by the linear foot.
moonkat99
15 years ago
Get a thin (c. 1/4 - 3/8") woven felt pad for wool/silk area rugs. Run, don't walk, away from the spongy foam pads. The latex honeycomb types are fine for small rugs, just to keep them from slipping, but I would never use one under a larger rug. You want to protect the rug, your floor, & have it feel good to walk on.
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sue36
15 years ago
Where do you get the woven felt pads, I've never seem those?
moonkat99
15 years ago
I just blithely did a little search for you sue, thinking I would come up with all sorts of options, & I'm really dismayed to discover that the felt pads of yore are....well, just that....yore :(

I have several pads made of felt & horsehair that I've had for many, many years - I had a huge horsehair pad that I just keep cutting to fit smaller rugs. And I expect them to last for many more years. Which is why I haven't had to shop for one for a long time.

Everything now is synthetic, but the good news is that you can still find synthetic felt pads - hopefully they are no less damaging to your floors than the felt pads are.

Still, check out your local rug dealers - the ones who sell area rugs, & see what they have.

The problem with most synthetics is that they bond to your flooring & create damage that can be very hard to repair w/o resurfacing. And/or the pad is too thick & the carpet gets dents that turn into worn fiber. And/or the pad does nothing but keep the carpet from slipping & ruin the floor underneath at the same time.

BTW, if your carpet is a thick one, you're probably better off w/o a pad.

HTH, & good luck!
debo_2006
Original Author
15 years ago
Awww, Moon, you didn't have to research. But, thanks. I think I'll call a couple of places including on line stores and hear what the consences is on the subject. Last thing I want is damage to the floor when it can be prevented.

The rug is 1/2" thick.
moonkat99
15 years ago
debi carpets is one thing I know a little bit about, so I'm happy to help when & if I can - plus it behooves me to keep my knowledge updated :)

Just be careful of a carpet dealer wanting to sell you a pad just to make some extra $$!
User
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
We bought this pad from Home depot when we got our rug. The thickness is perfect and it is supposed to be compatible with wood floors. We like it alot!

Rug Pad