When landing on a purchase for your rug pad, make sure you are well informed on what should be considered in order to move forward with your purchase. Investing in your home is always the right decision and choosing the best rug pad for your area rug begins with finding the correct thickness. Rug pads are here to not only alleviate your design problems, but preserve and protect our flooring at the same time. With the help of a new rug and the stabilization of the rug pad, you can compliment the home by tying together multiple pieces of your room. Density, flooring, insulation, cushioning, and soundproofing are all things to think about when deciding on the thickness of your next rug pad.
Deciding what is the best rug pad to preserve the value of your rug in your home is an important decision. Our guide is here to make everything an easier process for you. Let's determine with just a few simple steps which rug pad will be the best in your home.
What Type of Rug Do You Have?
There are many different types of materials used to make area rugs, a few top choices are synthetic fibers like acrylic, polyester, and polypropylene. There are also natural fibers like wool, cotton, silk, jute, sisal and artificial silk such as viscose, bamboo silk, banana silk. Different materials can create variations of height, therefore delivering different style rug types and qualities.
Not only do materials make a difference in your rug, but loop and pile will also decipher the difference in the type of rug you have.
- Low-pile rugs: This style of rug has shorter fibers and loops, making them suitable for high-traffic areas such as the kitchen or hallway runners. They are, however, prone to wear over time and have a less cozy feel. They still provide excellent sound dampening even with a shorter pile. They can also be enhanced with a thick felt rug pad such as our Premium Deluxe Cushion.
- High-pile rugs: These rugs have tall loose fibers in loops or strands, making them more plush and ideal for the bedroom or living room, and as a key design element in a room. As mentioned above, high-pile rugs are prone to trapping particles so may not be ideal in homes with allergies. High-pile rugs show wear less since their fibers are longer, however fluffy, dramatic area rugs may become matted looking over time and with constant use. They provide superior sound dampening and comfort. Once you have determined what your rug is composed of and its pile height, you will have a better idea of the needs of your rug pad.
What Type of Flooring Do You Have?
Your specific flooring will also direct you to the correct rug pad thickness. Purchasing a rug pad for your carpet versus a rug pad for your back patio are two different decisions. If your rug pad for your carpet is too thick, you will find that not only are you tripping over your area rug more often, but more likely there will be threshold issues within your home as well. Hard surfaces such as hardwood floors, laminate flooring or stone flooring can generally be open to a variety of rug pads based on what your needs are. With our super-grip technology and large variety of hard surface rug pad selection, you can find many options to choose from (depending on your flooring type, some rug pads may not be suitable for use on vinyl, lacquered, acrylic or porous surfaces. Please always follow the floor manufacturer's directions. Rug pads should only be applied to clean, dry, fully cured flooring surfaces). Determining where your rug pad needs to be is just another step toward making the best decision for your home!
How Thick is Your Rug?
There are many different styles when it comes to rugs, not only are we talking about design but also thickness. Based on the material of your rug will determine the thickness and/or pile, therefore helping you decide the course of action to your rug pad decision. Area rugs can be made from a wide variety of materials such as wool, cotton, polyester, silk, faux fur, sheep skin, jute, and cowhide. The difference between a jute rug will lay differently on your flooring than a shag rug. The thickness of your rug will also determine your choice in rug pad. Depending upon the texture, layering and density will determine what you need underneath your rug.
For an example reference, The American Disabilities Act requires floor coverings should not exceed a thickness of half an inch, and any exposed edges of the carpet should be fastened to the floor. ADA-compliant carpet should be a level or textured loop, level cut pile, or level cut/uncut pile with firm cushions. This ADA standard links directly to our recommendation of keeping your rug pads between ⅛” to ¼” - because yes, your rug pad can be too thick and cause tripping if not paired well with your rug. We suggest not exceeding ¼” of thickness when purchasing your rug pad.
Are you seeking additional cushioning?
Oftentimes a rug pad will provide an additional layer of comfort for your space. The most beautiful area rugs can change the design of your home but do not fix the luxury you seek. Having the option to cozy up by the fireplace or allow your favorite furry friends to snuggle by your feet can be a game changer with the perfect rug pad! We offer multiple options for hard surfaces as well as carpet to provide the extra thickness you desire.
Do you need soundproofing?
Whether you live in a house full of lively children, barking pets, or love loud music … echo and vibration can be very bothersome. Adding a layer of density to your room is another answer to how thick you may need your rug pad to be! Many rug pads can help absorb the impact from sounds like extra foot traffic within your home. Depending upon your needs many rug pads offer the option of adding a layer of density for added soundproofing! Thicker rug pads like the Premium Deluxe Cushioned which measures around ¼” thick to help with noise reduction and provide insulation from cold subfloors.
What does the clearance look like in your area?
Oftentimes, too thick of a rug pad can disturb the threshold between your area rug and doorway. Picking the correct selection to pair for your rug can be vital for any clearance headaches. At rugpad.com we offer multiple options for the same rug pad benefits but with low profile abilities to maintain minimal thickness. Our Premium Low Profile rug pad is perfect for keeping thicker area rugs in place with a low profile that instantly helps alleviate door threshold issues. It is also fast and easy to install, you won’t even realize it’s there as it helps prevent dangerous and frustrating bunching and sliding anymore.
The choice of your rug pad is a decision that can help to make your home not only a safer place but more comfortable and luxurious place for yourself and your family. Protect and prolong your area rugs with the help of your friends here at rugpad.com - our guide not only helps to provide you with the thickness you desire of your rug pad but contributes to the economical investment of your home.
Regardless of flooring type, please check your flooring manufacturer’s recommendation for which types of rug pads are compatible.
Our phone lines are open: (615) 712-8774 - We are happy to help and answer any of your questions in order to guide you to the best rug pad for your floors.
Additionally, all products by Rugpads.com are proudly manufactured in the United States of America. We guarantee that our products will remain functional and stable for a full 10-year period with proper use and cleaning maintenance. Our shipping rates and wait times are among the most competitive in the entire market.
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