If you’ve ever wondered whether you need a rug pad, the answer is most likely yes. Rug pads prevent slipping, bunching, and scratches on your floors. They’re also essential for prolonging the life of your rug and adding a soft cushion underfoot. Hundreds of rug pads are on the market, but they’re not all made equal. I tested 12 of the most highly recommended rug pads to find the best one(s)…and I did!
I divided the rug pads into 4 categories. Each category serves a different purpose, so I’ve highlighted the best option for each below. The categories are:
I tested and rated each rug pad in several categories: the vacuum test (does the rug slide, wrinkle, or bunch?), the slide test (does the rug/pad move when I slide across it?), comfort (how soft is it underfoot?), and removal (this one is specifically for carpet tape). See the results below –
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Thin & Grippy Rug Pads
For small area rugs or rooms where you can’t afford to add thickness to the rug (i.e. minimal clearance between a door and floor), a thin, non-slip rug pad is essential. I have a clear favorite!
The Best Non-Slip Rug Pad
RugPro by RugPad USA
PROS: The 1/16″ thick RugPro rug pad is my favorite thin, non-slip rug pad. Of all the rug pads I tested, this one is the grippiest by far – both to the floor and the rug. The natural rubber base and ultra grippy felt layer overtop does not allow the rug to budge when I vacuum or attempt to slide across it. Bonus: it’s reversible. On hardwood floors, lay the rubber side down. On carpet, lay the felt side down. I’ve used this pad for many years and it has not stained my hardwood floors, nor has the natural rubber deteriorated.
CONS: None
SUITABLE FLOORING: Hardwood, laminate, stone, porcelain, ceramic, concrete, and heated floors.
PRICE: $191 for an 8×10
Other Thin & Grippy Rug Pads I Tested…
I tried this Gorilla Grip mesh pad, and while it was better than I expected, it wasn’t great. There was some movement/bunching when I vacuumed the rug. I also tested this nuLOOM felt & rubber rug pad that came highly recommended. I’m surprised it’s rated so highly because it has virtually no grip and was very slippery! I certainly wouldn’t consider it non-slip.
Thick & Grippy Rug Pads
Gone are the days when you have to choose either a grippy pad *or* a cushioned pad…now you can have both! I tested 3 highly rated rug pads that have both a non-slip backing and a felt layer for cushion. I found several I like, but this is my favorite…
The Best Cushioned Non-Slip Rug Pad
Dual Surface by RugPad USA
PROS: This Dual Surface rug pad is an excellent all-around rug pad. The grip is great, both to the floor and the rug. The rug just *barely* moved when I vacuumed and slid across it…barely. I like the 1/4″ thickness because it provides noticeable cushion underfoot without showing a visible bump under the rug. But thicker options are available for extra comfort. I used this pad (in 1/8″ thick) for our stair runner, and I have no complaints!
CONS: None
SUITABLE FLOORING: Hardwood, bamboo, laminate, stone, porcelain, ceramic, carpet, and heated floors.
PRICE: $90 for an 8×10
Honorable Mentions…
I’ve had this Superior Lock rug pad for years, and it’s never disappointed me. It’s very comparable to my top pick, the Dual Surface, but it’s about $100 more for an 8×10. I also tested the Mohawk felt & latex rubber rug pad. The grip was great, and it’s very affordable. (Under $60 for an 8×10!) However, I’ve read that latex rubber, while less expensive, commonly flakes and deteriorates.
Cushioned Rug Pads
I love to use a thick cushioned rug pad in bedrooms where you’re often barefoot. They feel especially wonderful underfoot! Just remember, these rug pads are *not* non-slip, so it’s important to anchor the rug down with furniture.
The Cushiest Rug Pad
Cloud Comfort by RugPad USA
PROS: When comfort is the main goal, there is no greater option than this Cloud Comfort rug pad. It’s the thickest and softest of all the pads I tested, at 7/16″ thick. It’s also waterproof, so spills won’t seep through. I’ve used this pad for years (mine is 1/4″ thick and no longer available), and it’s by far the most comfortable underfoot.
CONS: It does *not* have a rubber backing, so it’s very slippery. You’ll need to anchor down the rug with furniture. It’s the priciest of the bunch, but the comfort does not disappoint. Also, the thickness of this pad does create a noticeable bump under the rug.
SUITABLE FLOORING: Hardwood, laminate, vinyl, stone, and tile.
PRICE: $241 for an 8×10.
In Second Place…
I also tested this 100% felt EcoPlush rug pad, and there’s a lot to like. It’s suitable for all floors and made without any glue, PVC, or latex. It doesn’t create as noticeable a bump as the Cloud Comfort pad above, and it’s far more affordable. It’s just not quite as soft underfoot as the Cloud Comfort. Remember, this rug pad is slippery and needs to be anchored down with furniture!
Carpet Tape
The Best Carpet Tape
Double-Sided Carpet Tape by Trazon
PROS: Of all the carpet tapes I’ve tested, the Trazon tape not only works the best, but is the best bang for your buck. We’ve used this on several small entry rugs, and they do not budge. No movement while vacuuming, running, or sliding across them. It’s been nearly a year since we installed this tape, and it’s holding just as well today as it did on day one. The tape roll is 12 yards long, so you get the most product for the price. We tend to use the tape not just on the corners, but on the whole permiter of the rug. When removing the tape, it does not damage the floors or leave residue.
CONS: It is VERY sticky on rugs. Depending on the rug material, it may not want to come off easily.
SUITABLE FLOORING: Hardwood, tile, laminate, vinyl, and concrete.
PRICE: $9 for 12 yards.
In Second & Third Place…
I’ve heard so many people talk about these grip pads that use suction instead of a sticker to grip to the floor. I doubted they’d stick, but to my surprise, they really do work. The suction holds horizontally, not vertically – so they keep a rug from sliding side-to-side, but can still be picked up. Their biggest advantage is that you can very easily pick the rug up off the floor to move/wash the rug. (Yes, the pads are washable!) The downside is that a vacuum could accidentally peel the rug off the floor. Also, I’d only recommend these for small rugs (2×3). Larger area rugs or runners would require a lot more suction pads to hold the whole rug in place.
And lastly, I tested the Gorilla Grip Stickers. I didn’t find them to be any grippier than the other options, but they were significantly harder to peel off the floor. In general, they were very sticky, but also the most difficult to work with.
Final Selections:
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