Rug Pads

Rugs pads provide protection and foundation to your beautiful and expensive rugs. Rug pads bring both additional cushion and comfort to your rugs, but will also help them last longer. Rug pads will even protect the floor beneath the rugs by preventing color transfer, staining and scratching.

There are many reasons why you should be using rug pads on your home area rugs:

• Rug pads extend the life of your rugs - Contrary to what common sense might tell us, rugs wear out from the bottom up. Foot traffic and normal use of rugs causes friction between the underside of the rug and the hard floor. This results in snagging, thinning of the rug and eventually aging. Rug pads will keep the rug in place to prevent this type of wear and tear.
• Rug pads protect the rug from mildew - Rug pads function as cushions between the rug and the floor aiding in the circulation of air, which in turn lets rugs breath. This circulation of air prevents the formation of mold and mildew which can cause aging of the rug, odors and stains.
• Rugs pads protect your floor - By forming a barrier between your floor and the rug, pads prevent any eventual color transfer and staining.
• Rug pads make your home safer - If possible opt for non-slip rug pads to prevent people from slipping on your rugs. This is especially important if you have hardwood or linoleum floors. These types of rug pads are referred to as non-slip rug pads and will help keep the rug in place by preventing it from sliding and wrinkling. Non-slip pads are especially indicated for workplace rugs.
  
• Reduce foot traffic noise - By adding an extra cushion between the rug and the floor, rug pads help reduce the noise cause by foot traffic.
• Protect hardwood floors - Rug pads protect hardwood floors from being scratched by the back of the rug.
  
• Rug pads are easy to clean and hand washable
• Rug pads make vacuuming your rugs easier
• Rug pads make your rugs even more comfortable by adding extra cushion 

There are several types of rug pads depending on the surface of your floor and quality of the pad:

• Non-slip cushion rug pads -The best option to keep your rug in place on any type of floor. Offers a slimmer profile than other types of pads.  These type of pads offer the best protection against rugs slipping.
  
• Premium cushion rug pads - Good for all types of floors and offer the great protection against rug slippage. Will also prevent staining and discoloration of your floors.
  
• All surface rug pads - Generic pad for any type of surface. Helps prevent slippage and increases the longevity of your rugs.
• Outdoor rug pads - Perfect for use on outdoor rugs
  

Rug pads come in all types of sizes, so ideally you should match your rug pad size to your rug size. Alternatively you can buy a larger rug pad and then just trim it to size with a pair of household scissors.

When choosing the thickness, keep in mind that thicker rugs pads make for a more comfortable rug.

You will also have to consider in what type of surface you will be applying the rug pads. Rugs pads for a ceramic or hardwood surface will be different that those for a carpet.

If you would like more information on home decorations and rug types I recommend reading about Nourison area rugs and Ashley rugs.