Hardwood floors are timeless and they’re known for adding an element of class and beauty to any home. However, they require regular maintenance in order to preserve their quality and appearance. One way to protect hardwood floors is to cover them with a mat or rug that will not only beautify the space but also protect the hardwood floor from wear and tear.
Rug pads, in particular, are designed to keep hardwood floors in place while deterring slippages from happening. The following is a helpful list of the best rug pads for hardwood floors. This list is based on a strict criterion that includes looking at the highest rated reviews.
The 10 Best Rug Pad for Hardwood Floors
1. Gorilla Grip Original Felt + Rubber Pad
The Gorilla Grip Original Felt ad Rubber Pad is one of the most popular products on the market and it’s not hard to see why. With its 0.25-inch thick and non-slip rubber, it acts as an underfoot cushion that simultaneously works to prevent slippages. It’s particularly easy to install and use without the need for complicated knowledge.
Not only that, but the Gorilla Grip is noise canceling and resistant to mold and mildew. Since it’s made from recyclable materials, it’s eco-friendly and is hypoallergenic as well.
According to the manufacturer, installing this rubber rug pad will not leave a mark on hardwood floors. Plus, it doesn’t come with any bumps or bunches since it’s neatly rolled before shipping.
Pros
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Will not lead to sliding or slipping
- Fully customizable with a neat trim or cut
- Made according to breathable and open grid construction
Cons
- This pad only comes in a large size
2. Rug Pad USA Felt and Rubber Rug Pad
This rubber rug pad from Rug Pad USA features textured waffle natural rubber. It has a premium luxury design in a classic black color. To prevent the rug from bunching or shifting out of place, there’s a pressed needle punched 32oz sq/yd felt.
This rug also includes a 5oz face coat for added non-skid protection and a 15oz sq/ys layer of natural rubber. This helps to keep the pad from deteriorating over time. There’s yet another layer beneath it all which is able to catch any dirt and debris that may end up on the rug. This protects the rug and hardwood floors from contaminants resulting from foot traffic and spillages. Thanks to its Superior Lock 7/16 inch dimensions, this rug offers acoustic and insulating benefits in addition to a convenient 20-year warranty.
Pros
- Proudly made in the US
- Comes with thick cushioning
- Nice texture
- Made from 100% rubber and felt
Cons
- It has a distinct rubbery smell
3. Mohawk Home Felt and Latex Non Slip Rug Pad
The Mohawk Home Felt and Latex Non-Slip Rug Pad is a great way to incorporate a bit of thickness and comfort into any floor surface. They’re versatile enough to work on rugs and hardwood floors alike, and can help to prevent damage by acting as a buffer between the floor and regular wear and tear. These pads are also helpful in creating non-slip floors while preventing the rugs from folding and curling at the edges. This can go a long way in preventing future damage on the rug.
Each pad adds ¼ inch of thickness on the rugs for a plusher feel. Plus, they’re constructed from recycled materials which makes them perfect for the eco-friendly consumer.
Pros
- Features brown rubber backing
- Made from carpet fiber cutoff
- Thick and plush
- Made in the US
Cons
- Has an unpleasant odor
4. Alpine Neighbor Area Rug Pad
This felt area rug pad is made for hardwood floors, and because of that, you can easily install and use it. It can be customized to any size by trimming and cutting, but it’s important to keep the changes invisible. This is a non-slip rug pad that stays secure so that the hardwood feels and looks good. It’s also capable of protecting rugs and hardwood so that the floor surface doesn’t get damaged by scratches of stuff falling onto them.
This is a well-cushioned rug pad and that helps to enhance the feel and quality of the floor for longer. It’s also noise canceling because of its ability to absorb any and all sounds.
Pros
- Features a non-slip backing
- You can trim and customize it according to floor size
- Noise canceling
Cons
- It’s not as thick as expected, but this makes it easier to trim
5. Veken Non-Slip Area Rug Pad Gripper
The Veken non-slip area rug pad gripper features high-quality materials to provide safety and protection to hardwood floors. It’s very effective at keeping hardwood floors in place. It will come in handy for pet owners or anyone with young children in the house. That’s because it prevents floor slipping and tripping accidents with the help of its non-bunching feature.
Thanks to its durability, this rug pad makes it extremely difficult to tear by hand. But this is what makes it ideal for use on hardwood floors. It’s durable enough to withstand dings and scratches due to contact with sharp objects and high heeled shoes, for example.
It’s built according to an open grid design, which prevents dirt infiltration and opens up air circulation. This is a great way to maintain clean hardwood floors effortlessly and for longer.
Pros
- Very effective at protecting hardwood floors
- Easy to install and use
- Has a non-slip design
- Strong and durable
Cons
- There have been a few complaints that these rug pads tend to stick together
6. Ninja Brand Gripper Rug Pad
The Ninja Brand Gripper rug pad is designed for consumers shopping on a budget. That’s because although it’s made from non-slip and premium quality materials, it comes at a very accessible price and with a money back guarantee.
Among its features is a low profile and lightweight design. It’s non-adhesive which means it won’t stick together annoyingly, and it’s designed to protect hardwood floors from damage. As soon as it’s installed, this rug pad stays in place without sliding, bunching or slipping clumsily. It can only prolong the lifespan of hardwood floors or rugs, and it’s effective against curling and wrinkling.
This gripper rug pad can make cleaning much easier because it doesn’t pull at the edges. Also, it’s easy to install and trim as the consumer likes and it promises to keep floors absolutely clean and tidy.
Pros
- Comes with a money back guarantee
- Can be trimmed and customized
- Effective at protecting and extending the lifespan of rugs and hardwood floors
Cons
- There have been complaints about this rug pad’s inability to stay put
7. DoubleCheck Non Slip Rug Pad
The DoubleCheck non-slip rug pad comes insulated with thick padding and a strong grip. This makes it ideal for cushioning and adding plush comfort underfoot without anyone being the wiser. Like the others, this rug pad promises to protect hardwood floors from damage and staining. It will fit rugs that have dimensions of 6 inches by 9 inches.
This rug pad will keep the rug from sliding about or bunching. It will also protect pets and children when playing by not moving the rug around. Plus, it imparts a comfortable feel to the floor by adding extra cushioning.
Pros
- Prevents floor stains and damage
- Can prolong rug and hardwood lifespan
- Fits perfectly without bunching or sliding
- Has thick and comfortable padding
Cons
- This rug pad tends to leave floors with an unsightly plastic residue
8. GRIP MASTER Cushioned Gripper Pad
This rug pad from Grip Master is made from materials that are perfect for keeping rugs in place. It has non-slip action which prevents rugs from bunching and becoming a safety hazard. It works particularly well for mattresses and cushions that are made for couches and futons.
It’s twice as thick as its competitors and this helps to improve the level of comfort and protection that it provides. The Grip Master provides an ideal solution to anyone that wants to create a solid foundation for their hardwood floors. This basically guarantees added support and cushioning when walking on hardwood floors and it’ll prevent rugs from getting crushed. It doesn’t end there, however, as the Grip Master rug pad is also effective at keeping away any scratches from hardwood floors.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Made from high-quality materials
- Super thick and comfy underfoot
Cons
- It’s not suitable for refinished or carpet surfaces
9. Epica Super-Grip Non-Slip Area Rug Pad
As the name implies, this area rug pad from Epica offers super grip thanks to its high-quality gripping system. It features a checkerboard pattern which enhances its grip properties to withstand quick movements. This makes it very effective at preventing bunching and slipping. It also promises to not leave any marks on hardwood floors and can extend its lifespan instead.
This is not a padded rug, so it’s thin and lightweight. Plus, this brand backs this rug with a lifetime warranty promise.
Pros
- Well-priced
- Easy to install
- It stays in place no matter what
- Rolls back without hassle
- Made from high-quality materials
- Free from unseemly chemical odors
- Made for hardwood and laminate flooring
- Comes with clear, easy to understand instructions
Cons
- It’s a bit too thin for some
- The adhesion quality doesn’t last
10. RHF Non Slip Rug Pad
With the RHF non-slip rug pad, homeowners can rest assured that their hardwood floors will be safe from all kinds of nicks and dings. In addition to providing comfortable cushion it has a powerful grip that keeps rugs in place. They’re available in a versatile standard size. But, they’re customizable through trimming.
In addition, these rug pads have a super thick design which enhances the adhesive quality. This feature comes with the added advantage of protecting hardwood floors from rough surfaces.
Pros
- Washable and easy to maintain
- Protects hardwood floors for longer
- Customizable
- Made from durable rubberized PVC material
Cons
- Has a bad chemical odor
Buying Guide
Why should I use pads for rugs on hardwood floors?
It’s essential to install and use a rug pad for hardwood floors. Read on to find out why.
- Protection
Hardwood floor damage is inevitable due to daily traffic and wear and tear. Although seemingly small, dirt and debris can lead to abrasions that wear down hardwood floors and carpeting alike. Rug pads can protect both from dings and scratches caused by regular use.
- Safety
Rug pads can play a huge role in preventing the rug from shifting and slipping on the floor. That’s because rug pads feature a built-in adhesive that helps keep the rug firmly on the floor. For the best results, consumers should use double-sided carpet tape just to be on the safe side.
- Comfort
Installing rug pads can significantly improve the level of comfort and cushioning on hardwood floors. They can also prevent the floor rug from bunching up while providing a fair amount of noise absorption.
- Preservation
Rug pads can also extend the lifespan of floor rugs and hardwood surfaces. They do this by protecting both surfaces from shifting about and causing friction. With less friction and damage to deal with, hardwood floors last longer and perform better over time.
What kind of rug pad is safe for hardwood floors?
Rug pads come in a wide variety of options for hardwood floors:
- Non-Slip Rug Pads
As implied in the name, non-slip rug pads act as an adhesive between the floor and rug so that there’s no slipping, wrinkling or bunching. These types of rug pads are compatible with a wide range of rugs including throws rugs and runners that you can place in entryways and hallways.
- Cushioned Rug Pads
Cushioned rug pads come with thicker padding than the non-slip variety. As such, they’re plush and comfortable to walk on. They’re particularly suitable for the living room or any other area of the house the gets regular foot traffic.
- Grip Rug Pads
Grip rug pads have a felt and rubber construction and they offer a softer and more comfortable feel. This level of cushioning can assist to extend the lifespan of hardwood floors by acting as a buffer between the hardwood flooring and rug.
- 100% Natural Rubber Pads
Natural rubber pads have a firm grip on floor surfaces and they’re designed to prevent sliding and slipping. They also provide a protective buffer that cushions the space between the rug and the floor.
- 100% Felt Pads
Floor pads are often recommended for large rugs that have additional furniture support, otherwise, they’re not very effective at securing the rug. Besides that, felt rugs can ensure optimal rug performance by keeping it in place.
- Felt + Rubber Pad
Felt and rubber pads are made from both materials simultaneously. They offer the best of both worlds by supporting the carpet while providing a non-slip rubber surface.
How to choose the right rug pad sizes
- For Small Area Rugs
A thin and lightweight rug pad is sufficient for a small area rug with dimensions of about 3×5 inches or so. A thinner rug pad will also help to prevent tripping accidents in a high traffic area.
- For Runners Area Rugs
For a runner rug, a non-slip weave, classically designed rug pad is recommended. These are usually low profile and lightweight as well.
- For Medium Size Area Rugs
Medium sized area rugs require a rug pad that combines plush comfort and strong grip. This includes rug pads that are made from a combination of natural rubber and felt. These pads offer long lasting quality, a firm grip, safety and they’re made from recyclable materials most of the time.
- For Large Area Rugs
Large area rugs are those that measure 8×10 inches and they’re so heavy that they don’t typically require a non-skid pad to stay in place. All that’s needed is felt covering or a 3/8 inch or ¼ inch pad to keep it connected to a hardwood floor.
- For Oversized Area Rugs
Large sized rugs typically require cushioned padding instead of regular, non-slip pads. Large rugs also make it easier to keep them in place which is why they don’t particularly need a grip-friendly pad.
Conclusion
There’s no denying that rug pads offer a number of benefits for anyone that has hardwood floors. They help to protect hardwood floors from normal wear and tear, which helps to extend their lifespan in turn. The Gorilla Grip Original Felt + Rubber Pad is undoubtedly one of the best rug pads for hardwood floors on the market.
It’s made from 0.25-inch thick rubber which makes it durable and non-slip. It provides an underfoot cushion for comfort and protection against slipping. The best part is that it’s easy to install and use, and it comes with features like anti-mold and mildew protection, as well as noise-canceling features.
