The Best Rug Pads

Many people end up in emergency rooms every year because of slips and falls, and rug grippers and non-slip pads are one of the easiest ways to prevent these accidents. Young children and senior citizens might be more prone to slipping and falling, but non-slip pads are essential no matter how old you and your family members are. Not all rug pads are non-slip, though; many are only designed to protect floors or carpets.

Rugs that are not secured with pads tend to bunch up or slide. Non-slip pads are usually made from PVC, polyurethane, latex or rubber and can be thin or dense. Those with open-grid construction allow the floors and rugs to breathe and provide strong grips. However, check the height since pads raise the rugs from the ground. If they are too tall and next to an entryway, the door might not be able to open all the way, so measure the height of the rug and pad before buying the latter.

Felt rug pads don’t have anti-slip properties and are placed beneath rugs when something else holds them in place, like a couch. Like the other kinds of pads, these are designed to protect floors and add a bit of cushioning. There are also rug pads that are used on top of wall-to-wall carpeting. These often have adhesive backs that get fitted onto the backs of the rugs.

Non-slip rug pads come in various sizes; if you can’t find what you need, you can usually trim them down to size with a pair of household scissors. If you have several rugs and need a few pads, buy one large one and cut it into smaller pieces. Turn the rug upside down, put the pad on top and trace where you need to cut. Don’t cut it all the way out to the edges because it may show; leave a 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch border.

• You can’t use all rug pads on all kinds of floors. Some product descriptions note that you cannot use their pads on vinyl, natural stone, acrylic and other surfaces.
• Rug pads also prevent mattresses, seat cushions and futons from sliding. Look for thicker ones in this case because you’ll benefit from the extra cushioning.
• Make sure that the floor or carpeting is clean and dry before placing the pad down.
• Smooth down any wrinkles in the pad after placing it.
• Do not use rug pads on stairs because it is unsafe; other products are made for this purpose.