Tips on Buying a Carpet Pad

Protect your rugs and carpets from wear when you buy a durable carpet pad. With the right rug pads made of rubber or foam, you can keep your rugs from slipping and bunching on the floor; rug pads for carpets also prevent flooring from wearing out prematurely. Read on for tips on buying a carpet pad for your home.

Buying Carpet Pads:

1. Buy a non-slip pad for hardwood floors. To prevent your Persian rug from sliding across the floor, shop for a non-slip rug pad you can place beneath it. Most carpet padding comes in standard rug sizes, but you can usually trim your rug pads to fit if they're too large; when in doubt, buy a larger size, especially if your rug is an odd shape or is in-between sizes.

2. Add cushioning in your living room or bedroom. Make walking on rugs more comfortable with a thick rubber carpet pad. You may not need thick rug padding if you're placing your rug on carpet, but you can add a bit of cushioning to a rug on a tile floor with the right area rug pads.

3. Prevent accidents with the right rug pad. If you're forever tripping over your entryway rug, look for a rubber carpet pad that won't allow the rug to roll up or bunch in the center. Carpet padding can also protect old carpeting from lumping or sinking and keep you from stubbing your toes.

4. Protect your rug or carpet from wearing out quickly. If you have carpeting or area rugs in high-traffic areas, such as a dining room or entryway, you'll want to extend its life by placing durable rug padding beneath it. The right rug pads for carpets can prevent your favorite rugs and carpeting from developing holes or fraying around the edges. Area rug pads also protect hardwood floors from stains that seep through rugs or carpets.

5. Look for environmentally friendly products. Buy a carpet cushion made of plant-based oils for a natural alternative to a rubber or PVC non-slip rug pad. These carpet pads are made with sustainable, renewable resources and are usually biodegradable, too.