Rug Pad Guide: Why Every Rug Needs One

A rug pad is the least glamorous thing we sell and the one we insist on most. Here's what it actually does, which floors need it, and why we cut every pad to size instead of selling boxes.

What a pad does for your rug — and your floor

Keeps it in place — no sliding on hardwood, no rippling on carpet. Protects the floor — a rug without a pad grinds fine grit between the weave and your hardwood finish with every step. Extends the rug's life — the pad absorbs the impact that otherwise crushes the pile and wears the foundation. Feels better — a good pad adds a quiet, cushioned step that makes even a thin flatweave feel substantial.

Hardwood floors: read this first

Cheap PVC waffle pads can react with hardwood finishes over time and leave a pattern etched into the floor. On hardwood, use a felt-and-natural-rubber pad — the felt cushions, the rubber grips, and neither touches your finish with plasticizers. That's the construction of the pad we carry.

Cut to size, in the store

A pad should stop about an inch inside the rug's edge on every side so the edges lie flat and taper cleanly. Boxed pads rarely match handmade rug sizes — so we cut every pad to your rug's exact dimensions, including runners, rounds and custom sizes. Bring the rug's measurements, or just buy the rug here and we'll cut the pad while you wait.

The right pad for each situation

Rug on hardwood: felt-and-rubber, every time. Rug on carpet: a firm, thin pad that stops the rug from rippling. Under a thick hand-knotted rug: thinner pad, since the rug carries its own cushion. Not sure? Sizing questions are also covered in our rug size guide, or call (630) 324-6567.

Cassim Rug Gallery · 239 Ogden Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515 · (630) 324-6567 · Mon–Sat 10–6, Sun 12–5