Buying rug pads can be quite confusing for a lot of people because of the plethora of options there are in the market. On the one hand there are cheap qualities that claim extensive durability, while on the other hand, there are those that claim to be a bit expensive but offer great comfort. Which one makes the best option for you is what this article will help you with.
• Know Your Priorities – buying a certain rug pad is as much a personal choice as it is determined by any other factor. You may want a plush treatment to your new oriental rug, or you might want just the most basic rug pad for your kitchen rug. Thus, it depends on your priorities as to the purpose you need to for.
• Keep the Budget in Mind – there are expensive as well as cheap varieties in the market. Many will lure you into buying them because of their utility, durability, etc. but will be dear. Know how much your budget allows you to spend on a rug pad and stick you the side that sells those in your budget or cheaper variants of it. You do not want to end up spending more.
• Are you socially responsible? – this is another question you may want to ask yourself before opting for rug pads for hardwood floors or any other type. If you are the conscientious type and believe on buying environmentally friendly products, this is another thing you need to ensure when buying a rug pad. There are many green options available that have been certified by some of the most reliable organizations. Make sure you read the label properly though.
• Where is the rug placed? – while this may sound irrelevant, it isn’t. The place where the rug is determines the kind of rug pad you may be looking for. If it is in the bedroom, you may want to go for a thick padding that ensures enough cushioning for the rug to be used comfortably as a sitting area. If it’s in the kid’s room, you would want it to be non-toxic and made of natural fibers. Moreover, it also needs to be thick especially if your baby crawls or if your toddler loves to play with his/her toys. At the same time if the rug is in your corridor or hallway, you might want a thin rug pad to avoid accidents involving people falling because of the sudden protrusion.
• Climatic Factor – your rug pad can also be a great way to keep your indoors cool or warm according to the climate of your area. If you live in a warmer region, getting a thin rug pad would be ideal as it will insulate the least amount of heat. However, if you live in a colder region, getting a thick rug pad would be ideal as it will help the rug insulate more heat and keep your rooms warm.
• The Size of the Rug Pad – you might think that you need to buy a rug pad that has the exact dimensions of your rug but it is untrue. Always buy a rug pad that is an inch smaller on all sides. This enables the rug itself to drop to the floor and keep people from falling over or tripping. The use of this tactic will also ensure that the rug doesn’t fray, increasing its life.
• The Type of Floor – the thickness of the rug pad depends on the type of floor you have the rug on as well. If you have a hard floor, for instance that of wood or concrete, you will require a thicker rug pad. This will ensure that the real purpose of the rug is fulfilled: a comfortable walk on the rug that is warm and easy. Thus know the kind of floor you have and buy rug pads for hardwood floors accordingly.
• Perfect Candidates for Hardwood Floors – the major issue as far as hardwood floors are concerned is that they are prone to get scratched easily. Any substance like rubber latex will easily leave ugly lines on the floor. Thus, make sure the material of the rug pad does not cause it. Jute is an excellent solution in this case. There are other options available to choose from in the market as well.
• Is the rug placed over a carpeted floor? – you might wonder why you need rug padding when there carpet base provide with a reasonable friction and there is no danger of slipping. The use of a rug pad on a carpeted flooring is even more important because the rug may fold and the dye of the rug may seep into the carpet leaving an ugly stain, especially if the carpet is a shade lighter than that of the rug. To avoid that get an adhesive that is coated by polyester fabric. This will ensure no mix of dyes and keep your carpet as good as new.
• Is your floor slippery? – while concrete provides friction, floors such as hardwood, tiles, etc. can prove to be very slippery. Thus, when buying a rug pad, make sure it has anti-slip qualities. While you want to add to the aesthetics of your room, you don’t want your rug to end up as a hazard.
You might not realize how complicated buying a rug pad is. But when you are invest in a household item, however small it is, thinking through and weighing the pros and cons always helps you make the best decisions. These are just some of the tips that will help you do the same. Happy rug pad shopping!