What Size Pad Should I Use Under My Area Rug?

Sizing

• The good news for area rug enthusiasts is that rug pads come in a range of sizes designed to fit favorite area rugs. HomeDecoraters.com, a resource for interior designers, offers rug pads in sizes 2x4 feet, 4x6 feet and a 2x8-feet runners. You should be able to find a rug pad that fits your area rug in one or more finishes. Well-liked finishes for rug pads include all-surface, hardwood, carpet pads, water resistant pads and premium cushion pads. Most rugs should not need the added protection of a cushion pad.

Considerations

• You will want to purchase a rug pad to complement any nice rug you have in your house. The primary reason for this is safety: A rug pad will keep your rug from sliding around the carpet, and without one you may slip. Rug pads are essential if you have pets or small children who will be running across your rug on a daily basis. A rug pad will not only make the rug safer in your home, but it will protect the rug. The constant scrunching of a rug without a protective pad wears on the fiber and dye.

  If you have pets or small children who are likely to spill things on the carpet, purchase a waterproof carpet pad. This helps protect your carpet because the mess won't be absorbed by the rub pad, so once you clean and deodorize the rug, there will be no lingering aromas from the accident. When trading an old rug for a new one, you may be tempted to keep the old rug pad, especially if it's a convenient size. Don't. Over time the rug pad absorbs odors and fibers from the rug through natural wear. Your new carpet deserves a new rug pad.

Adjustment

• If you have several area rugs, you might prefer to purchase one large rug pad. You can cut the rug pad with scissors to match the shape and size of your area rugs. Simply use a measuring tape and a marker to outline the shape of the rug, and cut the rug pad a couple of inches smaller than the rug so it won't show.