A rug pad doubles the life of your rug and is a great investment for your flooring. It makes sure your rug is securely in place, absorbing the daily wear and tear that comes from furniture being moved around, chair legs scratching against it, and foot traffic.
The back of the rug is where the wool, polyester, or whatever material is used to make the rug is knotted and woven to create the patterns you see. When a rug backing is allowed to slide on a floor or is walked on without a pad underneath it, it can be hard on the fibers and can cause them to loosen or become damaged. A rug pad, however, absorbs the shock between people walking on it and the floor underneath it, protecting the rug at its most vulnerable point.
The layer of cushioning between your rug and the floor also helps to protect against dirt and spills that can damage individual fibers or leave stains. Not only does it guard against messes, but a rug pad also increases air circulation under the rug, helping to prevent mildew and rot. So next time you purchase a new area rug, don’t forget to pick up a good quality pad—it might just save you from replacing it sooner than expected.