This means that the ideal rug pad for a rug will be 2 shorter and narrower than the rug.
How to size a pad for under my rug.
A rug pad should be one inch less on all four sides of the rug or two inches less for each dimension.
For medium size area rugs roughly 4x6 to 5x9 for area rugs that fall into this general size range you ll likely want some balance of grip and cushion.
Take a measurement down both the length and across the width of the rug.
Subtract two inches from the overall length and two inches from the overall width this is the size the rug pad needs to be.
Unless your rug is under furniture you ll want rubber in your pad to grip it.
Do not include any decorative ends such as tassels in the length measurement.
For example a rug measuring 48 inches by 72 inches would require a rug pad sized at 46 inches by 70 inches.
Measure only the main part of the rug.
Usually a medium rug pad will be between 1 8 and 1 4 of an inch thick.
Most rug pads come in standard rug sizes but can be easily trimmed if needed.
Like the cushion under a wall to wall carpet a good rug pad helps to protect the area rug from wear and tear by absorbing the majority of the impact from foot traffic the pad is designed to compress and bounce back even a firm pad will do this slightly which takes the strain off of the rug fibers.
Step 4 cut the rug pad to the calculated size using a utility knife or a pair of sharp scissors.
Look for pads that combine felt cushioning with natural rubber the strongest gripping longest lasting safest and most eco friendly material for keeping rugs lying flat and in place.
A rug pad will help keep your rug from sliding around under your household s foot traffic.
Measure the rug that you plan to place the area rug pad under if you do not know the size.
Here s a simple formula to follow.
A blended material will do the job best with the felt side able to grip the rug and the rubber side keeping it together.