Why a Rug Pad Is Essential — According to 120+ Years of Rug Expertise

If you’ve invested in a fine area rug — whether it’s hand-knotted wool, a Persian heirloom, or a custom runner — what’s underneath it matters more than most people realize.

At Atiyeh Bros., one of the most common conversations we have in our Portland, Eugene and Tigard facilities starts like this:

“Do I really need a rug pad?”

After more than a century of cleaning, repairing, selling, and restoring rugs, our answer is always the same:

If you care about your rug, you need a proper rug pad.

Let’s explain why.

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1. Rug Pads Prevent Premature Wear

We regularly see rugs brought into our cleaning facility with excessive foundation wear, fiber distortion, and early breakdown. In many cases, there was no rug pad underneath.

Without a pad:

• The rug absorbs direct foot impact

• The foundation rubs against hardwood

• Dirt grinds into fibers faster

• The rug shifts and stretches

A quality rug pad reduces friction and acts as a shock absorber. For hand-knotted rugs especially, this can dramatically extend the life of the carpet.

When you consider that many fine rugs and carpets last generations, the small investment in a rug pad becomes significant.

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2. The Wrong Rug Pad Can Damage Hardwood Floors

This is something people don’t talk about enough.

We’ve seen discoloration on hardwood floors caused by low-quality PVC pads purchased online. Some inexpensive pads off-gas, trap moisture, or chemically react with floor finishes.

If you’re searching:

• Best rug pad for hardwood floors

• Rug pad safe for luxury vinyl plank

• Non-staining rug pad

The key is material quality.

At Atiyeh Bros., we recommend floor-safe, low-VOC pads made with natural rubber and dense felt — never adhesive-backed or plastic mesh that can break down over time.

Your floors are an investment. Your rug pad should protect them — not compromise them.

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3. Safety: Especially for Runners & High-Traffic Areas

Hallway runners and entry rugs without pads are one of the most common slip hazards we see.

A proper non-slip rug pad:

• Keeps runners from creeping forward

• Prevents corner curling

• Reduces bunching under dining tables

• Stabilizes rugs in homes with children or pets

For runners, this is critical. Cushion and grip directly impact both safety and comfort.

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4. Thickness Matters — But More Isn’t Always Better

“How thick should a rug pad be?”

The answer depends on:

• The construction of the rug

• The pile height

• The room function

• Whether furniture sits on top

For most hardwood applications, we recommend a moderate-density felt-and-rubber combination pad that provides cushion without creating instability.

In dining rooms, too much cushion can cause chairs to rock. In living rooms, added softness enhances comfort and sound absorption.

This is why we custom cut and recommend pads based on the rug itself — not a one-size-fits-all solution.

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5. Proper Sizing Is Critical

A rug pad should be slightly smaller than the rug — typically 1 inch inside the edge on all sides.

If the pad is flush with the edge, it can:

• Show

• Cause curling

• Affect how the rug lays

Every rug pad we sell is precision cut to match the rug dimensions. No trimming on your living room floor required.

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Why This Matters Long-Term

When we clean rugs that have had proper padding underneath, we see:

• Less fiber abrasion

• Better shape retention

• Fewer foundation repairs

• Longer intervals between restoration work

That’s not theory — that’s 100+ years of observation inside our cleaning and repair facility.

A rug pad isn’t an accessory. It’s structural support.

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Rug Pads in Oregon Homes

Homes in Portland, Lake Oswego, West Linn, Tigard, and Vancouver often feature hardwood flooring. That makes rug pad selection especially important.

Humidity, seasonal moisture, and wood floor finishes all factor into choosing the right underlayment.

We take those regional conditions into account when recommending padding solutions.

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The Bottom Line

If you’ve invested in a quality rug, skipping the rug pad is like skipping the foundation under a home addition.

It might look fine today — but over time, the damage shows.

At Atiyeh Bros., we don’t sell rug pads because it’s an “add-on.”
We recommend them because we’ve seen what happens without them.

If you have questions about sizing, thickness, hardwood compatibility, or protecting a specific rug, our team is happy to guide you.

Because what’s underneath your rug determines how long it lasts.