Rug Pad Selection Guide

A rug pad is not an optional extra. For a handmade carpet, it is part of the care of the piece. The right pad prevents slipping, protects the carpet backing from abrasion, cushions the pile, and in Singapore's humid conditions, allows air to circulate between the carpet and the floor. The wrong pad can stain your floor, damage your carpet backing, or create instability underfoot.

This guide covers the main pad types, which floors they suit, and what to avoid specifically for handmade wool and silk carpets.

Pad types

Felt and natural rubber (recommended for most handmade carpets)

A dense felt layer on top with a natural rubber base. The felt cushions the pile and adds sound absorption. The rubber grips the floor without staining or chemical transfer. This is the most versatile option for handmade carpets in Singapore homes and suitable for most hard floor surfaces including marble, timber, tile and stone. It also works as a carpet-over-carpet pad when placed rubber side up.

Natural rubber only

Thin, grippy and breathable with an open-weave construction that allows good air circulation. This is particularly useful in Singapore's humidity as it reduces the risk of moisture being trapped between the carpet and the floor. Less cushioning than a felt-rubber hybrid but excellent grip on hard surfaces. Not recommended for vinyl or LVP flooring without first checking the floor manufacturer's guidance, as some rubber compounds can react with certain vinyl finishes.

Felt only

Dense needle-punched felt with no rubber base. Excellent cushioning and sound absorption but very little grip on its own. Best used under heavier rugs on wall-to-wall carpeted floors where the goal is stabilisation between two soft surfaces rather than grip against a hard floor. Not suitable as the sole pad for a carpet on a hard, smooth surface.

PVC and synthetic grip pads

Widely available and inexpensive but not recommended for handmade carpets. PVC pads can discolour timber floors over time, particularly in Singapore's heat. They also tend to degrade faster in warm and humid conditions, leaving residue on the floor surface. Check your floor warranty before use. If in doubt, avoid.

By floor type

Marble and stone

Use a felt and rubber hybrid. The felt layer cushions the hard surface underfoot and the rubber base holds without staining or scratching the stone. Natural rubber only is also suitable.

Timber and parquet

Use natural rubber or a felt-rubber hybrid. Confirm that the rubber is chemical-free and contains no plasticisers that can stain or discolour sealed timber finishes. Do not use PVC on timber floors.

Ceramic and porcelain tile

Use natural rubber or felt-rubber hybrid. Tile is unforgiving underfoot so the cushioning of a thicker pad is worth having. Good airflow from an open-weave rubber pad also helps in Singapore's humidity.

Vinyl and LVP

Check the floor manufacturer's guidance before placing any rubber-backed pad on vinyl or LVP. Some vinyl finishes are damaged by natural rubber compounds. A felt-only pad placed pile-side down is the safer option if you are unsure.

Existing carpet

Use a carpet-to-carpet pad with rubber facing upward toward the rug and felt facing down against the carpet beneath. This prevents the top rug from sliding across the carpet surface.

A specific note on silk carpets

Foam-backed pads are not suitable for silk on silk or fine wool-on-silk carpets. Foam degrades in Singapore's heat and humidity and can bond to the carpet backing over time, causing damage that is very difficult to reverse. Use felt or natural rubber only under any silk piece.

Sizing and fitting

Cut or order the pad 2 to 3cm smaller than the carpet on all sides. This prevents the pad from being visible at the carpet edges and ensures the carpet edge lies flat against the floor. Never fold or double-layer a pad. Replace the pad every five to seven years or when it begins to crumble, lose grip, or leave residue on the floor.

Thicker pads add cushioning but raise the carpet edge slightly, which can create a trip hazard near doorways. Check the clearance under doors before fitting a thick pad in a high-traffic area.

If you are unsure which pad is right for your floor and carpet, reach us on WhatsApp at +65 8868 4415 before you buy. We have seen most combinations and can save you the cost of getting it wrong.