Tile floors are much easier to clean than carpet. However, these surfaces also get colder than the alternative. If you wake up in the middle of the night for a snack, then walking on the tile can be aggravating if you are barefoot. Placing rugs in areas where you use this flooring lets you add warmth to the room and underfoot.
When you want to swap out your style, a new rug can be all you need to redesign the entire room. Rugs like to slide and slip on slick surfaces like tile, so an excellent rug pad using felt, rubber, or a combination of both materials can keep your precious carpets in place whether you put them in front of the sink, vanity, shower, kitchen window, front door, or beside the bed.
These pads add thickness for decorative rugs when a little extra padding helps. For example, standing in front of the island prepping meals for the week can take a few hours. With a rug pad that is thick and durable, you can minimize fall risks and keep your feet, legs, and back from hurting while you work. The felt is an excellent insulator, and the material naturally blocks out sound.
If you just need a non-slip mat for under your rug now, then we suggest going with the RugPad USA Contour Rug Mat (see Amazon). This item uses felt and rubber to provide cushioning and grip. This pad has 40 different size options, so no matter how big or small area you want to cover, you will find a suitable product that will sit pretty on the porch without you worrying about wind blowing it away.
Also, the thinness means you can place this mat under your decorative rugs at the entrance. The pad is thin enough to allow the door to open without you needing to move the rug out of the way every time someone knocks on the door.
Comparing the Five Best Rug Pads for Tile Floors
| RugPad USA Superior Lock Rug Pad | RugPad USA Super Lock Rug Pad | RugPad USA Contour Rug Base | RugPad USA Eco Plush Rug Pad | Mohawk Home Hardwood Floor Pad | |
| Size Options | 80 size options | 67 size options | 68 size options | 54 Size options | 44 size options |
| Color | Gray | White | Brown | Light gray | Gray |
| Material | 100% Felt and Rubber | Natural rubber | Felt and rubber | Felt | Felt Rubber |
| Shop Now | Shop Now | Shop Now | Shop Now | Shop Now |
1. RugPad USA Superior Lock – Best Non-Slip Rug Mat
When you need a mat that will hold your throw rug secure, the RugPad USA Superior uses a three-ply technology to create a superior surface. This mat uses a dense felt core that provides a solid cushion when you are using it for a long time. A middle layer of all-natural rubber coats the exterior of the felt providing a durable cover to protect the material and prevent water penetration. A final, outer layer of five ounces of a specialized rubber using heat and pressure provides a coating that grips tightly to your tile floors.
Product benefits and specifications
- 100 percent natural felt top
- Thick rubber backing with a top coat of rubber in a waffle pattern
- Extreme gripping power
- Resists flaking and heat damage with a pressurized rubber outer coat
- The small size makes this rug excellent for putting in front of kitchen sinks for doing dishes and meal prep
- Excellent mat for rugs in front of the shower or vanity
- Needle punching reduces edge curls and felt warping
Cons
- Does not work well for wood surfaces
- Rug may need double sided tape to prevent sliding on the mat
Buyer reviews
The majority of people purchasing this mat were very happy with the product. They find the size and sticking power of the rug is appealing. Several people mention how great this mat makes a cheap or thin rug look better. The RugPad USA Superior Lock mat is a popular product because of the rubber under layer and dense topper.
Conclusion
We like this mat because it combines two excellent materials. The thick felt punching makes the material dense and helps the felt last a lot longer. Less curling ensures this rug lasts for years, no matter how much traffic comes through your door. The RugPad USA Superior Lock looks like a good quality product, and it makes an inexpensive rug look like a premium item.
2. RugPad USA Super Lock – Best Waterproof Rug Pad
Do you like to have a favorite carpet in your kitchen or bath? A nice, plush rug feels wonderful underfoot when stepping out of the shower. When you need a porous mat that will resist mold and mildew growth, then a rubber product might be best. The RugPad USA Super Lock mat is an extremely thin rubber pad that is fantastic for entrances because it is so thin.
Product benefits and specifications
- Natural Rubber
- Extreme gripping power for tile floors
- No PVC, chemicals, or glues.
- Protects tile from staining
- American product
- Designed to minimize scratches and damage to your tile floor
Cons
- Rubber may not hold rug quite well on the tile floor
- Does not provide much cushioning
Buyer reviews
Most buyers say this carpet pad is a great product for the cost. They appreciate the way any rug sticks tight to the rubber waffle pattern. They say the material prevents rugs from bunching up under your feet. Some people even mention looking specifically for this product when they need to purchase a rubber mat.
Conclusion
We like the thinness of this pad. While the non-slip material does not have much bolstering, the way it holds rugs tight is impressive. This mat works well for front porches, entrances, and areas that can get wet in the home. A basement or laundry area are other great places to use the RugPad USA Super Lock pad.
3. RugPad USA Contour Lock – Best Editor’s Choice Pick
Our top pick features a little bit of all the characteristics of our best products. The dual composition gives you the non-slip protection and comfort you want. The RugPad USA Contour uses a premium manufacturing process to offer a top-quality needled felt pad. Plus the 20-year manufacturer’s warranty lets you know these pads are long-lasting.
Product benefits and specifications
- Excellent for capturing dirt, debris, and dust from footwear
- Premium materials and manufacturing
- Durable pressing techniques using heat improve the quality and use of the rug pad
- GREEN Label certified
- Non-slip formula prevents rug from bunching and wrinkling
- No PVC, glues, or adhesive items
- Low VOC content
Cons
- May have a tough surface
- Some people find it poses a trip hazard
Buyer reviews
Four out of five people appreciate this rug pad because this mat holds most rugs even on your tile floors. Some people trim the mat to fit the rug they are using. They say the rubber layer grips the floor yet peels back easily when you need to move the rug.
Conclusion
We like the sound-proofing qualities of the RugPad USA Contour Lock mat. This rug holder is excellent insulation for busy areas in your home. The mat owns the GREEN certification, making sure you do not have to worry about harmful chemicals in your home.
4. RugPad USA Eco Plush – Best Cushioning Rug Mat
Do you have a favorite spot in your workshop or craft room where you like to spend a lot of time? Having a comfortable, thick rug and mat to keep your feet from getting tired and achy is an enormous help. This mat uses a full felt core with material from premium yarn and new carpets.
Product benefits and specifications
- Low-emission manufacturing process
- Soundproof material
- Heat pressing design ensures fibers do not peel apart with use
- No glues, chemical treatments, or adhesives
- Large mat for porches, hallways, or entryways
Cons
- No information telling consumers which way to face up
- May come with a stiff outer layer
Buyer reviews
Four out of five buyers give this product a thumbs up. This mat is fuzzy and soft to walk on barefoot, says many consumers. The mat is an excellent size and shape for large, rectangular area rugs.
Conclusion
We think this mat feels great when it squishes as you walk on it. The way this mat protects the floors and keeps loud footsteps from echoing through the house is amazing. We appreciate the full felt layer of the Eco Plush Rug pad, however, it seems to slide more than the ones with a rubber backing.
5. Mohawk Home Dual Surface Felt and Latex Non Slip Rug Pad
When you select products because of their reused content or environmentally friendly processes, you may appreciate the Home Queen Felt rug pad. The non-aggravating materials make it safe for using the mat around young children and pets.
Product benefits and specifications
- 100% Felt Rubber
- Reduces noise in the room
- Made in USA
- Excellent cushioning for sparse rugs
- Extends Life of Rug
- Dark gray color helps hide stains
Cons
- May slip with lots of traffic
Buyer reviews
Nine out of ten buyers appreciate the simplicity of this felt rug mat. They like the way this rug fits under the carpet. A few people were not happy with the cost of the rug for the value they get.
Conclusion
This felt pad is an excellent mat for people who have a lot of weatherstripping at the bottom of the door. The thin material will allow a small rug to fit on top. Our favorite thing about the Mohawk Queen Felt and latex rug pad is the manufacturer only uses recycled materials.
Tips for Selecting the Right Rug Pad
Material
Choosing the mat material type should take into account how much non-slip protection you want. The best products use a rubber under layer to help the mat adhere to the tile. A combination felt and rubber mat might be a better option for people with elderly family members. The thickness is an important consideration for these mats because size increases tripping hazards.
Size
How big of a rug do you want or own? Do you need a cover that you can cut into several mats? When you want a mat for the doorway, then a smaller pad will work great. For hallways and galley kitchens, a longer rug pad may offer more insulation.
Thickness
Choosing a mat by thickness is a personal preference. These products add thickness to any rug or carpet, so you might want to measure the total height to prevent trip hazards. If you have a person who has issues with balance, then the height of the mat may be an enormous deal.
Location for use
Where do you want to put your rug and mat? If you are using it in front of a door, then the height of the mat makes a huge deal. When you put the mat in front of furniture, the size might be more important to you.
Two Questions About Rug Pads
How do you clean a felt rug
Using the hose for your vacuum is a splendid way to remove the dirt and debris from your felt or rubber rug pad. If you have dirt stains that do not release, then you can dab a warm, soapy mixture on the felt with a clean rag. You can blot up the excess moisture and put a fan on the mat to get it to dry quickly. Additionally, you can shake out the rug.
Is it better to use a 100 percent felt pad or a combination rug mat
There are two things that will help you make a decision about which style of rug to purchase. First, how well do you need the mat to stick to the floor? Rubber and felt pads are generally stiffer, tend to wrinkle less, and have better adhering capabilities.
Second, do you want environmentally friendly products, or does the safety factor outweigh the material? For most people, safety is utmost. However, people with breathing issues or those that may feel the combination mats are too thick might prefer the all-natural felt pads.
