When you want to prevent your dog from annoying your neighbors below you with its barking, or dull your downstairs neighbor’s music so it doesn’t keep you awake at night, there’s a simple solution: rug pads. Lining your floor with a rug pad can be a great strategy for reducing ambient sounds in your home. But, how can you tell which are the best rug pads for soundproofing? As you shop, consider the thickness of the rug pad, the size you need, and the flooring it’ll be placed on.
What Criteria To Consider When Shopping For A Rug Pad
Many rug pads are thin and made to simply prevent rugs from skidding around on the floor, not to soundproof. In contrast, rug pads that are best-suited for soundproofing are ones that are made of a denser material. The density of the pad helps it to cut down on noise passing between floors, so it’s best to buy the thickest pad possible. However, this comes at a cost: Often, the thicker the rug pad is, the more expensive it will be. And some thicker materials like memory foam are not anti-skid, so you’ll have to consider whether that’s important for your space. Alternatively, you can purchase a rug pad that’s made with a combination of felt and rubber to prevent unwanted movement — or purchase some rug grippers to keep your pad from sliding around.
Also, keep your flooring in mind as you shop. Many rug pads are designed for a long list of flooring materials. (Some rug pads are ideal for hardwood floors, while other rug pads are a better fit for laminate surfaces.) And when shopping for a rug pad, have your measurements on hand so the pad you buy is the right size for the rug you want to use it under.
Shop The Best Rug Pads For Soundproofing
In a hurry? Here are the best rug pads for soundproofing: