Rug Underlay Myths: What You Should and Shouldn’t Believe

When purchasing a rug, many people tend to forget about the importance of the underlay, as they mostly focus on colour and size. However, the underlay for your rug will have a significant impact on how it looks, feels and lasts.

At Rugs Galore, we always get questions related to the rug's underlay. A lot of these questions are based on popular myths surrounding rug underlays. In this blog, we will expose some of the myths and also provide you with an idea of what to look for when purchasing a rug underlay, especially for homes in Melbourne.

Myth 1: The thicker the rug underlay, the more comfort for the rug

This is sometimes true, but not always. Many people think thick rug underlays provide extra comfort. While this can be true in some cases, but in many cases thick rug underlays are not the optimal choice.

Thick vs Thin Rug Underlay

Thick rug underlay works well with light rugs being placed on hard floors and will provide some extra cushioning to your rug as well as warmth to the floor underneath your rug.

Thin rug underlay works best with heavy rugs or in busy areas, as it will keep your rug lying flat and safe on the floor.

If the underlay is too thick, it can cause the rug to move or ripple. This can present tripping hazards, especially in areas where there is a lot of foot traffic.

Tip: When selecting rug underlay thickness, remember to consider the type of rug you are working with as well as the type of floor you are placing the rug on, not just the comfort aspect.

Myth 2: You do not need carpet underlay

This is another frequent misconception. Rugs can move or bunch with carpet too, and this is commonly found in homes in Australia with plush or soft carpet.

Why use underlay for carpet?

• Keeps rugs in place
• Prevents curling at edges
• Helps rugs last longer

If you are using a thin rug underlay on carpet, it provides added grip without damaging the surface of the carpet underneath.

Myth 3: The only thing rug underlay does is prevent slipping

While preventing slipping is essential, rug underlay has multiple benefits, including:

• Adds comfort under your feet
• Protects the rug from wear and tear
• Helps reduce sounds
• Keeps rug in shape
• Protects flooring from scratches

If you live in colder areas such as Melbourne, rug underlay will also insulate you against colder floors (timber or tiled).

Myth 4: There is a universal rug underlay that works for all floors

Not all flooring is the same; therefore, there are many types of flooring in Melbourne; some are made up of timber; others are made from tile, concrete and/or carpet.

• Use breathable rug underlay for timber floor coverings to protect them.
• Use a strong grip and well-padded rug underlay on tile and concrete floors.
• Use thin rug underlay to prevent rugs from shifting on carpet floor coverings.

Using the incorrect rug underlay type may result in damage to your floor coverings and rugs.

When purchasing a rug, many people tend to forget about the importance of the underlay, as they mostly focus on colour and size. 

At Rugs Galore, we always get questions related to the rug's underlay. In this blog we will  provide you with an idea of what to look for when purchasing  rug underlay suitable for your flooring. We sell two types of underlay depending on the flooring the rug is to be placed on.

• Miracle Grip

Miracle grip is used for Rugs that are placed on Floor Boards or Tiles. It is designed to prevent rugs from sliding and anchors rugs on this type of flooring. The miracle grip is placed under the rug and should cover at least 90 per cent of the rug.

• Rug Lock

Rug Lock is an underlay used for Rugs placed on carpet, it is designed to stop the Rug from moving on carpet. Rug Lock has an adhesive texture on both sides like double sided tape and helps the rug stay in place. Rug lock is placed between the rug and the carpet and should cover 90 percent of the rug

The Importance of Rug Underlay

Rug underlay is an important consideration when placing Rugs on your flooring.

A good rug underlay will reduce slip and trip hazards and provide safety.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for rugs in Melbourne or require guidance with selecting the appropriate rug underlay, we at Rugs Galore can assist you in finding the correct product that meets your needs.

Visit Rugs Galore located at Blackburn or Dandenong today and choose the right underlay for your rug.