Best Rug Underlay Australia 2026: Non-Slip Rug Pads by Floor Type

 

If your rug slides on tiles, “walks” on hybrid flooring, or lifts at the corners, the simplest fix is the right rug underlay (rug pad). A good non-slip pad helps your rug stay put, protects floors, adds comfort, and keeps rugs looking flatter for longer.

At Rug N Roll, we help customers choose underlay every day (especially for runners and large rugs), with Australia-wide delivery.

 

Quick answer: Which rug underlay do I need?

Your floor type	Best underlay type	What it helps with
Tiles / Polished concrete	High-grip hard-floor pad	Stops sliding on smooth floors
Hybrid / Laminate	Flat hard-floor grip pad (breathable)	Prevents creeping + keeps rug stable
Timber / Floorboards	Floor-safe grip + light cushion	Protects finish + adds comfort
Vinyl / LVT	Vinyl-safe, non-staining pad	Helps reduce discolouration risk*
Carpet	Rug-on-carpet anchor pad	Stops wrinkling, ripples, creeping

 

*Important: Some manufacturers warn rubber/latex products can stain vinyl floors—always follow your flooring warranty and choose “non-staining/vinyl-safe” options. 

Not sure what flooring you have? Send a photo + your rug size and we’ll tell you the safest option.

 

Why use a rug underlay?

 

A proper rug pad can help:

 

• Reduce slips and trips (great for kids, pets, and older family members)

• Stop rugs moving on tiles, hybrid and laminate

• Protect timber finishes from friction

• Add comfort underfoot (especially flatweaves and runners)

• Make vacuuming easier because the rug stays flatter

 

 

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Best rug underlay by floor type

 

 

1) Rug underlay for tiles (stop rugs slipping)

 

Tiles are one of the most common “slip” surfaces. Go for a high-grip hard-floor underlay (thin, strong grip).

Best for: living rooms, hallways, entryways, dining areas

Tip: On glossy tiles, prioritise grip over thick cushioning.

 

2) Rug underlay for hybrid flooring (stop creeping)

 

Hybrid floors are super popular in Australia, and rugs can slowly “walk” over time. Choose a flat, hard-floor grip pad (often breathable).

Best for: runners, big rugs, open-plan spaces

Tip: The flatter the pad sits, the less corner lift you get.

 

3) Rug underlay for timber floors (protect the finish)

 

Timber benefits from floor-safe grip plus a little cushion. You want stability without anything overly sticky that could mark delicate coatings.

Best for: wool rugs, family rooms, high-use areas

Tip: Clean underneath occasionally—grit is what scratches.

 

4) Rug underlay for vinyl / LVT (choose vinyl-safe)

 

Vinyl/LVT can be sensitive to certain materials. Some flooring brands warn rubber/latex items can permanently stain or discolour vinyl floor coverings, so it’s safest to choose a vinyl-safe / non-staining pad and follow your warranty advice. 

Best for: rentals, new builds, high-traffic areas

Tip: If your flooring guide says “non-staining mats only”, take it seriously.

 

5) Rug underlay for carpet (yes, rugs still move on carpet)

 

Rugs on carpet can creep, ripple, and wrinkle—especially runners and lighter rugs. Use a rug-on-carpet anchor pad designed to grip into carpet pile (different to hard-floor pads). 

Best for: bedrooms, lounges, thicker carpet

Tip: Don’t use a hard-floor pad on carpet—it won’t anchor properly.

 

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Choose underlay by rug type (quick tips)

 

Hallway runners:

Runners move the most → use a runner-friendly high-grip pad, and keep it low-profile to reduce edge lift.

Flatweave / jute / low-pile rugs:

Often feel thin → choose light cushion + grip for comfort.

Thick wool or heavy rugs:

Usually need more stability than cushion → a firm grippy pad is often enough.

Washable rugs:

Pick a pad that’s easy to lift and reposition after washing.

 

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How to measure + cut rug underlay properly

 

1. Lay your rug flat where you want it

2. Measure width + length

3. Cut the underlay slightly smaller than the rug (so it stays hidden)

4. Place underlay, then rug on top

5. Smooth from the centre outward

 

Goal: underlay supports most of the rug, but you don’t see it.

 

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Common underlay mistakes Aussies make

 

 

• Using the same pad for every surface (tiles ≠ carpet)

• Letting underlay stick out past the rug edge

• Using the wrong pad on vinyl (always go “vinyl-safe”) 

• Putting thick cushion under a runner (can increase edge lift)

• Not cleaning the floor first (dust reduces grip fast)

 

Need help choosing the right rug underlay?

 

Send us:

 

• your floor type (or a photo)

• your rug size

• whether it’s a runner / living room rug / washable rug

 

…and we’ll recommend the safest, most comfortable underlay option for your home