What Size Rug Pad For 9×12 Rug?
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For preventing slippage or protecting the 9×12 expensive rug from damage, you must know what size rug pad for the 9×12 rug you need.
But the most underrated reason is that stores usually stock the rug pads in rolls and cut them once they get ordered.
It means you’ll get the rug pad size that you ordered, and the online store mostly doesn’t have an accurate size either.
So, whether you need a rug pad for a 9×12 rug or other sizes, you must determine the right size first.
In this case, this article will help you measure the accurate size rug pad for your 9×12 rug and enjoy its incredible advantages in avoiding potential hazards.
What Size Rug Pad For 9×12 Rugs
Typically a rug pad should be 2 inches smaller than the area rug from either side.
You’ll need an 8’10″ x 11’10″ rug pad for your 9×12 rug to remain hidden, protect the floor, and prevent an accident.

Choosing The Right Size Rug Pad
A rug pad should be smaller than the rug so the edge of the rug can taper to the floor.
This will prevent catching the shoes or heels of the user on the edge of the rug and thereby potential injury.
It will also prevent premature wear and curling on the rug edge while walking on it.
Another benefit of using a smaller rug pad than the rug is that it makes the pad edge invisible.
That’s why your rug pad should be one inch smaller than the original rug on all sides. For example, if you have a 9’ x 12’ rug, then your rug pad should be 8’10″ x 11’10″.
The following are some common sizes of rugs along with their recommended rug pad size:
Rug size | Rug pad size |
---|---|
5’×7’ | 4’10″x6’10” |
5’×8’ | 4’10″x7’10” |
8’×10’ | 7’10″x9’10” |
8’×11’ | 7’10″x10’10” |
9’×12’ | 8’10″x11’10” |
Apart from the size, you should also concentrate on the placement and the type of the rug pad to get optimum performance.
If you need to place the rug over the carpet, make sure it has a thicker polyester fabric-coated adhesive.
It will prevent your dark color rug from exposing to the light color carpets.
However, if you have a hard floor like tile, hardwood, or laminate, your rug pad must have a non-slip coating.
Plus, you must place its side on the hard surface floor to keep the rug in place and prevent it from sliding around.
This way, you can avoid causing a falling hazard or a potential trip.
How To Size Rug Pads?

The area rug size difference affects the rug pad size. Typically, a carpet pad should be smaller than the carpet so the edge of the carpet remains wick to the floor.
But the problem is that most of the rug pads come in a classical rug size.
So whether you look for one inch or two inches smaller on all sides, you won’t get the readymade one.
Instead, you have to cut them down to ensure the perfect fit. Luckily, carpet pads can be well trimmed no matter what type they are.
So your job is to buy a rug pad with slightly larger edges than you need and cut it down with regular household scissors.
What about an egg-shaped, circle, or conceptual-shaped rug pad? Most of the rug pads are soft enough to trim based on the desired size and shape of the rug.
Just follow this simple process:
Tools you’ll need:
- Area rug
- Rug pad
- Scissors or utility knife
- Calculator
- Paper and pencil
- Tape measure
Measure The Rug Pad

Place the rug pad flat on the floor where you’ll use it. Then measure the area rug size using measuring tape over the rug pad, excluding tassels or fringe.
The reason is that you’ll only cover the original body of the rug.
In this case, some customers depend on the label of the product while measuring for cutting. But don’t do that.
The rug pad may read 9’ x 12’, but the original measurement can be smaller due to the making process or binding.
Some manufacturers also round off the rug to the closest standard size.
Determine The Right Size
Once you have measured, deduct two inches from the width and length of the area rug measurement to get the actual rug pad size.
For example, if your oversize rug is 8’x 10’, after cutting the piece, you should get an 8’10″ x 9’10″ rug pad.
Cut Down The Rug Pad

Now cut the unsized rug pad with your sharp scissors or utility knife. Don’t worry about leaving the precise cutting edge.
The reason is that the rug pad will remain hidden under the area rug.
So don’t worry, if you leave an angled, rug or crooked cutting edge. Place the rug pad on the floor where you plan to use it and position the rug over it.
FAQs
Do You Need A Rug Pad On Hardwood Floors?
You’ll need a special type of rug pad to place on the hardwood floor. The reason is that a normal rug pad can slip off on the floor and cause injury. Thus, the rag pad should have a non-slip coating to create a protective barrier between the hardwood floor and the area rug.
How Thick Should Your Rug Pad Be For A 9×12 Rug?
It depends on the area of the home where you’’ place the rug pad. To place in your bedroom under the bed or dressing table, choose a rug pad with a low to medium pile height of around 1/4″ to 1/2″. But if you don’t need to place any furniture on the rug pad, you can consider a 3/4-inch rug pad. Despite this, a 1/4″ or less high rug is practical for placing in the kitchen.
Does A Rug Pad Make A Rug Softer?
When used on thin carpeting, rug pads make the rug feel softer under your feet. The rug pad offers an extra cushion that your feet will enjoy. Apart from that, the rug pad protects the floor from getting scratched or dented due to placing heavy furniture.
Final words
Once determined what size rug pad for a 9×12 rug, you can confidently buy the right size.
So whether it is online or local, order a slightly bigger size and trim it down based on your requirement.
This way you’’ get the best-fitted rug pad to enjoy its protection, comfort, and safer experience.
Lastly make sure the rug pad you are choosing cushioning, eco-friendly, and non-slip.