Rug pad use is required for all area rugs, in all applications. The rug pad is the foundation for your carpet, responsible for enhancing both comfort and durability. The rug pad is meant to serve as a barrier between the rug and the floor, reducing friction and wear on the rug, as a result of foot traffic. Secondly, the rug pad grips the rug, allowing the rug to lay flat, drape down on the edges, and optimize its visual appearance. The third purpose of a rug pad is to prevent the rug from slipping and bubbling when walked on, to ensure safety. The quality and construction of rug pads are surprisingly very relevant.