The Ruggable two-piece rug system is all about pairing a washable top layer (the Rug Cover) with a non-slip Rug Pad underneath, but the feel of your rug depends entirely on which pad you choose. Ruggable’s main options, the Classic Pad and the Cushioned Pad, differ primarily in thickness and comfort, the Classic is a low-profile, firm base designed for function, while the Cushioned is significantly thicker, providing a soft, plush feel underfoot for an extra cost.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which rug pad is the right foundation for your home.
Ruggable Classic Rug Pad
The Classic Rug Pad is Ruggable's original and most popular option, designed to provide a secure, low-profile base for the washable Rug Cover. It's slim and lightweight, focusing on functionality over plushness. Its primary purpose is to keep the rug firmly in place, and it excels in high-traffic areas or spaces where door clearance is a concern.
- What it is: A standard, low-profile non-slip Rug Pad that anchors Ruggable's washable Rug Covers.
- Key features: Approximately 1/8-inch thick with a "hook-and-loop" effect top surface that clings to the cover. It's a single, lightweight layer.
- Price: Included in the standard price of any Ruggable rug system (e.g., a 5'x7' rug system runs about $200).
- Materials/Construction: The top is made from recycled polyester fibers, and the bottom is a non-slip, latex-free thermoplastic rubber that's safe for hard floors.
- Style: Unobtrusive and functional, its low profile means the rug lies flat and isn't overly bulky, fitting seamlessly under furniture and most doorways.
- Pros: More affordable. Low profile easily clears most doors. Lightweight and easy to move when it's time to reattach the cover after washing. Ideal for entryways, hallways, and under dining tables.
- Cons: Offers very little cushioning, resulting in a firm feel underfoot. Not ideal for rooms where comfort is a priority, like living rooms or bedrooms.
The Classic pad is the practical choice for high-traffic zones where an easy-to-clean, non-slip surface is more important than a plush feel.
Shop this product: ruggable.com/pages/rug-pads
Ruggable Cushioned Rug Pad
The Cushioned Rug Pad is Ruggable’s premium upgrade, designed for those who want the brand's signature washability without sacrificing comfort. Featuring an added layer of foam for padding, it transforms the feel of the rug from functional to genuinely cozy, adding noticeable softness and loft underfoot.
- What it is: A thicker, padded version of the non-slip Rug Pad that adds a layer of comfort to the Ruggable system.
- Key features: Approximately 2/5-inch thick - over three times thicker than the Classic pad. Features a polyurethane foam middle layer.
- Price: Carries a 10-20% upcharge compared to the Classic pad (e.g., a 5'x7' system with the Cushioned pad is closer to $250).
- Materials/Construction: Similar recycled polyester top and thermoplastic rubber bottom as the Classic, but with a middle layer of polyurethane foam that provides the padding.
- Style: Creates a more substantial and luxurious look and feel, visibly raising the profile of the rug.
- Pros: Significantly more comfortable and softer underfoot. Adds a cozy, welcoming feel to living rooms, bedrooms, and playrooms. Provides better support when standing for long periods.
- Cons: More expensive than the Classic option. Thicker profile may have trouble clearing low-slung doors. Heavier and bulkier to handle during the wash-day reassembly process.
This pad is for buyers who prioritize comfort and want to add a premium, plush feeling to their living spaces.
Shop this product: ruggable.com/pages/rug-pads
Ruggable Classic vs. Cushioned Pad Comparison
Thickness & Feel
The most significant difference is the underfoot experience. The Classic Pad is about 1/8" thick and feels firm - you're getting the non-slip function and a thin buffer, but not much else. It's practical but not plush.
The Cushioned Pad, at 2/5" thick, completely changes this dynamic. The foam layer provides a noticeable springiness and soft landing for your feet. It's immediately more comfortable for walking, sitting, or playing on, making any room feel cozier.
Room Suitability & Placement
The Classic Pad's low profile makes it the undisputed winner for certain areas. It slides easily under most doors and ensures a flat surface under dining tables, preventing chairs from catching on a high rug edge. This makes it ideal for hallways, entryways, kitchens, and dining rooms.
The Cushioned Pad is best suited for spaces designed for relaxation and comfort, such as living rooms, bedrooms, family rooms, and children's play areas. Its added thickness provides a softer surface for lounging on the floor. However, you should always measure the clearance under nearby doors before choosing the Cushioned Pad for a specific room.
Price & Value
The Classic pad is the more budget-conscious choice, as it comes standard with any Ruggable rug system. If your main goal is simply a durable, washable rug, the Classic pad delivers fantastic value and serves its primary function perfectly.
The Cushioned pad represents an investment in comfort. While it is more expensive, the value is clear for anyone who wants a softer feel. For a living room rug that gets daily use, the extra cost is often justifiable for the significant upgrade in coziness and luxury.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both Ruggable pads deliver on the promise of a washable rug system, but they cater to very different preferences for comfort and function.
Choose the Classic Pad if:
- Your primary concern is having a stylish, easy-to-clean rug on a tighter budget.
- The rug will be placed in a high-traffic area like a hallway, entryway, or mudroom.
- You need a low-profile rug to clear a low door or fit neatly under a dining room table.
- You prioritize lightweight handling when it’s time to wash and reassemble the rug.
Choose the Cushioned Pad if:
- Comfort and a soft, plush feel underfoot are your top priorities.
- The rug will go in a living room, bedroom, or playroom where you often walk barefoot or sit on the floor.
- You spend a lot of time standing in one spot, like in front of a kitchen sink, and would appreciate the extra padding.
- You are willing to spend more for a noticeably more luxurious and comfortable rug experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between Ruggable's Classic and Cushioned pads?
The main difference is thickness and comfort. The Classic pad is approximately 1/8" thick and feels firm, while the Cushioned Pad is 2/5" thick and feels soft and padded due to an internal foam layer.
Is the Ruggable Cushioned Pad worth the extra money?
Yes, if comfort is a priority for you. For living rooms, bedrooms, and play areas where you want a soft surface, the Cushioned Pad is a valuable upgrade. If you just need a functional, easy-to-clean rug for a high-traffic area, the Classic Pad is perfectly sufficient and more budget-friendly.
Which pad is better for homes with kids or pets?
It depends on the room. For an entryway where pets track in mud, the low-profile Classic Pad is easier to manage. For a playroom where kids spend hours sitting on the floor, the Cushioned Pad provides essential comfort.
Can I use the Cushioned Pad under a doorway?
Possibly, but you should check your door clearance first. At 2/5" thick before factoring in the Rug Cover, the Cushioned Pad can sometimes be too tall for doors that sit very low to the floor. The Classic pad is the safer bet for tight spaces.
How much thicker is the Cushioned Pad?
The Cushioned pad is over three times thicker than the Classic pad. The Classic measures about 1/8" (0.125 inches), while the Cushioned Pad measures approximately 2/5" (0.4 inches).
Do both pads keep the rug from slipping?
Yes, both pads feature the same non-slip thermoplastic rubber bottom that effectively grips hard surface floors, and their textured tops are designed to cling securely to the Ruggable Rug Cover.
Is the Cushioned Pad harder to clean?
The pad itself is spot-clean only for both versions - you only machine wash the top Rug Cover. However, the Cushioned Pad is heavier and bulkier, which can make the process of peeling off the cover and reattaching it a bit more cumbersome compared to the lightweight Classic pad.
Which pad is better for a dining room?
The Classic Pad is almost always the better choice for a dining room. Its low profile allows chairs to slide more easily, whereas the thickness of the Cushioned Pad can sometimes cause chair legs to catch on the edge of the rug.
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