Vinyl Plank floors can be slippery. So depending on the location, it might be a good idea to get a rug.
And if you get a rug you probably need a non-slip rug pad underneath. But not all rug pads are suitable or safe for vinyl floors!
Some rug pads can cause chemical reactions, stains, or damage to vinyl flooring, so you need to choose a rug pad that is safe for vinyl.
Everything I recommend below are guaranteed to NOT discolor or stain your vinyl floors.
And some that are safe for vinyl aren’t non-slip.
Don’t buy a rug pad that will either damage your floor or slip out from under you.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- My picks for the best non-slip rug pads for vinyl plank flooring
- Which rub pad materials to avoid on vinyl floors
- What factors to consider when buying a non-slip rug pad
(Some of the below links are affiliate links which means I get paid a bit if you click through and buy something — it doesn’t add anything to your cost! Just helps keep the lights on.)
Jump to a Section
- 1 Top 4 Rug Pads for Vinyl Floors
- 2 Top 4 Best Non-Slip Rug Pads for Vinyl Plank Flooring
- 3 What Are The Different Acceptable Types of Non-Slip Rug Pads For Vinyl Floors?
- 4 Rug Pad Materials to Avoid
- 5 What Factors Should You Consider When Buying A Rug Pad for Vinyl Floors?
- 6 What are the Benefits of a Rug Pad on Vinyl Plank Flooring?
- 7 FAQs
Top 4 Rug Pads for Vinyl Floors
- (Top Pick Overall – TIE!) Rug Pad USA Anchor Grip
- (Top Pick Overall – TIE!) Rub Pad USA Vinyl Lock (Walmart) (Amazon)
- (Thinnest) – RugPadNation GripCore Thin Designer
- Rugpad Nation GripCore Platinum
| Image | Product | Features | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
BEST OVERALL (TIE!)  | Great 10-year warranty Safe materials - No rubber or Latex and won't stain Made in the USA | Check Price on RubPadUSACheck Price on Amazon | |
THINNEST OPTION  | Cheaper than others 15-year warranty Free shipping in the US | Check Price on RubPadUSA | |
 | Longest Warranty: 20 Years Free shipping in the US Green Label Plus Certified | Check Price on RubPadUSA |
Top 4 Best Non-Slip Rug Pads for Vinyl Plank Flooring
RugPadUSA Anchor Grip AND RugPadUSA Vinyl Lock
Why are 2 rug pads listed in one review as our best and most recommended rug pad for vinyl floors? Well, they are the exact same product marketed under two brand names – as confirmed by RugPadUSA customer service.
You can buy either the Vinyl Lock or Anchor Grip Rug Pads from RugPadUSA from a number of outlets and you can be sure it’s the same product.
These have excellent warranties: 10 years when you can return it for a replacement if it is damaged or “rendered ineffective from use”. If you buy direct from RugPadUSA you also get free shipping and returns within 60 days of purchase.
PROS:
- Custom cut if you want
- Good Grip
- Comfortable to walk on
- Great 10- warranty
- Safe materials
- Blocks moisture
- Made in the USA
CONS:
- More expensive than less effective and non-vinyl-safe options
- On very small rugs it may slip a bit
Why are 2 rug pads listed in one review as our best and most recommended rug pad for vinyl floors? Well, they are the exact same product marketed under two brand names - as confirmed by RugPadUSA customer service.
GripCore Thin Designer by RugPadNation
Rug Pad Nation’s GripCore Thin Designer is made of “post-industrial recycled synthetic fibers with a high durometer PVC backing”. If you’re looking for the grip of the other options here, but either want a thinner pad or don’t care about adding extra cushioning – this is a perfect option for reducing your cost.
PROS:
- Cheaper than other recommendations
- Thin for when you need a lower-profile rug – it’s half as thick as the other recommendations
- 15-year warranty with a “Guaranteed not to stain or discolor your flooring”
- Free shipping in the US when you order from their site
CONS:
- Not as much cushion as other options
RugPad Nation GripCore Platinum
Composed of “post-industrial recycled synthetic fibers with a non-skid embossed EVA backing”. As mentioned earlier, EVA is a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate which has some of the properties of rubber without actually being rubber.
RubPadNation offers a number of great non-slip options for vinyl floors and frankly, they are really neck and neck with RubPadUSA. You are safe buying any one of the options I list in this article.
PROS:
- Longest Warranty of all options – 20 Years
- Free shipping in the US when you order from their site
- Green Label Plus Certified by the Carpet Research Institute for air quality and a healthy home environment
CONS:
- No custom-cut sizes are available
What Are The Different Acceptable Types of Non-Slip Rug Pads For Vinyl Floors?
Let’s get this out of the way: what I’m talking about here are rug pads NOT carpet padding. Carpet padding is generally made of polyurethane foam and is installed under wall-to-wall carpets. Rug pads go under moveable rugs.
You should not be looking at any carpet padding for the purposes of installing under a rug on a vinyl floor.
Felt
Felt rug pads are a popular choice, providing some grip and cushioning for a lower price. They’re perfect for larger rugs that don’t require a strong non-slip grip.
Viscoelastic memory foam
Foam rug pads are lightweight and affordable. They provide decent grip and cushioning, but may not be the most durable choice.
Jute
Synthetic jute rug pads are made from natural fibers, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly option. BUT: they are NOT great when it comes to slippage. They provide moderate grip and cushioning, but may not be suitable for heavy furniture.
Soybean oil-based polymer blend
This is what my top pick Anchor Grip/Vinyl Lock is made of.
Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA)
Getting technical, EVA is a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate which has some of the properties of rubber without actually being rubber.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC):
PVC rug pads are affordable and provide a strong grip. This is also a part of the material used to make the Rug Pad Nation GripCore Thin Designer which is one of my recommendations.
Rug Pad Materials to Avoid
Avoid rubber and latex in any material that is directly touching your vinyl floors. That goes for rug pads, rug backing, rubber mats, and rubber furniture feet.
The natural latex or petroleum-based content of rubber and latex materials leads to discoloration due to a chemical reaction with the vinyl floor which can show up in as little as a month.
I’ve seen a bunch of other advice online recommending rug pads for vinyl floors that would be damaging to those types of floors. Getting a cheap synthetic plastic rug pad runs the risk of the material off-gassing onto the vinyl floor which can permanently damage it – no amount of cleaning will fix it.
What Factors Should You Consider When Buying A Rug Pad for Vinyl Floors?
Material Suitable for Vinyl
Choose a rug pad material that is compatible with vinyl floors. You SHOULD buy a pad made of felt, PVC, soybean oil-based polymer, or viscoelastic memory foam backing.
You should NOT put a rug pad down on vinyl that is made of RUBBER or LATEX. These materials can stain and discolor your floor in as little as a month.
Stability and Grip
If it doesn’t keep your rug in place, it’s not worth getting.
While you can get some great grip from something like double-sided rug tape, you run the risk of either damaging the floor or dealing with stubborn residue stuck to your floor long term.
Thickness
Consider the desired level of cushioning when selecting the thickness of your rug pad. Thicker pads generally offer more comfort and more protection, while thinner pads provide a lower profile. So if you a rug is going to see a lot of activity then you should probably opt for a thicker rug pad.
Size and Shape
Ensure the rug pad matches the size and shape of your rug. It should be slightly smaller than the rug it is going under to avoid visible edges. Or if it comes in a size larger than your rug, you can always cut it to the right size.
Long-term effects of the pad on the floor and the rug
Research the potential long-term effects of the rug pad material on your vinyl floors, such as discoloration or adhesive residue. Pick the wrong rub pad and you could be left with staining, stickiness, residue, or damage to your vinyl floor.
Warranty
Look for rug pads with a warranty, as this indicates the manufacturer’s confidence in their product’s quality and durability. The recommendations in this article all have significant warranty periods associated with them.
Brand
Consider reputable brands known for producing high-quality, vinyl-safe rug pads, such as RugPadUSA and Rug Pad Nation. While you will save money by buying a no-name brand you find randomly on Amazon or Walmart, you will be paying for it many times over if it damages your floor, or best case you’ll need to buy a new one far sooner than you would have with a better brand.
What are the Benefits of a Rug Pad on Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Protection from Scratches and Wear & Tear
Rug pads act as a barrier between your rug and the vinyl floor, preventing scratches, scuffs, and other damage caused by daily use.
Protection from Rug colors bleeding through to the floor
If your rugs aren’t color-safe, having a rug pad between the rug and the floor can stop the colors from bleeding through if there’s a spill.
Increased Safety in High-Traffic Areas
Non-slip rug pads keep your rugs in place, reducing the risk of accidents in busy areas of your home.
Additional Comfort and Sound Absorption
A rug pad adds an extra layer of cushioning, making your floors more comfortable to walk on. They also help absorb sound, reducing noise levels.
Longevity of flooring and rugs
By protecting your vinyl floors from damage and wear, rug pads ultimately extend the lifespan of your flooring investment.
FAQs
Can you use a non-slip rug pad on vinyl plank flooring?
Yes, non-slip rug pads are recommended for vinyl plank flooring to prevent slipping and protect the floor.
Are rubber-backed rugs bad for vinyl plank flooring?
Rubber or latex-backed rugs can potentially damage vinyl plank flooring.
How do you keep rugs from slipping on vinyl plank flooring?
Use a non-slip rug pad or rug grippers to keep your rugs in place on vinyl plank flooring.
Can I use a silicone mat on a vinyl floor?
Silicone mats are generally safe for vinyl floors but always check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
How do you protect vinyl flooring from rugs?
Use a rug pad made from a vinyl-safe material to protect your flooring from scratches and indentations.
How do you make vinyl floor anti-slip?
Use a non-slip rug pad or anti-slip floor treatment to improve traction on vinyl floors.
Will carpet tape ruin vinyl flooring?
Carpet tape can leave adhesive residue on vinyl flooring, so it’s best to avoid using it.
How do you install a non-slip rug pad on a vinyl floor?
Place the rug pad on the floor, and cut it to a size slightly smaller than the rug you are going to put over it. Then, lay the rug on top, aligning the edges.
When should you replace a non-slip rug pad?
Replace your rug pad when it becomes worn, loses grip, or starts to deteriorate. But first check if your rug pad is still under warranty by the manufacturer who may be able to provide a replacement.
Do I need a rug pad for vinyl plank flooring?
Yes, a rug pad is recommended to protect your vinyl flooring and prevent slipping.
How thick should a rug pad be for vinyl plank flooring?
The thickness depends on personal preference, but 1/8 (0.165) to 1/4 (0.25) inch is a common choice.
How do I prevent my rug pad from slipping or bunching on vinyl plank flooring?
Choose a non-slip rug pad or use rug grippers to keep the pad in place.
How do I clean my rug pad for vinyl plank flooring?
Vacuum regularly and spot clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent as dictated by your vinyl floor manufacturer’s recommendations.
