How to Make an Inexpensive and Waterproof Rug Pad

I recently replaced outdated carpet with laminate flooring in my home’s living areas. My three elderly dogs were slip-n-sliding around the house. I felt bad and opted to get new rugs. After rolling the new rugs out, something was missing still. I wanted the nice cushy feeling we had before with the carpet, and my cheap rugs just didn’t have it. I made these cushy, waterproof and inexpensive memory foam rug pads for fractions of the cost of a store bought one.

Rating (decode with the handy-dandy guide here):

Time
Money
Tools
Experience
Strength
Risk
Suckage

Tools:

Measuring tape
Rotary Cutter/Box Cutter
Self Healing Mat (like for sewing) or a cutting board

Supplies:

Spillmaster Memory Foam Carpet Pad

Step 1: Plan Your Rug Pad

Home improvement stores sell carpet pad by the foot. There are cheaper varieties available, but I liked the feel of the thicker memory foam and the fact that is was waterproof. I was worried about my dogs peeing on the rug and having it sit directly on my brand new laminate flooring, ruining it if not discovered fast enough.

The carpet pad linked comes in 6′ widths and is sold by the square foot. I have 5’x8′ rugs so I got 8 linear feet of the roll (or 48 square feet).

Step 2: Lay Out the Rug

Next, roll out the rug pad with the waterproof layer facing up (it’s easier to cut through this way). There should be approximately 1″ of overhang on all edges of the rug, so the pad will need to be cut down.

Then, lay your rug on top of the carpet pad and align the right and top sides to overhang the rug pad by 2″.

Step 3: Cut the Rug Pad to Fit

Place your cutting mat or cutting board under the carpet pad near one of the edges you’ll cut. Using the rug as a guide, cut the rug pad to fit. As you cut, slide the cutting board around so it is always protecting the floor under your mat as you use the rotary cutter (or box cutter).