Rubber base is the answer for rough wood.

Rubber. But not just any rubber — look for a pad with a textured, grippy bottom (often called “natural rubber” or “anti-slip” base).

Silicone feels grippy on glass or smooth laminate, but on rough wood the surface is too uneven for silicone to get a good seal — it’ll wander. Foam pads are too thick and compressible; they’ll rock or slide on the bumps.

Rubber is forgiving. It conforms to the irregularities in the wood just enough to bite in. A little weight from the pad itself helps. Avoid the super-thin rubber mats — they can curl at the edges. Something in the 3–5mm range with a stitched edge is ideal.

Your mousepad should move less than your mouse.