You are being majestically vague about DDR.

What kind of pads did you get? It sounds like you yourself some soft pads, so the only advice I can recommend is what LocaL raCer said and tell everybody beforehand that they must take off their shoes to play. If you do not, expect to throw away your soft pads within an hour or two.

I have a modded MyMyBox Premium Dance Pad, and it has been working well for me for the last seven months. I modded it by getting a 32x36 ply wood cutout, 1 inch thick. I used hardwood coverings, wrapped the whole soft pad with it on the plywood, and stapled it down with a staple gun. Just remember to staple it on the bottom side and do not puncture the soft pad with the staple.

I suggust that you do the same if you want a cheap, but effective way to maintain the soft pad's longevity and want the best performance out of it.