Can You Put Rubber Backed Area Rugs On Hardwood Floors?

Hardwood floors are a one-time investment and need care and maintenance. Many people use rugs to protect their entryways and hardwood floors. However, these rugs can sometimes do more harm than good. Therefore, you might wonder if you can put rubber-backed area rugs on hardwood floors.

You should not place rubber-backed area rugs on hardwood floors because they can harm your floor in many ways. They retain moisture and contain toxic chemicals that react with your hardwood floor finish. Therefore, experts recommend using rug pads beneath the rugs on hardwood floors to protect the finish.

Different types of rugs and rug pads are available to help you protect your hardwood floor. However, you mustn’t respond to every advertisement and invest in the right material to keep your floor damage free. So, let’s understand why rubber-backed rugs are not recommended for hardwood floors.

Is It Recommended To Place Rubber-Backed Rug On Hardwood Floors:

Rubber-backed floors are not good for hardwood floors. I do not recommend using rubber-backed rugs on finished hardwood floors. It is due to several reasons that are defined below.

Toxins In Synthetic Rubber:

The problem with such rugs is that they contain some toxic dissolving agents that may react with your hardwood floor finish, thus causing serious discoloration or leaving marks that need to be resealed or sanded. Additionally, these toxins in the rug can slowly eat away at your precious hardwood floors when they react with your floor’s finish.

Loss Of Ventilation:

Rubber-backed area rugs block ventilation and therefore tend to retain moisture. Moisture and hardwood floors are a very bad combination, and the result is always a ruined floor- sometimes permanently.

Scratch The Surface:

Rubber-backed rugs stick to the surface of hardwood floors rather than gripping them. Hence, they disrupt the smoothness of the floor surface. Additionally, they can leave scratch marks that may destroy the esthetic of your floor completely.

How Can You Prevent The Damage From Rubber-Backed Hardwood Floors?

There are very few brands that sell smooth rugs without rubber backing. Besides, the lack of a rubber backing makes this rug a little bit slippery, especially if you’re not going to anchor heavy furniture over it. And considering that most area rugs in the market have a rubber backing, you must do something to prevent the rug from ruining your hardwood floors. The solution is simple.

You can use a rug pad to keep your floor scratch free and improve the durability of your floor. I highly recommend using a protective cushioned rug pad for the following reasons:

Non-Slippery

Although it does not have a rubber backing, you might worry about it slipping on your hardwood floors. However, thick cushioned rug pads are quite dense and stay in place, even in high-traffic areas. Thus, It will help your area rug stay in place at all times.

No Toxic Rubber Backing:

The rug pad does not have a rubber backing that may discolor your hardwood floors- it’s constructed with felt on both surfaces and is, therefore, safe for your floors. It helps protect your hardwood floors against damage from furniture- like scratches, dents, and scratches from area rugs with rough backings.

Improve The Longevity Of Hardwood Floors:

It prolongs the life of your hardwood floors- one of the biggest advantages of placing a rug pad beneath an area rug on hardwood floors is the fact that it increases the life of your hardwood floors, especially in high-traffic areas. By creating a strong shield between the rug and the hardwood floor, less damage is imposed on the floor. It means that your heavy furniture or chairs dragged on the floor won’t cause any serious damage to your floors.

Increase The Durability Of Your Rug:

It also increases the life of your area rug.- This may seem a little bit strange as the area rug is more exposed to foot traffic, but a rug pad creates a thick buffer that easily absorbs shock and impact from furniture and foot traffic, thus protecting your rug. It is one reason why you should consider placing a thick rug pad under your area rug on the hardwood floor.

Provide Comfort And Cushioning:

It provides great comfort by providing extra cushioning between your area rug and hardwood floors. Most area rugs are generally thin, and although they offer some comfort, they aren’t as bouncy. High-pile area rugs are also comfy but do not provide that bouncy feel we crave. A thick rug pad can provide a bouncy feel for great foot comfort.

Insulation To Cold:

Rug pads have excellent insulation properties. Since hardwood floors can be a little bit cold to the touch, especially during winter, placing a rug pad between your floor and the area rug is a great way to add a little warmth to your house.

Sound Absorption:

Rug pads also have great sound absorption properties. Bare hardwood floors alone won’t protect your family against the horrible noises from your neighbors living on the floor above you. And considering that most area rugs are not thick enough to block sound, placing a thick rug pad is a sure way to do so.

Also Read: What to Put Under Gun Safe on Hardwood Floor? (Protect Your Floors)

Easily Sizeable:

You can easily trim the one with scissors- If you purchase a bigger rug pad, you can trim it to size. When trimming, ensure the rug pad is 1 inch smaller than the area rug. It will allow the edges of the rug to taper to the floor. It will help prevent the shoe heels from getting caught on the edge, preventing tripping hazards.

Toxin-Free And Keep Your Floor Safe From Moisture:

It does not contain any toxic materials that may spoil indoor air, nor does it contain materials like rubber or latex that may ruin your floors. It has excellent water absorption properties, so in case of a spill. The water won’t reach your hardwood floors.

Ventilation:

It allows for great ventilation and thus allows your hardwood floors to breathe, thus preventing moisture buildup that may end up causing your floors to rot.