Many homeowners have concerns that certain rug pads can damage their beautiful wood floors. Fortunately, you donโt have to accept the risk of damaging your hardwood floors when selecting a rug pad for your home.
With access to the right knowledge and materials, itโs possible to identify a safe and high-quality rug pad that will protect your flooring and bring out its beauty! But it is best to know which type of rug pads are unsafe for hardwood floors.
Cheap plastic rug pads like PVC, rubber, and latex can damage hardwood floors. They offer no protection against scratches and dye leaching that may discolor the floor and strip its finish. However, investing in quality rug pads, such as felt or natural rubber, can provide a protective buffer and keep floors safe.
So, donโt let a bargain become an expensive mistake! Many homeowners may think theyโre getting a good deal with cheaply-made rug pads, but these can end up damaging your hardwood floors and even posing health risks.
In this article, youโll explore the dangers of low-quality rug pads and provide you with friendlier alternatives to consider. Read on to learn why investing in an exceptional quality product is necessary!
The Dangers Of Low-Quality Rug Pads
With the low costs associated with bargain rug pads, itโs tempting to purchase one and save some money. But beware! Bargain pads can come with a hidden cost tag down the line in terms of floor and rug damage.
(The average cost of repairing damaged hardwood floors is $3,000!) Not only can a low-quality rug pad damage your floors, but it can also put your health at risk.
โ Possess Hazardous Chemicals
The issue with most foreign-made plastic pads is that they are often coated with adhesives to increase their grip, which can ruin your flooring.
Containing a blend of hazardous chemicals and oils, these mats can release fumes into the air and discolor floors due to chemical reactions between them and finishes on the surface. It is essential for you to be mindful when purchasing such products from overseas suppliers since many may contain unsafe components.
As an example, many plastic rug pads contain phthalates. These chemicals make the plastic more durable and sturdy; however, their toxic nature makes them a potential health risk if used for prolonged periods of time.
Additionally, they can be dissolved easily by other substances in order to cause harm.
Before using a low-cost rug pad in your home, it is vital to consider the dangers of synthetic latex containing styrene.
This product can be detrimental to you and your familyโs health as styrene has been proven to cause cancer, releasing toxic particles into the air that you breathe.
โ Adhesive Coating Causes Messy Residue
Inexpensive imported plastic rug pads fail to grip your floor; plus they contain an adhesive coating that can damage hardwood floors and stick together underneath rugs.
As a result, carpets are not secured in their place โ making these types of rug pads utterly useless.
Alternatives To Plastic Rug Pads
Fortunately, there are alternatives that wonโt damage your floors or pose a health risk. These include:
Natural Rubber Pads For Superior Stability
Natural rubber rug pads are a great choice for hardwood floors and finishes due to their superior grip, eco-friendliness, floor safety and protection, and cushioned comfort that doesnโt compress over time.
These pads are made from white sap taken from the Hevea brasiliensis tree, and unlike synthetic and plastic counterparts, they wonโt discolor or stain your floors.
Natural rubber rug pads are also non-toxic and wonโt emit any volatile organic compounds (VOCs) โ making them a healthier option for your home.
Furthermore, when buying a rubber pad, make sure to look for one thatโs heat-pressed so it wonโt come apart over time. This type of pad will also provide superior performance and extend the life of your rug.
This sustainable material can be used with all types of carpets and rugs, vastly outperforming its synthetic and plastic counterparts.
Felt And Natural Rubber Rug Pads For Improved Comfort Levels
Felt and natural rubber rug pads are the perfect combinations for hardwood floors. These dual-surface pads offer both cushioning and protection, thanks to their thick felt layer and thinner non-slip rubber pad base.
The two materials work together to create a durable and long-lasting pad that will protect your floors and extend the life of your rug.
The felt layer acts as a cushioned foundation which prevents the rug from flattening over time and reduces the pressure points created by furniture.
The natural rubber pad base ensures that your rugs wonโt slip or slide or damage your floors. The rubber layer is also designed to resist pressure, so it wonโt bunch up or deform over time.
The Mohawk Rug Pad Central Felt Rubber All Surface Non-Slip Rug Pad is a good example.
100% Recycled Felt For Eco-Friendly Protection
100% recycled felt rug pads are an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to add extra cushioning, soundproofing, and insulation to large area rugs without damaging hardwood floors.
Crafted from natural jute fibers and recycled materials like unused yarn and carpet remnants, these felt pads are proudly made in the USA and come in a variety of thicknesses.
Thes 100% recycled felt pads are ideal for large-area rugs that donโt need a non-slip grip. Since larger rugs and carpets are usually held down by their own weight or furniture on top, they donโt require a rubber backing to keep them in place.
Also Read: Best Square Chair Leg Caps for Hardwood Floors
For those looking for a low-cost alternative to rubber rug pads, invest in the luxurious RUGPADUSA 100% Felt โ Protective Cushioning Rug Pad, crafted from superior felt material. Not only are they great for hardwood floors, but they are also safe on all natural and synthetic floor surfaces.
Do Rug Pads Damage Hardwood Floors?- Bottom Line
Donโt ruin your beautiful wooden floors by installing a cheap rug pad that is made from toxic materials.
Hardwood flooring is one of the most expensive floors to install. They require a great deal of care and maintenance. Thatโs why itโs important that you avoid rubber or PVC-backed rug pads, as these can discolor and stain your floors, are toxic, and wonโt last long.
Thus, make sure you choose the right one that offers superior performance and wonโt cause any damage. Natural rubber and felt rug pads provide cushioning, soundproofing, insulation and no-slip grip without causing any damage to your beautiful hardwood floors. Invest in one of these pads and create a safer and healthier environment for your home!
Protect Your Hardwood Floors with Natural, Felt & Recycled Felt Rug Pads!
