People place rug pads to keep their rugs well-placed while protecting their hardwood floors from scratches and high traffic. These rug pads can stain their hardwood floors because they stay on the floor for longer. By the time people realize that their rug pad is destroying the wooden floor. Therefore, many want to know what kind of rug pad is safe for hardwood floors.
All rug pads that have backing with 100% felt material are only safe to put on hardwood floors. Any rug pad with rubber or latex backing can stain or discolor your hardwood floor. And these stains are very hard to remove. Therefore, you should choose rug pads with cotton, woolen, or any other felt material.
Usually, the most affected areas are high-traffic or often exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods. Hardwood floors might be strong and durable, but they are prone to damage like scratches, dents, staining, and even water damage. So you must keep it covered with rug pads and rugs. However, the quality of the rug pad can affect your hardwood floor. So, keep reading to identify the perfect rug pad for your floor. First, letโs uncover the different types of rug pads.
What Are The Different Varieties Of Rug Pads:
Rug pads are available in various materials. And each one has distinct properties.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC):
Most low-cost pads are made of PVC and have not been tested for non-toxic material or VOC releases. These low-cost pads may interact with the polyurethane surface, potentially discoloring the floor permanently.
Synthetic Latex:
Clay fillers are frequently combined with latex to cut production costs; nevertheless, clay has the propensity to dry up, leaving a mound of rubber flakes behind.
Natural Rubber:
Natural rubber:ย 100% rubber pads in the moderate price range are created from rubber tree sap, which is sustainable and a better option for petro-based PVC for the indoor environment. True rubber pads provide a non-stick control on the flooring.
Felt Rug Pad100% Felt Pads:
A great way to add comfort to your rug. Because it lacks the traction of rubber, this pad will function best on bigger carpets that will fix the pad on the floor without staining it. This material has the maximum density and provides the most underfoot comfort. These, which are frequently manufactured from recycled materials, might also be an environmentally responsible alternative.
Hybrid Latex Felt Rug Pads:
Hybrid latex felt rug pads are the best to keep your hardwood floor safe. These are expensive rug pads with a combination of two materials, latex, and 100% foot. Besides, it has the properties of both latex and felt. It is durable and has superior cushioning as well as non-skid properties.
What Kind Of Rug Pad Is Safe For Hardwood Floors?
Most rug pads in the market have a backing made of either rubber or latex. These are not safe. The only safe rug pad is made of 100% felt material. It is because It wonโt stain or mark your floor finishes. It wonโt even leave any residue behind.
So letโs have a look at the qualities of rug pad that is safe for hardwood floor:
- The best quality rug pads do not contain any rubber or latex.
- They protect your hardwood floors against scratches and dents from rough area rugs and furniture because it creates a thick buffer between your rug and the floor.
- It prolongs the life of your hardwood floors by creating a thick layer of cushion that protects your floors against wear and tear from foot traffic.
- It should have excellent sound absorption properties.
- Look for excellent insulation properties that can help keep the room warm. Combined with an area rug, your house will never feel as cold as it would be with bare hardwood floors.
- It should provide luxurious comfort by providing a thick buffer between your hardwood floor and the rug.
- It should be easily trimmable with scissors to provide a custom fit for your rug.
- Safe rug pads should not contain any toxic materials nor release toxic fumes during unrolling- itโs perfectly safe.
- Donโt forget to look for a high-quality and durable rug pad.
- The most important characteristic of the safe rug pad is that its material doesnโt leave a stain on hardwood places. Therefore, these are the easiest solution to keep hardwood floors safe from scratches.
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Do Rug Pad Damage Hardwood Floors?
The only rug pad that will damage your hardwood floors is the one that has a rubber backing. A rubber backing is often constructed in entryway rug backings to help with slipping problems. However, since the chemicals in rubber tend to react with those in hardwood floor finishes, the pad may leave huge patches of yellow stains on your floors.
Is Latex Rug Pad Safe For Hardwood Floors?
Latex rug pads are also unsafe for hardwood floors like rubber-backed rug pads. You see, the problem with latex is that it prevents airflow and therefore causes an accumulation of moisture beneath the pad. As you already know, hardwood floors and moisture are incompatible as it causes the floors to deteriorate, not to mention stripping off the floor finish.
Another big problem with latex rug pads is that the plasticizers in latex coating can bleed into your hardwood floors, thus causing a chemical reaction that may discolor your floors. Therefore, itโs better to avoid rug pads that also have latex. Felt rug pads are the safest to place under your area rug on hardwood floors.
Should Rug Pad Be The Same Size As The Rug?
No. A rug pad should be a different size than the area rug. It should be at least 1 inch smaller than the area rug. It allows the rugโs edges to taper to the floor, thus preventing tripping hazards in case your shoe catches the edge of the rug.
Also Read: Removing Bona Floor Polish with Windex (Everything You Need to Know)
Bottom Line:
When it comes to protecting your laminated hardwood floors, using the right rug pad is key. Look for one made of 100% felt material that wonโt stain or mark your floor finishes and has excellent insulation properties. Itโs inexpensive, provides extra cushioning,ย and keeps your hardwood floor scratch and stain-free as new. This way, you can be sure that your hardwood floors will stay safe and beautiful for many years to come!
