When you have beautiful hardwood floors, you want to make sure that they stay that way. People often have area rugs on their floors, and a rug pad holds the rugs in place. Rugs protect your floors and make your home more comfortable. They are also a part of your decor. However, people want to make sure that the rug pads aren’t damaging their hardwood floors.
Some rug pads can damage your hardwood floors, so it is important to make sure that you have the right ones. Three are a lot of options on the market today, and some of them are tempting because they are less expensive. However, they can damage your floors by ruining the finish.
How Do Inexpensive Rug Pads Damage Hardwood Floors?
When you find some inexpensive rug pads, you might save money on the price, but the damage to your floors will cost much more than you would have saved. Rug pads are designed to grip the rug and prevent it from sliding around on the floor.
The problem with inexpensive, poorly made rug pads is that they will still slide around, and they can leave scratches and other marks on the floor underneath. In some cases, they can even discolor the floor. This type of stain can be permanent, and it will require you to refinish the floor underneath.
Not only will these rug pads damage your floors, but they are often made of plastic and coated with adhesives that help them grip the floor. The adhesives are made with toxic chemicals that help them stay in place on the floor, but they can emit gases that can actually stain the floors. In addition, the products that are used to make them can react negatively with the chemicals that are in the finish on your floor.
One example of this is phthalates, which are used in plastics. They help make plastics stronger, but they are also used as dissolving agents. The other problem is that the adhesive can cause the rug pad to literally stick to your floor.
Are Any Rug Pads Safe for Hardwood Floors?
Fortunately, there are rug pads that will not damage your hardwood floors. Natural rubber is one of the best options to keep your rug in place. It doesn’t contain toxic materials, and it doesn’t use any adhesives to hold it in place. In addition, it won’t stain or discolor your floors, and it won’t absorb odors over time. Natural rubber is a great option.
Another option is felt rug pads with natural rubber. These rug pads blend felt with natural rubber to create a surface that will hold your rug in place without harming your floors. These pads combine the thick layer of felt with a thin layer of rubber, and they are durable and last a long time.
They give you extra padding and stop your rug from sliding or scratching the floors. They are also environmentally friendly, especially if you get one with rubber and felt that has been recycled. They are more expensive, but they are worth it because you won’t pay to repair damages to your floor.
There are also rug pads that are 100% felt. It can be recycled felt, and these rugs are made using recycled materials from unused carpet and yarn combined with natural jute fibers. They work best on larger rugs where the weight of the rug will help to keep it in place.
The Quality of Your Rug Pad Is More Important Than the Price
The important thing to remember is that you can find rug pads that won’t damage your floors, and paying extra to use them will save you in the long run. If you buy an inexpensive plastic rug pad, you will not only end up repairing damages but you are likely to need to refinish the floor much more quickly. In addition, they contain toxic chemicals that are bad for your floor and your health.
If you spend more money on a quality rug pad, it is better for your floors, your rugs, and your health. They are made using natural materials, and they won’t damage or stain your floor. You don’t have to worry about chemicals being released into the air, and your rugs and your floors will last longer.
Do You Need a Rug Pad on Hardwood Floors?
It is best to have a rug pad on tour hardwood floors if you have a rug. The primary reason for this is that it makes the rug safer. If you have a rug that will slip and slide across the floor, it can be an accident waiting to happen.
Another reason to have a rug pad is to protect the rug. They help keep the rug laying flat so that it doesn’t bunch up. It also helps your floors because it provides extra support under heavy furniture. When you are choosing a rug pad, you need to consider the floor as well as the rug it will be placed under. You need a heavier rug pad for a heavier rug because it is made to handle the extra weight.
The two features of a rug pad that are significant are grip and cushioning. Both are important to your floor. You need to consider the size of the rug and where you plan to place it to know what kind of grip you need. If the rug is a smaller rug in a room that has a lot of traffic, grip is very important. However, a larger rug that supports heavy furniture needs cushioning.
Final Words
Rug pads can damage your hardwood floors if you choose one that is inexpensive and made with plastics or other materials that can scratch, stain, and discolor your floors. However, you can choose rug pads made of felt, rubber, or a combination of the two to protect your floor and your rug while keeping you safe.