The query “what kind of rugs are safe for hardwood floors?” is one that is frequently posed to a large number of different homeowners.
However, you should be aware that not all of the numerous area rugs that are currently available on the market are suitable for use on hardwood floors like yours.
As was the case with me a few years ago, the vast majority of homeowners are completely unaware that some types of area rugs may really damage their hardwood floors by either discolouring them or scratching them. I was one of those homeowners.
Because I value your time and don’t want to squander it, let me be as clear and concise as possible. I have a strong suspicion that you are looking for a speedy response.
The only types of rugs that you may put on your hardwood floors without worrying about damaging them are those that do not contain a rubber, latex, or PVC backing.
You will want to avoid these kinds of carpets at all costs, unless you are willing to spend thousands of dollars repairing those lovely and long-lasting floors because of the discoloration they cause.
Why Is It Dangerous to Place Area Rugs With a Rubber Backing on Hardwood Floors?
The difficulty with carpets having a rubber backing is that they have a propensity to leave marks from discolouration, particularly in locations that are more exposed to sunlight or that have a high volume of foot activity.
You see, rubber keeps your floors from breathing, and when there is a lot of moisture trapped within, it causes the chemicals in the rubber to have a negative reaction with the chemicals in your floor finish. This can cause your floors to get damaged. This leaves a stain that may not be able to be removed completely.
In addition, latex-backed area rugs should not be used in homes with children. It is possible for latex to entrap gases and moisture, both of which can completely damage floor coatings. It’s possible that the floor appears drab and worn.
The same is true for rugs made of PVC, which have a propensity to release gas and, as a result, react with the chemicals used to polish your floor. These synthetic PVC area rugs tend to scratch hardwood floors due to the fact that they are constructed of hard plastic, so you should steer clear of purchasing them if at all possible.
These kinds of rugs are typically available at extremely reasonable prices. You shouldn’t be fooled by their low pricing. It’s possible that you’ll wind up having to spend more money repairing or replacing your floors.
What Kinds of Rugs Can Be Placed Upon Hardwood Floors Without Causing Damage? – What Are the Finest Area Rugs to Use on Hardwood Floors?
The most appropriate materials for the construction of area rugs to be used on hardwood floors are:
- Natural Fiber
- Wool
- Cotton
- And those that don’t have a rubber or latex backing \sThese are the best area rugs materials for hardwood floors.
I wholeheartedly recommend the nuLOOM Moroccan Blythe Accent Rug to you if you have hardwood flooring and are searching for an area rug that is not only stunning but also long-lasting and non-hazardous.
This rug is currently one of Amazon’s best-selling area rugs, and there is a good explanation for why that is the case.
It is not made of rubber or latex and does not have a backing.
This indicates that it is completely risk-free for use not only on your hardwood floors but also on other types of floors that are easily damaged, such as vinyl and laminate.
The rug is made entirely out of polypropylene, which is a material that is extremely robust and long-lasting. It can withstand the normal wear and tear that occurs in high-traffic areas even though it is made entirely out of polypropylene.
You are free to position it in any room in the house, including the kitchen, the hallway, the living room, the bedroom, and the dining room. This particular rug features a colour palette that is neutral, which means that it can be easily incorporated into any existing interior design scheme.
In addition to this, the rug is simple to clean and care for.
The Most Suitable Wool Area Rug for Wooden Floors
Wool rugs are known to be among the most suitable options for use in living spaces with wooden flooring.
Wool is not only long-lasting and simple to clean and maintain, but it is also fully risk-free for your wood floors. This is because wool does not leave stains on wood floors nor does it harm them.
Wool is inherently resistant to stains, and in comparison to materials like rubber, it is able to release moisture into the surrounding area faster and more quickly. As a result, wool will not cause mould or mildew stains to appear on your hardwood floors.
I am confident that the nuLOOM Kellee Contemporary Wool Accent Rug is going to be an excellent choice for you as you search for the most suitable wool area rug for your wooden floor.
The good news is that the backing of the rug is not made of rubber, and the bad news is that the rug is made entirely of wool.
It is really comfy, despite the fact that it is somewhat heavy. If you are concerned about it sliding around, you will be relieved to learn that this area rug is pretty substantial, and as a result, it does not move around as much as other rugs made of synthetic materials do.
If you are looking for an area rug that will complement the décor of your house, you may choose from any one of the available patterns because it is offered in such a broad variety of designs.
The Finest Area Rug Made of Jute for Hardwood Floors
Jute is used to make some of the most popular types of area rugs available on the market right now.
People choose these rugs over synthetic or rubber-backed rugs almost always because they are fully safe for their flooring. This is despite the fact that a lot of people choose these rugs owing to the sophisticated classic style that they have.
Jute rugs do not have rubber or latex backings, and they do not include any volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other chemicals that might potentially damage your pricey flooring or even emit poisonous vapours into the home.
Jute rugs are made entirely of natural materials, which is one reason why many homeowners feel them to be an appropriate choice.
There are a number of other jute area rugs available on the market right now, but the nuLOOM Rigo Hand Woven Jute Area Rug is the only one that I am going to recommend to you.
The rug may be purchased in both a square and a circular shape, making it easy to incorporate into your existing interior design scheme at home.
Because jute is an exceptionally long-lasting material, you can be confident that this rug will continue to be useful to you for many years to come. It’s not hard to clean. It is simple to vacuum up after use. However, you should avoid exposing it to an excessive amount of water because doing so can deteriorate it over time.
In order to prevent it from deteriorating, you must wait until it is entirely dry after washing it and then reinstall it.
It is available in a wide range of hues, but if you want something more classic looking, you should choose the natural brown variation.
Concerns That You Might Have Regarding the Use of Area Rugs on Hardwood Floors
1. What Factors Should You Consider When Buying an Area Rug for Hardwood Floors?
As I mentioned earlier, some carpets may scratch your hardwood floors while others would not. You will want to steer clear of those that have backings made of PVC, latex, or rubber.
The only kinds of area rugs worth considering are those that do not have a rubber backing, those that are made of wool, and those that are made of natural materials such as jute or cotton.
In addition to the need of ensuring everyone’s safety, you should also take into account the dimensions of the space.
Be sure to measure the room in which you wish to put the rug so that you may receive accurate measurements.
You should avoid buying a rug that is either too large or too tiny for the space it will be used in.
The good news is that most types of area rugs are available in a wide range of sizes, making it simple to pick the one that is going to work best in a given space.
In addition to this, you will need to choose a pattern and colour that not only appeal to your sense of style but also complement the interior design of your home.
Also, prior to making a purchase, check to see that the rug in question is sturdy and long-lasting. If they are properly cared for and maintained, carpets of high quality can last for a very long time.
The good news is that you can get a large number of high-quality area rugs at prices that are fairly reasonable and that offer an excellent return on your investment. One nice illustration of this would be the carpets that I recommended up there.
2. Is It Appropriate to Place Area Rugs on Hardwood Floors?
Some of the most beautiful and long-lasting types of flooring are those made of hardwood. These floors will even raise the worth of your home, so if you ever find yourself in a position where you have to sell it, you can rest assured that you will get a respectable money.
The installation of a high-quality area rug, on the other hand, is essential for maintaining the appearance of your flooring and preventing damage such as scratches, dents, nicks, scuffing, and dullness.
When you put an area rug down on your floor, it acts as a kind of barrier to protect it from damage, which is especially important in high-traffic areas.
In comparison to bare wood floors, the addition of some cushioning in the form of an area rug gives your feet the kind of opulent comfort they deserve, and it also helps to keep the room at a somewhat warmer temperature.
To answer your question, the answer is yes; it is strongly recommended that you install an area rug on top of your beautiful hardwood flooring.
What Kinds of Rugs Should You Place on Hardwood Floors? – The Bottom Line
It is my hope that you are now in a better position to choose a rug that is appropriate for the hardwood flooring in your home.
Do not make the mistake of buying rugs that could end up causing more damage than they are worth because there are many excellent area rugs that can be used on hardwood floors.
I hope you have success, and I hope you enjoy yourself!
