Will rubber backed rugs damage hardwood floors? This is a question that many people ask when considering purchasing a rubber-backed rug.
Rubber-backed rugs are a popular choice for many homeowners because of their non-slip properties. However, if not properly maintained, they can cause damage to hardwood floors.
In this article, we’ll look at ways in which rubber-backed rugs can ruin wood floors including discoloration, finish deterioration, warping, and trapping dust. Additionally, we will suggest a few types of rugs that are safe to use on hardwood floors.
Will rubber backed rugs damage hardwood floors?
Yes, rubber-backed rugs can potentially cause damage to hardwood floors over time. The rubber backing tends to trap moisture which can result in warping or discoloration of the wood floor. Also, if the rug is left in one place for a prolonged period of time, the rubber can strip off the finish on the hardwood floor.
So the following is what happens when you use rubber-backed rugs on wood floors.
1. Floor discoloration
Rubber-backed rugs can cause hardwood floor discoloration due to the rubber’s chemical reaction with the finish on the wood floor.
Over time, the rubber backing tends to break down and release chemicals that react with the finish. This often causes discoloration and even eats away at the protective finish leaving permanent damage on the floor.
Additionally, the rug itself can transfer dyes or other substances to the hardwood floor once the rubber backing deteriorates causing the floor to discolor.
2. Warping
One major issue with rubber-backed rugs is that they restrict air circulation under the rug.
This causes moisture and heat to be trapped under the rubber backing and can result in the warping of the floor over time.
The combination of heat and moisture especially during hot weather causes the hardwood floor to expand, bend, twist or warp causing the surface to no longer be level.
3. Ruin the finish
Rubber-backed rugs also strip the finish on the hardwood floor if not properly placed or maintained.
When the rug is walked on for a prolonged period of time in the same spot, the rubber backing can grip and stick to the hardwood floor.
Attempting to pull the stuck rug from the floor can cause damage to the finish or leave a residue. Removing the residue that is stuck to the floor also needs to be done carefully as it can ruin the floor finish.
4. Harmful chemicals
While the rug themselves may not be toxic, the rubber backing may contain harmful chemicals.
The rubber backing is usually made from natural or synthetic rubber. Synthetic rubber may contain chemicals like styrene-butadiene (SBR), which can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are harmful to human health.
Additionally, rubber backing may also contain other substances like Phthalates which can be a health risk to people and pets.
If you opt for a rubber-backed rug, you are advised to first check the label before buying it to see if it is made from natural or synthetic rubber and if it contains any harmful chemicals.
4. Trap dust and dirt
Rubber-backed rugs also trap dirt and dust as they create a barrier that prevents them from leaving the rug.
Over time, the dirt accumulates on the rug and becomes a health risk.
So it is important to clean and vacuum the rug as often as possible
What kind of rug is safe for hardwood floors?
If you are concerned about the damage that might be caused to your hardwood floor by rubber-backed rugs and the associated health risks, consider going for rugs with natural fibers like wool, cotton, jute, and silk without synthetic rubber backing.
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Wool rugs
Wool rugs are a great choice for those who have hardwood floors because wool is naturally anti-static and helps prevent static electricity on the floor.
Wool rugs are comfortable to walk on even when barefoot because they are soft. In addition, they are not only non-slip but also add an extra layer of insulation to prevent scratching of the floor.
Wool is naturally mold-resistant and has been shown to provide better insulation from heat loss than other fibers like cotton – plus it’s durable enough to last through generations.
Moreover, they are stain and water-resistant so they protect the floor against water damage.
Also, wool rugs are allergen-resistant since they resist shedding and dust mites, which makes them perfect for allergy sufferers.
One of the best quality wool rugs is this nuLOOM handwoven Ago wool area rug. It is hand-tufted with 80% wool and only 20% cotton.
Also, it is warm and brings life to your living room, bedroom, kitchen, dining area, or even the entryway.
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Cotton rugs
Most people find the feel of a rug under their feet comforting and it can add some softness to a room.
Placing a cotton rug on the hardwood floor also gives the same feeling.
This type of rug is safe on wood floors because it is made from softer materials. This means you won’t have as much wear and tear or scratches on your wood surface.
In addition, cotton rugs often come with more padding so they don’t slide around like other types of rugs might do.
If you want to get one, try nuLoom hand woven 100% cotton area rug for an inexpensive experience.
People like this cotton rug because it is handwoven and has the look of jute but feels softer under the feet. In addition, it is thick, durable, and not slippery.
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Natural fiber rugs
Natural fiber rugs are a good option for hardwood floors and there are a lot of options.
You can buy one that is made from jute, sisal, seagrass, or coir and go for something more modern with a low pile or high pile.
Jute and sisal rugs are durable and strong enough to withstand everyday wear and tear. They are also soft and provide a natural feel under the feet.
However, although they can be used on hardwood floors, they require special care so that they don’t damage the flooring. Make sure you get a rug pad to put under your natural fiber rugs and be careful not to drag or push furniture across the rug.
If you want a natural fiber rug for your hardwood floor, you might want to consider rugs made from seagrass such as this nuLoom Elija Natural Seagrass Farmhouse area rug.
It is made from 100% seagrass with a soft antislip layer on the bottom that is safe for hardwood floors. This rug also holds up well in high-traffic areas in the house and cleans up easily.
The good thing about these rugs is that they are all-natural so they are safe for people with allergies or sensitivities.
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Woven rugs (dhurrie)
If you’ve been looking for a stylish, durable, and eco-friendly floor covering, dhurrie rugs may be a perfect choice.
They are a great choice for hardwood floors because they are woven using natural fibers such as wool or cotton.
These hand-woven pieces can stand up to wear and tear from kids and pets while still retaining their luxurious look. Thus, they can be used in both high-traffic and low-traffic areas.
Also, they’re also easy to clean with a regular vacuum or steam-cleaning machine.
If you’re looking for an affordable way to add warmth and texture to your home, check out this Creative Co-Op cotton dhurrie rug. It is machine woven and made from 100% cotton.
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Silk rugs
Silk rugs for hardwood floors can be a great idea.
They present many benefits such as the fact that they are soft and plush. This makes it easier for everyone in your family, including pets, to be comfortable walking around with bare feet or slippers.
Silk rug will also keep your floor looking beautiful longer because its fibers are not abrasive like jute or sisal. Also, dust particles don’t get embedded into the rug’s fabric so cleaning is very easy.
However, for silk rugs to stay in place without moving around, they need to have a backing or place a rug pad with the felt side facing down.
In addition, they are not ideal for high-traffic areas since they can wear out easily.
Conclusion
Rubber-backed rugs can be a great addition to any home but it’s important to be mindful of their potential to damage hardwood floors.
To prevent damage to hardwood floors, it’s important to regularly clean and vacuum the rug, move it around to prevent the build-up of dust and dirt in certain areas, and use the right kind of rug pad.
In addition, it’s important to be mindful of the rug when it comes to moving and cleaning it to avoid further damage to the floor.
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