Your hardwood flooring is beautiful, and you want to keep it in excellent condition. One of the best ways to do this is by purchasing an area rug. After a long search, you finally find the perfect one and are asked if you want a rug pad under it. Your first thought may be why you would like to spend money on that. The answer to that is it’s up to you; however, before making the decision, there are a few things you should know.
Your primary question is whether rug pads are necessary for your hardwood floors.
The answer to that is a resounding yes! But why are they necessary? You can’t see them, and they don’t make your rug look better. One of the main reasons you want a rug pad is that it helps prevent slipping.
When placed over an area rug, the pad makes it easier for people to walk around without tripping or slipping on any uneven surfaces underneath them. Like tiles or stone floors in your home or office space which can cause serious injuries if someone trips over them while walking around during their daily activities around those areas where they work or live.
Below you’ll find additional reasons why you may want to purchase the pad under your area rug.
What is a rug pad, and what is it for?
A rug pad is a piece of material that goes beneath your rug to help it stay in place, reduce sliding and bunching, and protect the floor underneath from any damage. It’s usually made of foam or rubber but can also be made out of natural materials like cotton or wool.
Rug pads are an essential part of having a functional home. They help keep rugs from sliding on tile or hardwood floors, which can be dangerous for children and pets who might trip over them. They also help prevent mats from bunching up underneath the furniture they’re put under—a common problem in homes with small children and pets running around.
Rug pads are especially useful if you have hardwood floors or ceramic tile in your house. While some people prefer carpet-like flooring because it feels softer underfoot, these materials aren’t very forgiving when it comes to rugs slipping around. A rug pad will help ensure that your floor stays safe no matter where you place your rug!
Prevent slipping
As stated above, a high-quality rug pad will keep your rug in place, keeping it from sliding around when people walk on it. It also prevents your rug from bunching up and reduces the risk of people tripping.
Protects your flooring
The rug pad traps dirt and debris so it doesn’t get onto your wood floor, making cleaning easier. It also prevents wear and tears on your hardwood flooring due to friction plus by trapping the dust and dirt, it also keeps your floor from getting scratched.
Provides cushioning and insulates against cold and noise
While protecting your floor and preventing slip and fall accidents are essential, another positive of an area rug is that it helps reduce the transmission of sound. They also help provide insulation and prevent cold air from coming up through your floor during the winter.
Extends the life of your rug
Since your rug isn’t laying directly onto your floor, it won’t rub against it preventing it from wearing out where people frequently walk. Without a pad, the rug will slowly degrade, plus without the air, flow allergens can get trapped in the rug.
Additional Questions
What is the best type of rug pad for hardwood floors?
There are three types of rug pads that work well with hardwood floors. Each one won’t scratch your floor, are non-toxic, and add cushioning to your floor.
● 100% natural rubber is padding made from rubber tree sap which is an excellent choice for wood flooring. It is safer than PVC pads, and you don’t have to worry about the non-toxic content of VOC emissions.
● 100% felt pads work best for larger rugs because they don’t have a firm grip as the rubber padding. It offers high density so that there is more cushion underfoot, reducing noise.
● Felt/Rubber Pad gives you the best of both worlds and will work well with any size or type of rug. It gives you the grip of rubber with the cushioning of felt.
Summary
Rug pads are designed to provide cushion and shock absorption for your area rugs. They secure your rugs in place and protect hardwood floors from scratches. While you may have skipped over rug pads before, the options today make it easy to choose the right one. With so many available materials, styles, and alternatives, rug pads can safely protect all types of flooring while providing the extra comfort you’re looking for.
Cameron the Sandman is a hardwood flooring company that is family owned and provides the highest quality hardwood flooring services you need to install, maintain and keep your hardwood floors for life. We are experts in the wood flooring industry backed with over 80 years of quality work, experience, and product.
Whether you need wood floor restoration, refinishing services or a gorgeous wood floor install, we are the perfect choice. Call and speak to a wood floor contractor today!