If you’ve invested in engineered hardwood flooring, you likely want to keep it looking great for as long as possible. But, when you place a rug on top, you’re faced with a challenge. Over time, certain rug pads can cause damage, leaving scratches, discoloration, or marks on your floor. So the question lingering in your mind is, what kind of rug pad is safe for engineered hardwood floors?
Well, choosing the wrong rug pad can result in costly repairs, but finding the right one offers excellent protection, comfort, and stability for your rugs. In this guide, we’ll help you navigate the options and recommend an ideal solution to keep your floors safe.
What Kind of Rug Pad is Safe for Engineered Hardwood Floors?
Why You Need a Rug Pad for Engineered Hardwood Floors
Before diving into the right type of rug pad, let’s address why you need one. Rug pads provide much-needed protection between your rug and the floor. They serve multiple purposes:
- Preventing Scratches and Damage: A good rug pad creates a barrier that prevents rough backing materials from scratching your floor.
- Preventing Slipping: Engineered hardwood is often quite slick, and a rug pad adds grip, keeping both your rug and furniture in place.
- Extending the Rug’s Life: By providing cushioning, rug pads help maintain your rug’s integrity, especially in high-traffic areas.
The key is choosing a rug pad that does all these things without harming your engineered hardwood flooring.
What Kind of Rug Pad is Safe for Engineered Hardwood Floors?
When it comes to selecting a rug pad, certain materials are safer than others for engineered hardwood. Let’s explore the best options.
Felt Rug Pads: The Ideal Choice
Felt rug pads are considered one of the best options for engineered hardwood. Made from recycled fibers, these pads provide a cushion between your rug and floor without causing damage. They’re dense, providing excellent protection and comfort underfoot. Felt pads also have no adhesives, meaning they won’t stick or leave behind a residue on your hardwood floors.
An excellent option for felt rug pads is the Rug Pad USA Eco Plush Non-Slip Rug Pad. This high-density pad offers both cushion and protection while remaining safe for use on all types of flooring, including engineered hardwood.
Natural Rubber Pads: Great for Non-Slip Protection
If you’re looking for a rug pad that provides additional grip without the risk of floor damage, natural rubber is the way to go. Rubber pads keep your rug in place while also preventing moisture buildup beneath the rug, which can lead to mold or floor discoloration.
A great example of this type is the Gorilla Grip Original Area Rug Pad. Made from natural rubber, it ensures non-slip protection while being gentle on your floors. Unlike synthetic options, natural rubber won’t react with your floor’s finish, making it a safe choice.
Felt and Rubber Combination Pads: Best of Both Worlds
If you need both cushioning and grip, a combination felt and natural rubber pad is the perfect solution. These pads offer the best of both materials: the plush comfort of felt and the non-slip grip of rubber. The felt side rests against the rug, while the rubber side ensures that your rug stays in place without damaging the floor.
The Mohawk Home Dual Surface Rug Pad is a popular option that combines felt with natural rubber. It’s thick enough to offer comfort but durable enough to keep everything secure, ensuring that your engineered hardwood floors remain unharmed.
What to Avoid When Choosing a Rug Pad
Now that you know what works, it’s equally important to be aware of what doesn’t. Certain rug pads can cause more harm than good. Here are the materials you should steer clear of:
- PVC and Plastic Pads: These can stick to the floor, causing discoloration and marks. PVC pads are also notorious for trapping moisture, leading to mold and floor warping over time.
- Synthetic Rubber: Unlike natural rubber, synthetic rubber can break down and leave a sticky residue that’s difficult to clean.
- Adhesive-backed Pads: While these might seem convenient, adhesive-backed pads are one of the worst choices for engineered hardwood floors. The sticky backing can strip the finish, leaving behind unsightly marks.
Also read Can I Use a Steam Mop on Engineered Hardwood Floors?
How to Properly Maintain Your Rug and Rug Pad
Even with the safest rug pad, you still need to take care of it to ensure the longevity of both your rug and floors.
- Vacuum Regularly: Dust, dirt, and debris can build up under the rug and pad, causing scratches over time. Regular vacuuming helps prevent this.
- Rotate Rugs: Move your rug and pad every few months to distribute wear evenly across your floor. This also helps prevent dents caused by heavy furniture.
- Check for Moisture: Ensure that your rug pad doesn’t trap moisture between the rug and floor. Lifting the rug and airing out the pad periodically is a good practice, especially in humid environments.
Common Questions About Rug Pads and Engineered Hardwood Floors
1. Can I use a cheap rug pad on my engineered hardwood floor?
Cheap rug pads made from synthetic materials or adhesives might save you money upfront, but they can damage your floors over time. It’s best to invest in high-quality materials like felt or natural rubber to avoid scratches, discoloration, or sticky residue.
2. How thick should my rug pad be for hardwood floors?
Generally, a rug pad that’s about 1/4 inch thick offers a good balance of cushioning and protection without making the rug too bulky. For high-traffic areas, you might opt for a slightly thicker pad, but ensure it doesn’t raise the rug edges, which could become a tripping hazard.
3. Do I need a rug pad for small rugs?
Even small rugs can slip or slide, especially on hardwood. Using a rug pad with small rugs can help secure them in place and protect your floor from scuffs or damage caused by movement.
4. Can rug pads damage hardwood floors?
Yes, certain rug pads made from synthetic rubber, PVC, or adhesives can leave permanent damage on hardwood floors. That’s why it’s crucial to choose materials that are safe, such as felt or natural rubber.
Also read How to Remove Water Stains from Engineered Wood Floors
What Kind of Rug Pad is Safe for Engineered Hardwood Floors?-Wrapping It Up
When it comes to protecting your engineered hardwood floors, the right rug pad is a must. By choosing high-quality materials like felt or natural rubber, you can prevent scratches, keep your rug in place, and ensure your floors look beautiful for years to come. Avoid cheap alternatives that can cause more harm than good and focus on investing in a solution that works for your specific flooring type.
Whether you need cushioning, grip, or both, options like the Mohawk Home Dual Surface Rug Pad and Gorilla Grip Original Area Rug Pad provide the ideal combination of protection and longevity. With the right rug pad, you can enjoy your stylish rugs without worrying about damaging your precious engineered hardwood floors.