Rug pads serve an important purpose – they prevent slippage, provide insulation and protect your beautiful hardwood floors from damage. However, some rug pad materials can actually harm hardwood over time.
So what type of rug pad should you use? In this complete guide for 2024, as a professional custom rugs manufacturer, I’ll outline the best rug pad materials for hardwood floors based on extensive testing and research.
Why Use a Rug Pad on Hardwood Floors?
Beautiful hardwood floors are an investment that can last for decades when properly cared for. Rug pads help protect them in a few key ways:
Gripping – Quality rug pads grip to both the floor and rug to prevent slippage and accidents. Grippers are especially useful on high-traffic areas and runners.
Insulating – Insulation from a rug pad protects hardwood from temperature changes and moisture. This helps prevent cracks, buckling and finishes from degrading over time.
Cushioning – Extra cushioning reduces impact from foot traffic and heavy furniture that can dent hardwood floors. It also makes rugs more comfortable to stand on for long periods.
So rug pads clearly serve an important purpose. But not all rug pads are safe for hardwood floors…
Rug Pad Materials to Avoid on Hardwood Floors
It’s crucial to avoid rug pads made with the following materials that can damage hardwood flooring:
PVC vinyl – PVC pads often contain plasticizers that can leech out over time. These chemicals can eat away at polyurethane finishes and stain light woods.
Latex – Certain latex pads use solvents and vulcanizing chemicals that react poorly with floor finishes. They may bond to the floor or leave behind residue requiring refinishing.
Rubber – Low-quality rubber pads may contain fillers and petroleum residues. With heat and pressure, these compounds can bond to floor finishes or discolor wood.
Low-quality adhesives – Cheap rug pads sometimes use strong solvent glues to attach a rug gripper backing. Adhesive transfer or chemical reactions can ruin floor finishes.
The safest type of rug pads for hardwood floors avoid these problematic compounds. Next, let’s look at the best rug pad materials for hardwoods.
Best Rug Pads Materials for Hardwood Floors
Through extensive testing and interviews with flooring experts, I have identified the following as the best rug pad materials for hardwood flooring in 2024:
1. Felt
Felt is typically made from recycled plastic bottles or other synthetic fibers. It’s an excellent insulator and provides cushioning without adding too much thickness.
Felt naturally grips most surfaces to prevent slippage. It’s also very dense, so spills tend to bead up rather than seep through.
High-quality felt pads avoid latex backings or adhesives that could interact with floor finishes. Overall, felt is the safest, most versatile rug pad material for hardwoods.
Best for: Everyday use, average traffic areas, insulation
2. Natural Rubber
100% natural rubber comes from tree sap and is biodegradable. It doesn’t contain plasticizers, petroleum residues or chemical fillers.
Natural rubber provides unmatched grip strength to prevent slippage. It tends to be thinner than other pads, providing insulation without altering door clearances.
However, natural rubber isn’t very cushiony. Combining it with a felt surface creates the perfect rug pad for hardwoods.
Best for: Gripping, high-traffic areas, moisture resistance
3. Jute/Burlap
Jute and burlap fibers come from plant sources, giving them natural insulation properties. They provide adequate grip while being very breathable.
However, jute and burlap lack durability and protection for high-traffic areas. Using them as a base combined with a slip-resistant backing creates a nice hardwood rug pad option.
Best for: Light duty, enhancing rug feel
Tips for Choosing the Best Rug Pads
- Seek out quality materials – “You get what you pay for” with rug pads. Spending a little more goes a long way in terms of safety and longevity.
- Avoid pads with latex or strong solvent odors – Stinky pads off-gas VOCs that can damage floors and are unhealthy to breathe.
- Prioritize grip for high-traffic areas – Entryways and hallways need exceptional grip to prevent accidents in busy zones.
- Use padding for comfort – Cushioning adds luxury in living rooms, bedrooms and basements where people lounge.
- Size down pads – Leave a 1-2 inch gap around rug edges so pads don’t peek out over time.
Always read packaging or ask manufacturers about rug pad materials. Avoid questionable ingredients and stick with quality felt, natural rubber and plant-based fibers.
With the right rug pad materials, you can safely enhance your hardwood floors while preventing damage. Give your floors the protection they deserve in 2024!