Fabric or material used to manufacture the rugs – There are many reasons why choosing a suitable rug in terms of its pile content is important in keeping your wooden floors unharmed and charming throughout the years to come. First and foremost, the fabric should be breathable, especially the backing of the rug. You should opt for a non staining material, as this would mean that any color or dye used in the manufacturing process is not going to bleed through or leak to your hardwood. Wool is considered to be one of the most widely used fiber, and is indeed valuable due to its features like durability, long-lasting and breathable woven structure providing sufficient ventilation to the floors.
Choosing a suitable backing is considered even more important as it is the back of the rug which is in direct contact with your hard wooden floors. PVC backing (Polyvinyl-Based) is the cheapest form of backing available as it has some serious consequences. These backings are not monitored for non-toxic or Volatile Organic Compound emissions, which means these are harmful for people around it. These can also permanently discolor your wooden floors due to its chemical content. Avoid opting for Synthetic Latex, as they make your rug’s backing non-breathable. If you are stuck at a medium price range, we would recommend you to opt for a 100% natural rubber backing. These are made from rubber tree sap, are eco-friendly and provide non-stick grip to your floors. If budget is not an issue, and you want a soft cushion for your feet and the rug, opt for 100% felt pads.
Apart from the rug and its backing, there are certain general practices, which can help protect your wooden floors.
- It’s always advisable to remove all the dirt and dust before placing your rug, as the continuous grinding of these dirt/dust particles over a certain period of time could create scratches and harm your hardwood flooring.
- In high traffic areas, like hallways and entryways, opt for runner rugs. These runners will help in minimizing the wear and tear in high traffic areas.
- Placing a large area rug or over sized rug below heavy furniture (like sofa set, dining set, etc.) in your seating area. This will not only add some distinct taste to your decor but will also help in maintaining the life of your hardwood.