For function, I prefer not to have a rug the the kitchen. It is a PITA to have to vacuum and wash it vs. just sweeping and washing the floor. That said, we also have hardwood floors throughout our main floor (including kitchen), and they have not held up well at all to all the traffic and heavy use in the kitchen. Our builder insisted that the water-based sealer they used on our floors was as good as the old oil-based sealers, but it definitely isn't. We are vigilant about cleaning up spills/splashes as soon as they happen, but in spite of that the floors have taken a beating in the kitchen. We finally broke down and added a runner (we went with a Ruggable based on recommendations here) about 6 months ago to help protect the floor until we get around to having it refinished. It's okay. It's annoying to have to drag the vacuum out instead of just doing a quick sweep when crumbs accumulate (which is often with lots of cooking + 2 tweens in the house). I don't wash it often because we don't have a spare cover, but it hasn't shrunk (I air dry it). On the plus side, messes have been easy to clean off of it, so spot washing is usually enough to keep it looking clean. There is one corner that sometimes curls up slightly and drives my husband crazy. It doesn't bother me at all. If your floors are pretty bullet proof or you don't cook a lot, I'd do without a runner for function, but if you spend a lot of time in the kitchen and think the floor will need the protection, or if you just like the look of a runner, Ruggable is a decent solution. It's not all that soft underfoot, but it does the job.

I have a ruggable runner in front of my kitchen sink. I strongly recommend it for the kitchen - easy to vacuum for everyday cleaning as well as put in the washer and dryer to get it really clean. It comes out of the dryer looking as good as new. In front of the stove, I have one of the cushy mats (not ruggable) - easy to wipe off grease and stuff.

With wood floors, I would just protect by the sink due to potential water damage. For years we have used a patterned jute rug with a non slip pad. It can be flipped, so extends usage and can be sprayed down/hung to dry outside (never wanted to potentially damage our washing machine. They are also inexpensive, so can be easily replaced. I came across this mat if interested, which is polyester vs jute and noticed its attributes: made in Italy, washable, rubber backed, a darker simple pattern and only $40CDN. I often purchase from Simons and have never been disappointed. There are countless styles and price ranges if interested in jute. I’d definitely not add a fabric mat in front of stove and just quickly wipe up. https://m.simons.ca/en/rugs-furniture/rugs/hallway-runners/braided-jute-kitchen-mat-52-x-150-cm--17271-3202250?colorId=16&epik=dj0yJnU9R0pPbHlkUHUwbHpCWkRYOEVZUER4Y2phTDRjTEhHZWomcD0wJm49Vzc2NEI2aUdSZjctZ1RLRy1GR1ZFZyZ0PUFBQUFBR0dfT29v Perhaps consider a patterned, vinyl/pvc mat, which is non slip and can be wiped clean - especially if wanting one at stove. It will protect wood from normal wear and tear as well. It will last forever, comes in endless designs/colors and can even be custom. https://www.etsy.com/listing/881617716/astolpho-45-vinyl-floor-mat-vinyl-rug?utm_medium=display_product&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=us_pros_daba_olfgms&utm_content=homeliving_autobid&utm_custom2=626743244770&pp=1&epik=dj0yJnU9RGRuUElEN2JpWDB2OHhLNGJPeWZhc3VkajJwbng2eHcmcD0wJm49dFBtWWdCWl9jMHRxMlh5X2hscmk0ZyZ0PUFBQUFBR0dfVkY4

@Beth The rug is very nice for what it is. I think I might have selected the outdoor option and perhaps that is why it is so thin. I wanted something very flat. The pad that it attaches to is similar to a thin yoga mat. The rug itself is like a thin canvas with the pattern printed on it. You pull the canvas part off to wash it. I've had it for about 8 months and haven't had to wash it yet. The color and pattern really hide dirt and drips. I generally don't like printed rugs and think they look cheap. But I think this one looks better than most. I would not want one of these rugs in a large version for another room. But I think it is perfect for the kitchen. And they are cheap. If it doesn't wash well I will probably buy another because this one looks so nice in my kitchen.