Do latex- backed rugs really ruin hardwood floors?

5 years ago

Just read the recommendation not to use latex/rubber, etc on floors other than tile. Well, that rules out all of my rug choices. ☹️ Just wondering if anyone had ignored that advice and not had any issues with ruining their floors?

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Comments (3)

My3dogs ME zone 5A
5 years ago
I have used this type of pad on my smaller rugs, and they have never damaged my oak floors, or the original Douglas Fir floor in an upstairs bathroom.

https://www.rugpadusa.com/collections/non-slip/products/super-lock-natural
Allison0704
5 years ago
I also only buy rug pads from Rug Pad USA. Have used on site finished wood, prefinished wood, rough travertine and marble without issues.
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SJ McCarthy
5 years ago
"Yes" to the original question of "Do latex/rubber backed rugs really damage wood floors?"

The reason: rubber, vinyl and latex (natural or man made...doesn't matter) backings have a product added to them to make them "flexible". These additives are called "plasticizers". These plasticizers have CHEMICAL reactions to the finishes applied to wood (and vinyl, and cork, and linoleum). Urethane/Polyurethane are petroleum products. Plasticizers are petroleum products. They react to one another at a chemical level.

These chemical reactions will leave both a dark brown/gold stain (looks like a nicotine stain) and a rough/sticky surface underneath...almost as if one melted into the other. Which is exactly what happened.

Rug pads, such as 'Rug Pad USA', are allowed over hardwood because they are material based (like felt) rather than petroleum based.

And you can find rugs that are "Safe For Use with Hardwood Floors". You just won't find them at Walmart or Target. You can find a FEW at Ikea (not all have the label) but most can be found at more expensive furniture retailers.

And just to be clear, a rug (natural weave backing visible) that is large enough will also be HEAVY enough not to need a "rubber" backing. The physical weight will keep it in place. Thereby no need for rug pads.

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Do latex- backed rugs really ruin hardwood floors?

Comments (3)

My3dogs ME zone 5A

Allison0704

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