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Flooring Design Dilemma

Are Polypropylene rugs safe to use on LVP flooring without a pad?

3 years ago

I have read all the polypropylene threads and scoured the web and still don’t see a definitive answer to this question. So does polypropylene have ”plasticizers” in it that can harm LVP? could the texture of the backing of a polypropylene scratch LVP? From what I have read it is thermoplastic. LVP is also a plastic. I understand synthetic rubber backing and padding is bad for LVP, but what about polypropylene?

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Comments (4)

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Patricia Colwell Consulting
3 years ago
You need a rug mat under any rug and i like felt pads and that is what you need.
SJ McCarthy
3 years ago
You need a statement from the PPE (polypropylene pad) manufacturer that CLEARLY STATES (ahem...it is bold writing on the tag at the store...or on line in big bold letters over the pic) "Safe for Use with Vinyl Floors". If you don't see it, then you don't have the guarantee.

Each manufacturer makes their PPE in a different way. A rigid PPE product (like a plastic plate) is NOT reactive to vinyl....because it does not have 'softeners' called plasticizers. The SOFTER the PPE the more likely it has plasticizers in it.

The word 'plastic' is being used in the scientific/medical sense. Not the 'every day' use like we think it does. The word 'plastic' means 'malleable or bendable. The human brain is incredibly 'plastic' or has great 'plasticity' up to the age of 25 years.

That's what 'plasticizer' means in this instance. You won't know if the manufacturer uses plasticizers until you get onto their warranty page or installation/use page. On those pages, somewhere - in fine print most likely - it will state where and when the product can be used.

If 'vinyl' is NOT MENTIONED in any document then it is NOT ALLOWED. The building industry has discovered the concept of 'restrictive use' as the best way to go about writing documents. It is EASIER to write about what something CAN be used with (it is a definitive and EXAUSTIVE list) rather than listing everything it CANNOT be used for.

That means, if it ain't listed as a regular use item, it ain't allowed. Simple as that.

Get a written statement from the PPE company stating they will hold themselves 100% liable for any damage their product causes with your floors. If they don't, and they won't, then don't use the product with vinyl.
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salonva
3 years ago
This keeps coming up- and I was wondering if someone could post a link to a felt pad t(hat comes in different sizes) that would be recommended or non issue with most floors? That would be very helpful. thank you
SJ McCarthy
3 years ago
www.rugpadusa.com

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