What to Consider When Buying an Area Rug for Hardwood Floors |
Posted: December 1, 2017 |
If you have a large area or high traffic, you may want to use an area rug for your hardwood floors. An area rug can protect the finish in places with a lot of traffic. It can also enhance the design of your room. Before you go out and purchase a rug, you should consider a few things.
The Rug Pad Matters More than the Rug
When you go shopping for a rug, spend enough time searching for the right rug pad. You’ll need a pad to prevent slipping and sliding on the hardwood floor. However, any old pad just won’t do. You’ll want to avoid pads made of rubber or with a foam back. You also don’t want to use plastic because it can end up discoloring your hardwood flooring. Vinyl is the best material because it won’t harm your floors. If in doubt, ask about the material before you make the purchase.
Do not use carpet tape to hold the rug in place. The sticky residue may not be easily removed, and it may cause discoloration. Also, don’t rely on rugs that come with special backing. It may not be safe for your hardwood floors either. Consider Fading
If you leave windows open in a room and use an area rug, expect the sun to fade the flooring where the rug isn’t covering it. You can’t prevent fading by purchasing a different type of flooring. It will occur with any hardwood. Some types of wood do change color more dramatically. This is true of Brazilian cherry and American cherry among others.
There are two ways to either avoid fading or to lessen the impact. First, you can keep draperies closed when the sun is shining in that direction. This is the only way to prevent fading from happening in the first place.
The second option is to move your area rug regularly so the fading is more even. While it doesn’t prevent it from happening, it does make it less noticeable.
Many times, fading cannot even be removed by sanding. It may take re-staining and even then, you may notice a slight difference in tone.
Location
If you plan to purchase rugs for your home, consider where you want to place them. An area rug will likely go in the middle of the room. However, you should use rugs at doors. You may want a runner down a long hallway as well. Rugs in the kitchen where you stand a lot can provide a bit of cushioning.
Many people also like to jump out of bed on a soft rug in the mornings. They may want one in front of the fireplace or where the pets like to lay. In the end, it is more about your design and tastes than any solid rule.
Just make sure you protect your hardwood floors when adding a rug. With a little care and research, you can have beautiful hardwood floors that will last a lifetime.
Canada's premier hardwood flooring store. Proudly selling Hardwood Flooring in Toronto since 1977. We have hardwood, laminates, engineered, and exotic flooring; we also provide hardwood flooring installation.
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