topic Re: Have a question--about rugs in Home

Have a question--about rugs

wagirl — Wed, 27 May 2026 14:06:27 GMT

In this apt I am in now---carpeting is only in the 2 bedrooms--the rest is hard surface--looks and feels like wood but prob LVP and is very dark. I figured out the size and ordered a 8 x 10 wool area rug. Now am wondering if I need a pad under it and what type. Have googled it but not come up with a good answer--was wondering if anyone has done this and what the pros and cons are/were. Furniture will be place on it so it won't be unanchored.

thanks----

Re: Have a question--about rugs

rockygems123 — Wed, 27 May 2026 14:30:31 GMT

@wagirl

I have hardwood floors, there are some large area rugs anchored with furniture i.e. dining room table, couches. There are other rugs from about a 6'x4' to runners that are not anchored.

None have pads.

Re: Have a question--about rugs

Carmie — Wed, 27 May 2026 14:29:50 GMT

A pad laid under a wool rug will protect the underside of the rug from getting worn.

I have wool area rugs in my living and dining rooms over hardwoods. They are about 15 years old and are in great condition.

If you invest in wool, which is a wonderful material, I suggest a pad underneath to protect it.

BTW: a brand new wool rug will shed for weeks when you vacuum. Be prepared.

Re: Have a question--about rugs

Thats Me — Wed, 27 May 2026 14:53:29 GMT

The floor could be engineered hardwood which is what I have. Looks like hard wood but is actually a very thin veneer of wood over plywood. I'd never choose it bc it scratches easily and leaves water marks.

Anyway, I think you should get a rug pad even though furniture will be over it. The pad will prevent bumps. Get one that has a felted layer that your rug will lay over but also a rubbery layer that will be against the floor. But don't get one that's cheaper but just a rubbery material bc over time it will degrade. Anyway, that's what several experts said to me. They also said the rug pad would help the rug last longer. So I ended up paying more but have been pleased with the results.

hope this helps.

Re: Have a question--about rugs

on the bay — Wed, 27 May 2026 15:42:35 GMT

@wagirl,

When I got area rugs I was mostly wanting non toxic rugs and pads.

It's surprising how many have toxic materials.

RUGPADUSA has all kinds of non toxic pads-natural rubber (I have those) and also felt with a rubber backing like someone else mentioned. I got them mostly to make a softer thicker feel under the feet and also to protect the rug.

Re: Have a question--about rugs

We rescue cats — Wed, 27 May 2026 16:50:37 GMT

The rub pad will also help protect the floor. It's a reason that I usually use a pad under area rugs.

Re: Have a question--about rugs

WRXtoo — Wed, 27 May 2026 22:19:27 GMT

@wagirl

You should check with your manager to confirm what type of flooring it is. If LVP, many rug pads and rug backings can actually damage the floor (cause staining). Rubber and one other I can't remember are bad (whether natural or not). That rug pad website mentioned up thread has some advice/explanation and a product it sells that is safe.

LVP manufacturers have specific warnings due to these issues.

Re: Have a question--about rugs

Kachina624 — Thu, 28 May 2026 01:02:50 GMT

@wagirl. You absolutely need a good pad under a nice wool rug to prevent wear on the rug. I have one and have a kind of felt pad, not foam of any type. Call a rug store and ask.

Re: Have a question--about rugs

wagirl — Thu, 28 May 2026 13:31:10 GMT

@Carmie --yes, I do know about the shedding---and am prepared. could hae gone a different route but this rug was so gorgeous and on sale to boot!!!

Re: Have a question--about rugs

wagirl — Thu, 28 May 2026 13:33:46 GMT

thanks all--just the kind of info I need!!!

Re: Have a question--about rugs

Puppy Galore — Thu, 28 May 2026 14:56:12 GMT

@WRXtoo wrote:
@wagirl
You should check with your manager to confirm what type of flooring it is. If LVP, many rug pads and rug backings can actually damage the floor (cause staining). Rubber and one other I can't remember are bad (whether natural or not). That rug pad website mentioned up thread has some advice/explanation and a product it sells that is safe.

LVP manufacturers have specific warnings due to these issues.

@WRXtoo

Same thing happened to me, my floors were stained, when I sold the house I had to give a credit to the home buyers. I learned the hard way.

Re: Have a question--about rugs

wagirl — Fri, 29 May 2026 14:02:58 GMT

I did go to the pad website listed here and saw that as the rug I have coming doesn't really need a non slip--being as big as it is--that a pad more for comfort is what I need. but will wait until it gets here to see what I should get. Want more for cushiness than slippage--I think?! Should be here Monday------

Re: Have a question--about rugs

JeanLouiseFinch — Sat, 30 May 2026 13:36:35 GMT

@wagirl - it looks like I'm late to the conversation. We are in the process right now and there are things to be aware of. Failure to use the right pad (or not) could have an eventual impact on your lease/security deposit if the floor surface gets damaged.

Some people like a rug with a pad for added cushion and some don’t, that’s just personal preference. Area rugs can sometimes have a rough uncoated underside that will scratch the surface of the floor underneath. Then there are those that have a non-skid backing. Not all non-skid backing is safe for all floors. Be sure to investigate what the backing is made of as some can discolor of the flooring underneath due to the chemicals used to make each surface react with one another. Years ago we had linoleum with a white background that turned yellow from a latex backed area rug. When you’re shopping online, you can look for a clear statement that the non-skid is safe for your floor or ask the AI thing.

We’re redoing several floors right now. The kitchen will have a waterproof hardwood laminate. I ordered an area rug with a non-skid backing to go under our kitchen table but I also ordered a thin felt pad without any non-skid to go underneath it. I’m counting on the weight of the table to hold it in place.

Good luck.

Re: Have a question--about rugs

Luv2Dnce — Sat, 30 May 2026 02:51:51 GMT

It depends of how the wool rug is made. Sometimes they already have a material that protects the bottom of the rug, You won't have to worry about it, ruining your floors.

Although, if only part of the rug is going to be anchored down by furniture, and you will be walking on it a lot, you can consider a very thin rug pad that will protect the floors, help soundproof for anyone who's living underneath you. You can also purchase carpet tape that you can get from Amazon. Just put a little bit in the corners underneath the carpet that aren't anchored down and you should be fine. This is very sticky adhesive tape so you don't need much and need to be careful when you go to remove the rug. If you have LVP, you do not want to remove the finish off the top from the tape.

Re: Have a question--about rugs

wagirl — Fri, 29 May 2026 20:05:34 GMT

@JeanLouiseFinch --thanks for the info. I am leaning towards a felted pad that has no rubber with it--is non skid as suggested for the 8 x 10 rug I ordered. There will be furniture on the rug so think it shouldn't slip or slide --a sofa and 2 leather arm chairs as well as a coffee table. The rug I have coming is a wool one so want to protect the rug and the floor. The pad is good on wood, laminate, LVP. Also no noxious fumes or materials either. Think I will wait until it comes to really decide what pad I need. Not sure how thick the rug is and not sure how thick I want the pad either. I got this info from rug pad usa. Says I will get the rug on Monday!

Re: Have a question--about rugs

wagirl — Sat, 30 May 2026 19:39:39 GMT

Yay---get my new rug today-----maybe??? sometimes early delivery is iffy--was supposed to get here Monday.