The Hardwood Shield: How Rug Pads Protect Your Floor

If you just obtained the perfect area rug to go with your hardwood floor, you want to make sure they both last a lifetime. That’s why you’ll want to invest in a rug pad to shield your floor from scratches and dents. Explore how rug pads protect your floor so that you can understand their benefits.

Stop Scratches From the Rug Bottom

Unlike the top of your rug, the bottom can have a very uneven, jagged surface. The rugged bottom fibers can scratch and scrape your floors. Since you don’t regularly see that part of the floor, damages can develop for months without you knowing.

As a result, the most important thing that a rug pad does is act as a barrier between the carpet and the floor. A rug pad’s soft, plush material won’t scratch or dent other surfaces. It works in much the same way as furniture leg protectors.

Also, an added benefit of this material is that it cushions the ground beneath the rug. Carpets have a layer of foam between them and the subfloor, making them soft. However, rugs are just single layers of fabric over hardwoods. With rug pads, though, you have a soft cushion underneath to provide extra support.

Prevent Slipping

The other primary responsibility of the rug pad is to prevent slipping. When a rug slips, it will create creases in your fibers that can be hard to remove. Also, when it slides, it’s more likely to cause large scrapes on the floor. There’s also the risk it presents to your personal safety, as you can easily slip and fall on it. Luckily, you can resolve this issue with a rug pad.

Circulate the Air

Rugs can become dirty as they trap dirt and grime. If a carpet ever gets wet, it can trap water deep in its fibers even after you clean it up. So mold and mildew can fester in the cavities between the rug and the floor. However, air can circulate beneath the fibers when there’s a rug pad. This will help keep molds from growing.

Now that you know how rug pads protect your floor, you understand why no area rug is complete without one. Next time you order a custom carpet from Koeckritz Rugs, make sure to check out our vast supply of felt and rubber area rug pads.