Important Tips Before Placing Rugs On Hardwood Floors
Lorraine wrote in recently:
I have been all over this site and can't seem to find a answer on what I should use in front of the doors when you enter my log home with pine wooden floors.
Here's what I've learned about rugs and hardwood floors...
First Things First...
For the most part, there is nothing special about the type of rugs you would place on pine floors than those you would place on any other type of flooring.This is according to the folks at Authentic Pine Floors, Inc. I gave them a call (800-283-6038) and asked them Lorraine's question. They said that you don't have to take any special precautions with pine floors than you would with any other hardwood flooring.
However, there may be a noticeable difference between the types of non-slip pads that are typically placed beneath rugs that are placed on hardwood floors:
To prevent slippage, purchase a quality vinyl rug pad -- don't use rubber, foam back or plastic pads as they may discolor your wood floor.
Sun Fading Happens With All Types Of Rugs On All Wood Floors
Whatever rugs or non-slip pads & protectors you might place on your hardwood floors... if your rooms happen to have a lot of windows, then the floors themselves are likely to lighten naturally from the sun -- while the area underneath the rugs will remain their 'true' color.
We have experienced this in our current home. In the kitchen for example... we have rugs placed at the door to the garage, at the door to the backyard, underneath the refrigerator (because of the in-the-door water dispenser), and in front of the kitchen sink. Our hardwood pine floors are significantly darker in the spots underneath the rugs, than in the places where there are no rugs. Under the rugs, the flooring looks good as new -- just like the day we installed it. And yes, we have a lot of windows in the kitchen.
Protect your floor from direct sunlight. Use curtains and UV resistant film on large glass doors and windows. Move area rugs occasionally as they block sunlight and may give the appearance of discoloring under the rug.
Care & Maintenance For Hardwood Floors
Summary
Without a doubt, the placement of rugs in front of doors on hardwood floors is strongly recommended by most hardwood floor manufacturers.For the most part, it simply comes down to personal taste as to what types of rugs you want to place in front of the doors inside your log home. The pine floors themselves don't require anything special.
Use vinyl non-slip protectors underneath your rugs, rather than rubber, foam, or plastic mats.
And finally, rotate your rugs occasionally to prevent sun-fade. Your best bet is to use window coverings during the sunniest parts of the day and to go for long periods of time without any rugs -- if you truly want to lessen the effects of the sun shining through the windows.
RELATED:
Best Tips For Caring For Your Hardwood Floors
Placing Area Rugs On Hardwood Floors
You should always include some sort of rug pad when you place your area rug on any flooring that is a hard surface. This protects the flooring and keeps you from slipping when walking on the rug.