Looking for an entryway rug?
It is supposed to have some qualities like the ability to hold up to a lot of foot traffic, dirt, and a fair bit of abuse. When looking for the best entryway rugs for hardwood floors, flooring protection should be of the utmost importance. That’s because hardwoods are highly sensitive to damages and scratches.
You need to choose a durable, easy-to-clean rug that will complement the décor of your entryway. If you’re not sure what kind of area rug to purchase for your entryway, I will help you make the right choice.
Type of Rugs for Hardwood Floors
First of all, you should identify the best materials when searching for entryway rugs. You also need to know which materials should be avoided in order to prevent the rug from scratching your wood floor.
Let’s check out the most common types of area rugs for wood flooring.
Wool
Wool is a popular choice for entryways and high-traffic areas because it is easy to clean and incredibly durable. This type of fiber is resistant to moisture and stains. Avoid using such a mat in a high-moisture environment though since it takes a while to get dry.
Moreover, wool can resist wear and fading by holding the colors well. This type of fabric is an effective insulator and it is proven to sustain its original color over many years of cleaning. The wool has a molecular structure that accepts dyes very well. As for the downside, wool rugs are pretty expensive and heavy.
Natural Fibers
When talking about natural fibers, we usually think of cotton, jute, and sisal in addition to wool. Other all-natural materials that are used for area rugs include bamboo and seagrass. While these are not the softest entrance rugs, they work well outside and don’t stain either.
Sisal, cotton, and jute rugs are all very durable and therefore great for entryways. Yet these fibers catch dirt and absorb lots of moisture, so you should add a pad beneath to prevent bacteria and mold from growing in your rug.
Synthetic
Synthetic fibers that are commonly used for rugs include nylon, polypropylene, and polyester. What makes them a great choice for entryways is their ability to resist stains and show a wide variety of colors. That’s why they come in a whole host of design options.
Plus, synthetic rugs are very affordable and easy to clean. These rugs do not flatten over time and they can withstand years of heavy wear when used in a high-traffic area. That makes them a good alternative to natural mats and rugs.
Main Features of Entrance Rugs for Hardwood Floors
Purchasing an entryway rug is a tricky decision since it’s necessary to choose between thousands of products on the market. You need to consider many things and features before making a decision, including durability, size, backing, colorfastness, and ease of cleaning. Keep scrolling down to find out more about the key features of entrance rugs.
Soft Backing
Make sure the rug has a soft non-slip backing that neither slip nor cause damage to hardwood floors to avoid scratches. Most rugs come with a rubber backing. Although it is meant to prevent slipping, you should consider putting a pad to protect your floor and keep your rug in place.
Waterproof
The waterproof rugs are typically made of polypropylene. They are suitable for high-traffic entry areas of homes or commercial spaces with heavy foot traffic as this fabric is impervious to water. Aside from being waterproof, the rug you buy should also be resistant to mildew, mold, and stains.
Durability
The best entrance rugs for hardwood floors are those that are extremely durable. They are built to last. This is a very important feature for entryway rugs because they need to withstand heavy foot traffic and handle a lot of wear and tear.
You want a long-lasting rug, right?
Choose a rug that features a durable weave pattern to prevent shedding while being constructed from a robust, heavy-duty material.
Ease of Clean
Your area rug needs to be easy to clean since a lot of people will pass through your entryway almost every day. For effortless and quick vacuuming, you need to pick a short pile model rather than a plush mat.
Why?
Simply because such a rug is easier to maintain and clean as well.
Colorfastness
It is advisable to buy a colorfast area rug, one that has colors that won’t fade or run over time with regular wear and washing. Go for a colorfastness fabric when selecting an entryway rug for your hardwood floors.
Size
Proper sizing is also crucial when purchasing an entrance rug for hardwood floors. Make sure it is proportional to space as well as furnishings in your entryway or foyer. This will ensure that you choose the correct sizing. I suggest choosing a size that allows a minimum of 5 inches of flooring space between the rug edges and the walls.
10 Best Entryway Mats for Hardwood Floors by Rugcritic
Durable Corporation Wipe-N-Walk Entrance Mat
Designed as a plush doormat, this product is excellent for doorways, lobbies, halls, and other indoor entrances. It can be used in either commercial or residential settings. Either way, it will prolong the life of your flooring. Non-slip backing and vinyl edges make sure that the doormat stays in place. It’s fairly easy to maintain and wash. Moreover, this mat dries surprisingly quickly. Hose and/or vacuum to clean, but remember that machine washing is not recommended.
Key Features & Specs
- Material: Olefin
- Backing: Vinyl backing and edges
- Pattern: Plush
- Machine washable: No
- Size: 4′ x 6′ (48″ x 72″ x 3/8″)
Hudson Exchange 4310 Waterhog Fashion Floor Mat
This entrance floor mat can trap dirt and water in an effective manner, preventing them from finding their way into your hardwood floor. Its waffle design ensures crush-proof scraping protection, while the reinforced surface nubs reduce wear and tear. The polypropylene edges are slightly raised to trap grime and water. As a result, your floors will be safer and cleaner. You can use this Waterhog Fashion Floor Mat outside the front doors in addition to your entryways. It would serve the purpose just fine.
Key Features & Specs
- Material: Anti-static polypropylene
- Backing: Heavy duty rubber
- Machine washable: No
- Size: 35″ x 35″ (3/8″ thick)
VersaTex Multi-Purpose Floor Mat for Indoor or Outdoor Use
Make use of this absorbent matting to protect your floors from moisture, heavy traffic, dust, and dirt. That makes it perfect for entryways as well as other high traffic areas. You will also appreciate how easily it can be maintained. This waterproof, non-porous rug is made of recycled rubber, a material that effectively repels water, moisture, and dirt. That allows it to protect hardwood floors from vibration, twisting, and wear. It is lightly textured and doesn’t tear or rip at all.
Key Features & Specs
- Material: Recycled rubber materials
- Backing: Rubber
- Machine washable: No
- Size: 24″ x 36″
Indoor Non-Slip Entryway Rug for Hardwood Floor
If you’re looking for entryway rugs safe for hardwood floors, look no further. This easy-to-clean mat is a perfect addition to any wood flooring. The mat quickly absorbs moisture. In addition, it instantly scraps off dust, dirt, mud, sleet, sand, slush, snow, and rain from shoes. Thus, it keeps floors dry, clean and protected. The low-profile non-skid backing prevents moisture and water from staying in place. Classic buffalo check pattern adds to the chic home style.
Key Features & Specs
- Materials: Polyester and polypropylene
- Backing: Rubber
- Black white pattern
- Machine washable: Yes
- Size: 24″ x 36″
DEXI Low-Profile Indoor Doormat for Hardwood Floor
Non-slip low-profile design ensures that the rug stays in place on the floor without scuffing it or getting stuck. The mat comes with a non-skid rubber backing, which makes it ideal for homes with children and/or pets. That’s why it is considered to be one of the best inside door mats for hardwood floors. Use it on a dry floor only. Cleaning is a breeze. All you need to do is hose or vacuum or clean from time to time. Please note that it’s machine washable.
Key Features & Specs
- Material: Polypropylene
- Backing: TPR rubber
- Low-profile design
- Machine washable: Yes
- Size: 32″ x 48″
Gorilla Grip Indoor Durable Rug for Entry
What makes this product one of the best entrance rugs for hardwood floors is that it is ultra-absorbent, incredibly durable, and soft. Furthermore, it features a beautiful design and texture that will add a modern touch to your entryway. This shaggy rug comes with a thermoplastic rubber backing that is extremely strong and slip-resistant. Ultra-plush shag can do a good job of pampering feet and causing the rug to look luxurious. The soft pile will keep your toes warm on the hardwood floor and soothe your tired feet. You will like it for sure!
Key Features & Specs
- Material: Chenille
- Backing: Thermoplastic rubber
- Ultra-plush shag
- Machine washable: Yes
- Size: 17″ x 24″
Apache Mills Textures Crosshatch Entrance Mat
This entryway rug comes with a durable water-absorbent surface that boasts beautiful textures. It helps in scraping the shoes clean. The mat is equipped with a recycled rubber backing to prevent slipping. Don’t worry, it will not damage your flooring either. You can use this rug for either side of your entry door. It’s great for garage entry and mudroom too. Bear in mind that machine washing is not recommended because the mat is large and heavy. Instead, I recommend spraying it down with carpet cleaner and hosing it down occasionally. That works pretty well.
Key Features & Specs
- Material: Recycled plastic bottles
- Backing: Non-slip rubber
- Water absorbing surface
- Machine washable: No
- Dimensions: 36″ x 60″ x 0.38″
Indoor Absorbent Front Door Rug
Being made of polypropylene fabric, this heavy-duty mat can effectively absorb water and moisture from shoes. That makes it suitable for entryways and high-traffic areas. Since this wonderful area rug can improve home decor, it can also be used for kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms, and back doors. It comes in stylish patterns and color options that are a good fit for modern houses. More importantly, the rug is made of durable polypropylene fabric that scraps off grit, mud, dirt, and dust.
Key Features & Specs
- Material: Polypropylene
- Backing: Thermoplastic rubber
- Design: Low profile
- Machine washable: Yes
- Size: 24″ x 36″
Utility Mats 60-043-1902-3×5 36X60 Rib Onyx Door Mat
Durable construction, which boasts reinforced backing and an absorbent surface, makes this mat perfect for entrance areas. The texture with the multi-directional surface pattern is meant to ease cleanup while making the mat hold up to snow, rain, mud, dirt, dust, and rough conditions. In fact, the mat surface is textured in such a way that it allows for easy clean-up. Vacuum off debris occasionally or simply shake and sweep it now and then. On the other hand, the rug’s rubber underlying area makes sure that it stays put without moving or slipping.
Key Features & Specs
- Material: Recycled material
- Backing: Rubber
- Machine washable: No
- Size: 3 x 5 feet
Color&Geometry Indoor Rug for Entrance
The unique combination of colors and pattern makes it one of the best modern entryway rugs for hardwood floors. This stylish door mat is fitted with double layers for enhanced absorption. It can absorb moisture from shoes in double-quick time, so your floors will always be perfectly clean and dry. The rubber non-slip backing features high friction. It prevents you from slipping and falling by keeping moisture/water from seeping. The ribbed design of the fabric makes cleaning easy. Simply shake the rug off and hose it down every once in a while to keep it clean.
Key Features & Specs
- Material: Polyethylene terephthalate
- Backing: High-quality rubber
- Machine washable: Yes
- Size: 24″ x 36″
Rug Pads and Why You Should Use Them
Rug pads are intended to protect floors and prevent slipping at the same time. They keep the rugs from sliding, shifting, and bunching. It is always a good idea to use them for rugs (regardless of their thickness) because the pads can extend their life. This is especially recommended for thin rugs with a rough backing that can scratch hardwood floors.
The pad of your choice has to be soft yet durable. Pick one that combines natural rubber with felt cushioning and strong gripping for the best results. It must be made of eco-friendly and longest-lasting fabric that will keep your rug lying in place and flat. Here are a few good rug pads you should consider using.
Gorilla Grip Area Rug Pad for Hardwood and Hard Floor
The combination of felt and rubber makes this rug pad strong, durable, and long-lasting. It is made of premium materials and built to last. The rubber backing ensures that the pad stays in place. Put it on the dry, clean hardwood floor so that your rug lies flat. Remember that it comes pre-cut and can be trimmed with ease. This particular rug pad is 1/4″ thick and measures 4×6 feet, but it can be customized to any size and shape to meet different needs. Simply trim it with a household scissor.
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Non-Slip Rug Pad Underlay for Hardwood Floors
Thick and breathable, this rug pad provides excellent cushioning comfort and a strong grip while extending the life of the rug. In addition to adding support, it allows air circulation reduces wear and tear. Don’t worry, this product will not stain your hardwood floor. It will prevent sliding and bunching while keeping your area rug in place. Plus, it can be customized easily to any size and shape. The manufacturer delivers it in a rectangular shape. There are a variety of size options; this one is 2×10 feet.
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Rug Pad for Hardwood Floors and Hard Surfaces
Use this pad for your entryway rug to keep it flat. It effectively prevents curling and wrinkling. Besides, it can prevent dust buildups and odors as well. While this 8’x10′ rug pad is suited for wood floors, it shouldn’t be used on lacquered, vinyl, acrylic, refinished, or porous surfaces. The open weave low-profile design makes this lightweight pad great for hard floors. The resilient non-adhesive backing will reduce wear and tear and keep the rug pile preserved all the time. The pad is easy to clean with vacuuming.
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Final Word
In order to make picking an entrance rug for hardwood flooring an easier process for you, we have reviewed the top-rated rugs available. They come in different designs, types, patterns, styles, and sizes. You can rest assured that each of these rugs and doormats will be able to protect your wood flooring.
All you need to do is choose one that will be ideal for your entryway space. I recommend that you also buy a high-quality pad and put it underneath your rug. That will extend your rug’s life and add extra cushion for your hardwood floor’s improved comfort and safety.
Thank you for this info on rugs for hardwood floors.
What should I use in my kitchen hardwood floor that gives me cushion in front of stove and prep counter. I have been using gel pads, not use if the backing would be good for my wood floor.
Thank you
Margaret
Hi Margaret,
I’m so happy you found this article useful!
For your kitchen consider some low-pile rug, which fits your interior and this thick rug pad.
Feel free to ask other questions.
Best regards,
Christine.
I don’t see where to purchase the entry rug the dog is sitting on.
Hi Karen,
this is not exactly entry rug, but it’s the closest to what is pictured on the image the dog is sitting on: Woven Boho Rug