Vinyl flooring, especially luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or luxury vinyl floor (LVF), is a great alternative to tile and hardwood floors due to its versatility and flexibility.
But it’s prone to damages, though.
Use the best rugs for vinyl flooring to avoid potential damages like scratches, abrasions, and stains.
The right rugs and pads can help protect your vinyl flooring by keeping heavy objects and furniture from sliding or slipping and causing permanent damages.
Is My Vinyl Plank Flooring So Sensitive?
No, your vinyl plank flooring is not too sensitive. In fact, you can put rugs on vinyl plank flooring without any problems. Just make sure that you choose the right rug pad for your vinyl floors.
Avoid These Types of Rugs
Are area rugs safe for vinyl plank flooring?
Well, not all.
You need to avoid rugs that come with latex and rubber backing if possible, especially ones with an old plastic mesh. Nonetheless, you can still use rubber and latex rugs if you place a tick, soft pad underneath.
What to Look for in Rugs for LVP Floors?
The area rugs come in a variety of materials and sizes and a wide range of features. Choose one labeled as colorfast and made of a safe material such as wool, natural fibers, or cotton. You will be able to use it without fear of damages to your vinyl flooring. Look for non-slip rugs for vinyl floors and avoid synthetic materials like latex and tough rubber.
Here are a few more tips for you.
Soft Backing
Choosing a rug with wool or cotton non-slip backing is a safe bet. Natural rubber is also a good choice for vinyl flooring in terms of performance and safety. Although such a backing features strong gripping power, it doesn’t stick to the vinyl floors. Even so, I suggest placing a rug pad under it just in case.
Waterproof
People living in busy homes with pets and/or kids have a hard time keeping their vinyl floors clean. Lucky for them, there are a lot of waterproof area rugs on the market. Those rugs prevent water and moisture from making stains on flooring. The spills will stay on the surface of your rug, ready to be vacuumed or blotted up.
Colorfastness
Colorfast rugs are perfect for vinyl floors because they won’t bleed or fade over time. They’re also easy to clean and maintain, making them a great option for busy households. When shopping for colorfast rugs, be sure to look for ones that are made from high-quality materials like wool or nylon. These materials will stand up well to heavy foot traffic and resist staining better than cheaper options.
What Rug Pads Work Best on Vinyl Floors?
There are many different types of rug pads that you can use on vinyl floors. However, the best type of rug pad to use on vinyl floors is a felt rug pad. Felt rug pads are thick and cushiony, which makes them perfect for protecting your vinyl floors from scratches and dents.
RUGPADUSA Protective Cushioning Rug Pad Safe for Vinyl Floors
Here’s another pad you should consider putting under your area rug to add extra cushioning and enhance its grip. Being a 3/8″ thick rug pad made of recycled felt, it will neither be noticeable nor stain your vinyl flooring. This protective gripper doesn’t only provide an extra-plush feel to feet, but it also offers floor protection and superior comfort. You can rest assured that it will protect your vinyl flooring from damage without staining floor finishes.
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I FRMMY Non-Slip Rug Pad for Hard Surfaces
In addition to adding a luxury appearance to your home decor, this non-slip mat will protect your vinyl floor from the furniture. You can use it on just about any hard surface, including hardwood and tile flooring. Measuring 3 by 5 feet, this 0.06-inch thick pad can fit into most rooms. It is equipped with anti-slip double-sided grips that will lock your rug in place and prevent it from sliding.
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Non-Slip, Non-Staining Rug Pad for Vinyl Floors
This non-slip pad will provide extra comfort while keeping your rug in place at the same time. It is recommended for people with children and pets. The pad will prevent sliding and bunching while they are playing on the floor. Note that this a pretty large mat. The actual size is 90 x 116 inches (8 x 10 feet); however, the pad can be cut to fit a particular rug.
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Are Polypropylene Rugs Safe for Vinyl Floors?
Yes, polypropylene rugs are safe for vinyl floors. Polypropylene is a synthetic material that is resistant to wear and tear, making it ideal for high traffic areas. It is also stain resistant and easy to clean, making it a great choice for busy families.
Final Word
You are advised to search for low-profile, non-staining rugs for vinyl floors. It is critical to pick an area rug made of a material that is safe for vinyl floors. Make sure it is waterproof and colorfastness. It must come with soft backing alike. Consider using a rug pad too. Look for one that offers an anchor grip to keep your rug firmly in place and prevent slipping without damaging vinyl flooring beneath. It’s worth the additional cost.
Cany you use vinyl backed mats on vinyl plank floorsing
Dear Diane,
Thank you for your question. Yes, you can use it, but I suggest you to look at rugs with natural backings (cotton, woven, jute backings).
You can also use any rug that is labeled as “Safe for Hardwood Floors” for your vinyl plank flooring.
Hello Christine, I am applying vinyl flooring at a gym in the basement. What kind of mat would you recommend to place underneath the treadmill in order to absorb impact and provide a good grip?
Thank you!
Maria
Hello Maria,
that’s a good question.
Take a look at Wizgree mats. According to reviews they’re quite good for treadmills.
Best regards,
Christine.
Thanks Christine for the suggestion!
Hi Christine, we just installed our new LVP flooring and just found out can’t use rubber backed rugs. Allof our rugs are rubber backed. I see some felt pads that may work but was wondering if heavy paper would work.
Hi Rosemary,
Congratulations on a new floor 🙂
As for your question, I think you should look for a good non-rubber rug pad. Take a look at RUGPADUSA brand. For what I know they’re a great choice for your LVP floor.
Cheers!
Can I use chenille Hot Melt Adhesive as backing on my vinyl plank floor
Hi Diane, I’m not sure about it.
Find a spot on your vinyl plank floor where no one will see it and try this adhesive there.
If everything will be good you can use it safely on other areas.
I have anti fatique mats. Can I use those?
hi, can you use a polypropylene rug over a cotton pad on vinyl flooring. I know you cannot use polypropylene without pad b/c it can scratch vinyl but is it safe to use it with a good pad or any other rug with a good safe pad?
Can I steam clean a rug that is covering a vinyl floor