- Rubber or latex-backed mats can leave yellow stains on vinyl. Many vinyl warranties warn about this.
- Use felt or felt-and-natural-rubber rug pads labelled safe for your floor type.
- Felt pads on every chair and table leg. Replace them when they get gritty.
- Heavy furniture: wide coasters spread the weight and stop dents.
What goes under rugs
| Floor | Safe choice | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl plank | Felt pads, or pads labelled vinyl-safe | Rubber/latex-backed mats and cheap PVC pads |
| Hardwood | Felt or felt + natural rubber | Pads that trap moisture or have a sticky backing |
| Laminate | Felt or breathable pads | Heavy rubber backing |
| Tile | Anything non-slip | Nothing in particular |
Furniture
- Chairs: felt pads you can replace. The slide-on caps are fine too.
- Sofas and beds: wide furniture coasters, especially on vinyl and softwoods.
- Fridges and pianos: lay plywood or hardboard sheets and slide on those when moving them.
- Office chairs: a whole topic of their own. See office chairs and floors.
Entry mats
The single best thing for any floor is a good mat at each exterior door, inside and out. Grit is sandpaper. Just make sure the inside mat's backing is safe for your floor.
Common questions
Can rubber-backed rugs damage vinyl flooring?
Yes. Rubber and latex backings can react with vinyl and cause yellow or brown stains that don't clean off. Use felt or rug pads labelled safe for vinyl.
What is the best rug pad for hardwood floors?
A felt pad, or felt combined with natural rubber, labelled safe for hardwood. Avoid sticky or plastic backings that can trap moisture or mark the finish.
Who's writing this: Rose and Thorn Flooring is a flooring company in Surrey, BC. We install floors for a living, so yes, we'd love to do yours. But nobody pays us to say nice things about a product, and we don't earn commission from any brand. If something here is wrong or out of date, text us at 604-716-4160 and we'll fix it.