I had my floor(red oak strips with oil poly) refinished a few weeks ago. It looks very nice.
But I want to add small rugs at entrance and right outside bathroom etc. The rugs are small
such as 30" X 20". I've seen rugs that have threat on the bottom and others with plastic/rubber. Which are best and safest for the hardwood floor.

Someone told me that the hardwood floor needs to breathe and I need to put something below the rug? _is this valid or just bad info?


Any advice is greatly appreciated.

The rug does need to breath. Stay away from rubber or latex backed rugs. They perspire and create moisture. For all other rugs, pick up some of the grid ,or mesh padding, it breaths, and cut to size with sizzors. This also keeps the rugs from sliding or creeping around. Also on jute back rugs, this pad will protect the hardwood from scuffing of the jute backing. But rubber or latex solid backing is a big no no.

Whenever you are going to be away for any period of time, remove the rugs completely to allow the finish to mature along with the rest of the floor. Not important, unless you decide to eliminate the rug completely at some time.
But yes, always use jute backed carpet and a breathable underpad for protection of the floor and to prevent sliding of the rug.

Hi,

I am new here and I think there should be no problem with your wooden flooring, my question is I am confuse to replace my rugs and carpet with tiles? what you think?