Looking for the best rug to use in my kitchen with new hardwood floors

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

We went from tile to hardwood oak floors in our kitchen and I want to protect them but I've read that the wrong type of rug can damage the floor!

I would like a rug in front of my sink and one in front of my fridge since it has a water and ice dispenser.

Some reviews of the anti-fatigue rugs say they can ruin hardwood floors. Is it ok to use a regular rug with a carpet pad underneath?

What do you use in your kitchen? Links and pictures would be awesome!

Featured Answer

PRO

Lisa Caudill Designs

5 years ago

Wendy,

Your kitchen would look great with a runner or more of that full room look.

For the full room you may have to put 2 together to make the full length of you kitchen.

Wasn't sure the other colors and style you are looking for but some examples below. the blue full room one not shown in the room is an example of one you can do that doesn't have a border so 2 together can look seem less as one rug.

You can sew or use carpet tape to keep them together. lots of other patterns colors and styles you van do this with just as long as it looks seem less from one to the other. You will probably have to trimmed off the adjoining ends to put them together.

If rugs.com has the right sizing to the picture, a 4'11x 6 would be about perfect to double but you should measure to confirm.

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Comments (13)

darbuka
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Once you put a pad under a rug, you create a tripping hazard. My mother had a regular rug in front of her sink, and it drove me batty. It had a tendency to curl, was easily tripped on, and was difficult to keep clean.

We got a simple pad at Costco. It easily wipes clean, it’s slightly contoured at the edges...so it’s trip proof, and doesn’t stick to the floor, so it can’t damage it. I wasn’t looking for it to be a feature, and wanted something almost unnoticeable, but effective.
Wendy A thanked darbuka
Wendy A
Original Author
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
@darbuka That's what I'm looking for! Something that kind of blends in. Not looking for it to be decor and definitely don't want a tripping hazard!!
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taliaferro
5 years ago
Take a look at Scandinavian rugs by Papellina. Or Chilewich.
SJ McCarthy
5 years ago
A rug in front of the fridge won't do anything. The leaks people talk about with fridges = WATER LINES that run TO the fridge. These are the one's that 'let go'.

Second thing I would look into is a moisture detection system. It is installed prior to the flooring going down. It is well worth a few hundred dollars.
Toronto Veterinarian
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
"A rug in front of the fridge won't do anything."

It will do what a rug in front of the sink will do -- help with splashes from people getting water or ice, and help with the increase in wear.

I recommend you look for vinyl floor mats - the ones I particularly like include Beaumont designs from France, or these from Spain by Hidraulik. Beautiful, while still being sturdy and easy to clean.
PRO
Lisa Caudill Designs
5 years ago
Can you post a picture if your kitchen to help with this? I use a 5x7 regular rug in my small kitchen and several use regular runners. It will help to see your space.
cheri127
5 years ago
We have a Dash and Albert hand hooked runner along the sink run. Very flat, no tripping and looks great. The Safavieh polypropylene rugs on Overstock are very thin, lay totally flat and are impervious to stains. They're inexpensive and come in a gazillion patterns. Don't know about solids though.
SJ McCarthy
5 years ago
NO vinyl on hardwood finishes! Ever! They have a chemical reaction and cause damage to the hardwoods AND the vinyl mat. Whatever you purchase it MUST STATE: "Safe for Use with Hardwood Floors - Guaranteed!"

If the rug (or pad) do NOT have these words attached to them (usually on a tag on the item...clearly visible because it is a selling feature) then you must assume there are issues.
cheri127
5 years ago
Our Dash and Albert was on hardwood for 10 years with no ill effects. Don't know what the backing is. The polypropylene rugs haven't been a problem so far but's its only been a few years.
Wendy A
Original Author
5 years ago
@Lisa Caudill Designs
Here is my kitchen currently.
Wendy A
Original Author
5 years ago
@Lisa Caudill Designs
crcollins1_gw
5 years ago
I've used anti-fatigue mats on hardwood floors in at least 3 kitchens and never had a problem with them damaging the finish. Caveat emptor.

Not to hijack the thread since this may help you, too ... I'm curious about Ruggable rugs - machine washable and they have some really nice designs. Anyone have any first hand experience with them? Specifically wondering if they hold up well to repeated washings.