good rug pad, non-damaging?

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

I was about to buy this gorilla grip rug pad on amazon, but stopped when I saw several reviews of the damage it may cause. (normally I don't put too much faith in reviews, but the actual pictures worried me.) so I need to know: does anybody have recommendations for a really good rug grip pad that will not damage floors? I seriously don't want to make this mistake:

Featured Answer

SJ McCarthy

5 years ago

Gorilla Grip....the warning is in the NAME. Gorilla glue = liquid contact cement (or something similar). The manufacturer does NOT LIST the material. But they do say they are 'safe for hardwoods'. I'm calling bull$hit on that! I can see this has either rubber, latex OR plasticizers that can and will damage wood floors.

I prefer www.rugpadusa.com

They have FELT rug pads that are SPECIFICALLY built for harm reduction to flooring products. For that reason, it will cost 3-4 TIMES the amount of this nasty looking thing.

Your second link is better....but I am still suspect. Silicon is normally acceptable for wood...but it can cause wood to sweat...and then things get GOOEY. Instead of ripping off the finish (like in the photo...that's laminate or vinyl btw) it will cause the hardwood finish to soften into a gel/liquid and that is NASTY!

Stick with the better stuff, or leave the rugs 'naked' underneath. A large area rug isn't going to move. They are too heavy.

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Comments (8)

User
Original Author
5 years ago
anyone? this style is looking pretty good. felt with little gripper dots.
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Angela Zuill
5 years ago
Agree with SJ McCarthy- we made the mistake of using a rug pad like the one you saw the reviews on ONE time and had similar marks left on our hardwood. Now I will only use felt rug pads (most to cushion less thick rugs) and have been very happy!
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Patricia Colwell Consulting
5 years ago
Felt .
elcieg
5 years ago
Felt
User
Original Author
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
it's annoying how many bad choices are out there. years ago I used a rubber grid style rug pad that looks like the brand I posted above, and had zero issues. (but of course I can't remember the brand.)

I'll check out rugpadsusa. I thought felt pads would be non-grip, but if these have rubber backing, that might be just the thing I need! thanks!

an aside: does anybody know of rug TAPE that won't damage hardwood floors? I'm ok if it took some time to clean the adhesive off but otherwise it wouldn't actually damage the finish? (this would be for really small rugs, not the area rug in my OP.)
HU-161159613
5 years ago
I'm using a carpet pad under my large rug on a hardwood floor. I don't see any damage so far. Has anyone else used this and had any problems?
SJ McCarthy
5 years ago
Tape = no. No tape on hardwood. Ever. Double sided carpet tape = NASTY. Don't use it on anything but nasty OSB or Fibre board (the stuff that is HORRIBLE as subfloor material AND you know you will get rid of it later).

No tape....ever. No painter's tape. No 'frog' tape. No 'sensitive surface' tape. Nothing...nothing.

Are your area rugs SO SMALL that they won't stay put?