Vinyl plank floors don’t come cheap and you want to protect your investment by all means. If you are looking to decorate your floors with rugs and are wondering whether it is safe, this article will address all your concerns.

So, can you put rugs on vinyl plank flooring? Well you definitely can put rugs on vinyl plank flooring but you must be careful what kind of backing the rug has and the rug material itself.

Natural material rugs such as cotton or wool are safe for vinyl plank floors. On the other hand, a rubber backed rug is not safe because it will trigger a chemical reaction with vinyl plank flooring. 

This is because vinyl is a man made material made from petroleum based products mixed with additives such as plasticizers. And when it is exposed to heat, moisture or sunlight a chemical reaction occurs between rubber and vinyl floors.

It releases gasses that discolor and stain vinyl floors. Which means you must be very careful when shopping for rugs for your new vinyl floors if you want them looking as new and last you 15 or more years to come.

In this article we will discuss what kind of rugs you can use on your vinyl plank flooring, what you should noy use on vinyl plank flooring and how to choose a rug for your vinyl plank flooring.

What Kind Of Throw Rugs Can You Use on Vinyl Plank Flooring

Generally natural fiber rugs such as cotton, sea grass, sisal, jute and wool are safe to use on vinyl. However, you must put a rug pad underneath to add cushioning and avoid scratches due to friction from foot traffic.

Let us take a deep dive into rugs you can use on your vinyl floors that will not ruin it over time.

Cotton Backed Rugs

Most area rugs in the market today have rubber backing to make them non-slip and waterproof. However because vinyl flooring is waterproof , you will not need to get rubber backed rugs as such for your floors. 

Which is why for area rugs for your living, bedroom and dining room you should consider getting cotton backed rugs.

This is because cotton backed rugs are soft and will not scratch your floors over time due to traffic on the rug and will not leave behind scratches on your floors. In addition, cotton will not trigger any chemical reaction from friction with your vinyl floors, so they will be safe from stains and discoloration.

Although cotton backed rugs can be slippery on floors. You can easily secure your area rugs by placing a non-slip rug pad underneath to prevent slipping accidents and cushion your rug from wear and tear.

Unique Loom is one of the brands that make high quality and durable cotton backed rugs in the market. You can check out this Unique Del Mar Contemporary area rug for your living space

Hand Woven Rugs 

If you want to avoid any kind of synthetic fiber such as polypropylene because most rugs in the markets are made of it, settling for handwoven natural fiber rugs is what you need. Handwoven wool, jute, seagrass or cotton rugs are a good alternative.

The best part is that hand woven rugs do not have any backing which could discolor your floors- especially if the material is free of any dyes and additives

Wool is a durable material and can withstand high traffic areas over time only that they can be quite pricey.

Cotton on the other hand is soft and easy to clean-you can throw the rug in the washer and dryer in a mild cycle.

Jute rugs are also relatively cheap compared to wool and cotton is also a cheap and durable material. Although they are slippery and scratchy on slick surfaces. A rug pad suitable for vinyl floors is the solution for that.

Colorfast Rugs

Colorfast rugs are also safe for vinyl floors. These are rugs that the chemicals or dyes used to make them will not react with the surface they are placed on when exposed to heat, sunlight or water. 

These are not easy to come by. However, if you can get them, you can be sure of no discoloration or staining on your floors.

Pros of Rugs on Vinyl Plank Flooring

Adds Protection

Rugs on vinyl plank flooring will add much needed protection from foot traffic, sharp objects dropping on your floors. This is because all these will leave marks, indents and scuffing on your vinyl flooring overtime.

A rug will easily provide that layer of protection on top of your vinyl plank flooring.

Decorative

A rug on your vinyl plank floors will add that decor to your room. A plain floor looks empty and unsightly but adding a rug improves the look of your room instantly.

Reduce Noise

Rugs have some thickness to them and are made of fibers that will help reduce echo noise which is prevalent in rooms that are empty and hollow.

It absorbs some of the noise in a room making your room quiet.

Adds Cushioning 

Some vinyl plank flooring does not come with a foam backing but adding a rug on it will add some cushioning to make it more comfortable to step on.

Consider going for thick and plush rugs and even adding a rug pad underneath.

Cons of Rugs on Vinyl Plank Flooring

Risk of Damage

If one is not careful and ends up putting a rug that is not safe for vinyl flooring. Over time their floors turn yellow and this will degrade the value of your floors.

It’s advisable to put a rug pad underneath a rug on vinyl plank flooring.

Risk to Falls

Vinyl plank flooring is extremely slippery and a rug without a non slip backing will increase the risk of slipping which is dangerous.

Added Maintenance

A rug on your vinyl floors will need maintenance and cleaning to keep them clean. On top of the needs of keeping your floors free from dirt and debris.

If vacuuming every other week is not a bother for you then this is no issue.

Retain odor, bacteria and allergens

Rugs will attract odors around the home, they also soak in any spills which can lead to growth of bacteria, mold and mildew. 

They also attract allergens such as dust and pollen which are irritating and reduce the quality of air in your room.

What Should You Not Use on Vinyl Plank Flooring

Rug backing that you should completely avoid if you do not want to end up getting yellow ugly stains on your vinyl plank flooring include:

Rubber & Jute rug backing

This is because rubber backing will discolor and stain your vinyl flooring over time from exposure to friction or sunlight. Rubber backing also leaves behind sticky icky residue that is very hard to get rid of.

As a material jute is good for vinyl because it is natural but as a backing jute is not soft but tends to be scratchy. Even though manufacturers say vinyl flooring is scratch resistant- it will get scratched overtime if you use jute backed rugs because of friction.

Steam & Corrosive Cleaners

For your vinyl floors do not use steam cleaners as the heat can cause permanent damage on your vinyl floors.

In addition, avoid cleaners that have chemicals that will scratch your vinyl floors.

Bleach

Do not use bleach to remove stains on your vinyl floors. Instead go for natural stain removers and bleach will discolor your floors.

Ammonia based cleaners

Any cleaner that is ammonia based should be avoided as they cause cracks on vinyl floors. They also release toxic gas when they react with chemicals in vinyl plank floors.

See also Rug pads safe for vinyl plank floors

How To Choose A Rug For Your Vinyl Plank Flooring

Material

As we have discussed, go for natural fiber rugs such as wool and cotton. However, you can also put polypropylene rugs but make sure the backing is not made of rubber.

Consider a Rug Pad

If you find a rug that you love to decorate with your vinyl flooring. It is a good idea to place a rug pad underneath it for several reasons. 

• You will be protecting your floors from contact with the rug backing 
• It will cushion the rug backing from wear and tear due to traffic on the rug overtime.
• It is will also add much needed thickness to thin area rugs such as cotton
• It will also prevent slipping accidents and avoid dreadful trips to the emergency room.
• It keeps rugs exactly where you place them.

Most importantly you must be careful when selecting a rug pad for vinyl floors because the market is flooded with rug pads that will leave behind ugly mesh patterns on vinyl, stains and icky musky residue.

Safe rug pads for vinyl include memory foam, felt rug pads and anchor grip rug pads made from silicone with felt and PVC (polyvinyl chloride)

Color

Vinyl Plank Flooring is available in different colors and you must consider a rug that will compliment the color of your  vinyl floors.

For light colored vinyl floors go for dark colored rugs whereas for dark colored rugs go for rugs that are light colored.

See also bathroom rugs safe for vinyl plank flooring

FAQ on Can You Put Rugs on Vinyl Plank Flooring

Are Latex backed Rugs Safe for Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

Latex backed rugs are not safe for luxury vinyl plank flooring because they discolor and stain your vinyl floors overtime due to friction and exposure to sunlight.

Can You use Rubber Backed Rugs on Vinyl Plank Flooring

You cannot use rubber backed rugs on vinyl plank flooring as the chemicals in vinyl planks will react with rubber leading to stains and discoloration on your floors.

How Do You Keep a Rug From Slipping on Vinyl Floors

To keep rugs from slipping on vinyl floors you can use a rug suitable for vinyl floors with non slip features. It will anchor the rug firmly on your floors.

See also how to protect vinyl flooring from office chairs

Concluding Remarks

For a homeowner looking to decorate their beautiful vinyl flooring further with rugs. You must be careful when shopping for a rug in the market flooded with rugs of all kinds.

Rug backing to avoid including any rubber or latex backing because such will only ruin your expensive flooring over time. This is because chemicals used to make vinyl will react with the rubber when exposed to sunlight and from friction due to traffic releasing gasses that lead to discoloration on the floors.

Rugs that are safe for vinyl flooring include rugs with backing made from natural fiber such as cotton backed area rugs, jute backing( although for these you will need a rug pad because it can be scratchy) and handwoven rugs without any kind of backing.

See also Door Mats safe for Vinyl Floors