If you just installed vinyl plank flooring in your home, congratulations on your new floors.However, what you should know is that vinyl plank floors have a strict no rubber backed rugs rule for their floors.

Which means you cannot use rubber backed rugs on vinyl plank flooring because the rubber will react with the chemicals used to make vinyl planks due to friction from slipping and exposure to the sun causing stains on them and leaving behind icky mucky residue.

Do not worry though, because you can still use the rubber backed rugs but you must put a rug pad which is safe to use on vinyl plank flooring to protect your floors from getting ruined.

Another great option is for you to use rugs with backing which is safe to use on vinyl plank floors. Such as cotton backed rugs, rugs without backing and rugs with hot adhesive technology for your bathrooms.

What Kind of Rugs Can You Use on Vinyl Plank Flooring

Rugs without rubber or latex backing

When shopping for any rug for your home, be it a bathroom rug or an area rug you must ensure the rugs have no trace of rubber backing in it.

Most rugs have rubber backing to make them non-slip and also waterproof. However because vinyl is waterproof you do not need rubber backed rugs.

Some rugs in the market also contain jute backing which is not safe to use on your vinyl floors because they will scratch them over time. In such a case, you can get a non slip rug pad safe for vinyl plank flooring to cushion your floors

Cotton backed rugs

Look out for unbleached cotton backed rugs because cotton will not react with the polyurethane finish on vinyl floors.

In addition, cotton is a soft backing and hence it won’t scratch your floors.

To make cotton backed rugs non slip, you can get a non slip rug pad made of felt or PVC material.

Colorfast rugs

Some rugs in the market are labeled colorfast, which is a term used to refer to a rug which will hold on to the dye used to give it color when exposed to heat, light and moisture.

This means that the rugs will in no way transfer the dye on your floors. Saving them from discoloration and stains.

Handwoven rugs without backing

Some handwoven rugs are made without backing and these are perfect for vinyl flooring. These include hand woven wool and cotton rugs.

Consider using washable and reversible cotton rugs. They are super absorbent and very easy to maintain. Alternatively, you can get bathroom rugs with non slip backing safe for vinyl floors such as PVC backing or hot adhesive technology backing.

Rug pads suitable for vinyl plank flooring

For situations where you found a nice rug which you must have for your home and it has a rubber or latex backing .You must get a rug pad safe for your vinyl plank flooring. The rug pad should not contain rubber or latex.

Safe materials for vinyl flooring include memory foam rug pads to add cushioning to area rugs and soundproof your floors. Felt rug pads which are made from natural fibers being compressed together such as wool.

Double sided silicone and felt combination of felt and silicone rug pads will not stain or react with chemicals in vinyl floors.

What Kind of Rugs Should You Not use on Vinyl Plank Floors

You should avoid using rugs that are rubber backed as those are not suitable for vinyl plank flooring. If you must then put a rug pad safe for vinyl floors underneath to protect your floors.
Avoid rugs that have rough backings such as jute as they will scratch your floors overtime due to friction from foot traffic.
Rugs that are susceptible to run should not be used as the dyes and additives used can discolor your floors when exposed to heat or sunlight

Pros of Rubber Backed Rugs on Vinyl Plank Flooring

Non Slip

The only con of having rubber backed rugs on vinyl plank flooring is that they will anti-slip on your slippery floors.

However, this con does not outweigh the disadvantages of having rubber backed rugs on your floors.

If you cannot avoid a rubber backed rug then we highly recommend you getting a rug pad that is safe for vinyl floors to put under your floors.

Cons of Rubber Backed Rugs on Vinyl Plank Flooring

Stains and discoloration

The compounds in rubber whether natural or synthetic will stain vinyl floors. Vinyl is a synthetic material made from petroleum products and other additives such as plasticizers.

The additives are not bound to the planks, due to friction from traffic on the rug and exposure to UV rays from the sun.

A chemical reaction is triggered between chemicals used to make vinyl such as polyurethane and the rubber back of your rug.

Which in turn releases a gaseous compound that will discolor your floors rendering them ruined.

Sticky residue

Another byproduct of the chemical reaction described above is the settling of a sticky icky residue which is very hard to clean out.

You can even scratch your floors in hopes of getting rid of it.

What To Consider When Choosing Rugs for Vinyl Plank Flooring

First consider the material of the rug. Go for rugs that are made from natural fibers such as wool and cotton. They should have a soft and non rubber backing too.

Consider the color of the rug to avoid mismatching with your vinyl floors. Light vinyl floors go well with dark rugs and get light colored rugs for dark colored vinyl plank floors.

FAQ on Can You Use Rubber Backed Rugs on Vinyl Plank Flooring

Are Ruggables Safe for Vinyl Plank Flooring

According to the manufacturer, ruggables come in a two piece system made of the rug which is washable and a rug pad cover which attaches to it.

The rug pad is however made of recycled polyester and thermoplastic rubber which is latex free but non the less has rubber.

Which means ruggables are definitely not safe to use on vinyl plank flooring because of their rug pads which must work with their rug cover.

Instead you can opt for cotton backed rugs, rugs without rubber or latex backing and hand woven rugs from natural materials such as wool.

Are Rubber Rug Pads safe for Vinyl Plank Flooring

Rubber rug pads are not safe for vinyl plank flooring as they will discolor and stain your floors over time due to friction from everyday use and exposure to rays of sunlight.

Instead you should use rug pads that do not contain rubber such as felt rug pads and eco plush rug pads.

Do Rubber Mats Damage Vinyl floors

Rubber mats will definitely damage vinyl floors over time as they will cause yellow stains which are an eyesore for your floors.

Consider mats that are non rubber for vinyl plank floors

Can You Put Rugs on Vinyl Plank Floors

Yes, you definitely can place rugs on vinyl plank floors, the only rule you need to keep is no rubber or latex backing on vinyl plank floors.

This is because rubber reacts with vinyl leading to discoloration and sticky residue which renders your vinyl floors ruined.

Considering how expensive vinyl floors are to install, the cost does not compare to the price of a rug. Instead, get rugs which are safe for your vinyl floors such as cotton backed area rugs, reversible and washable rugs for your bathroom, door mats without rubber backing or

Rugs labeled as colorfast rugs are also safe because they do not transfer the dyes used on them when exposed to heat, moisture or light.

Alternatively, get a rug pad which is safe for vinyl floors such as an anchor grip rug pad or a non slip rug pad made from polyvinyl chloride.

Will Rubber Backed Rugs Discolor Vinyl Plank Flooring

Yes rubber backed rugs discolor vinyl plank flooring and should be avoided for vinyl floors at all cost.

This happens due to friction and exposure to sunlight the chemicals in rubber react with chemicals in vinyl floors which leads to a reaction that releases gasses that leave stains behind.

Conclusion

Most vinyl plank flooring installers inform the home users of the strict no rubber or latex backing rugs and rug pads rule on vinyl plank flooring after the installation is done.

It is not safe to use rubber backed rugs on vinyl plank flooring because they will stain and discolor your floors plus leave behind icky mucky residues that are very hard to remove. As a homeowner you want to decorate your space further with rugs, and it is frustrating trying to get a rug without rubber or latex in the market today.

Consider getting cotton backed rugs for your living, dining and bedroom. For your front door get door mats without rubber backing and for the bathroom get rugs which have non slip PVC backing safe for vinyl.

Can You Use Rubber Backed Rugs on Vinyl Plank Flooring?[ Answers]