I just refinished our hard wood floor and want to put down an area rug. Will the new woven backings hurt the finish?
To be honest, yes they will. My in laws have beautiful walnut hardwood floors throughout their 3600 sq. ft. home and they placed their first area rug, and when they went to clean under it only a week later, there were faint markings that they were unable to buff out. Their solution? Non slip foam on a roll that can be found either where rugs are in the store, or in the dishes/dish drainers and silverware organizers aisle. They got thick enough foam, and put it in all four corners, and three in the middle, and have been so successful that they've gotten more rugs. They have a small dog, who causes enough damage just running around on it, so this solution seems to have helped. I hope you are as lucky as they were! ; )
If the rug stays put it will not hurt the floor. However, unless the finish you applied has UV protection, the uncovered part of your floor may fade faster.
you need to pad it for comfort and durabilty. if you do not the rug can sweat or stratch the new hardwood finish. also clean regularly to keep filth from building up around the edges.
I have rugs throught my home and they have never damaged my wood finish.
