This information is excerpted from a technical data sheet from Basic Floor Coatings.

When considering a rug for a wood floor, there are several important things to remember:

1. Rugs will move or slide around on a wood floor and cause scratching due to different types and coarseness of rug backings. It is recommended that a pad be placed under the rug to protect the wood floor.

2. Rugs should not be placed on newly sanded and finished floors or floors that have been recoated until they are completely cured. This can take anywhere from 7 to 30 days depending on whether or not you use Basic water based or oil based finish, and the condition of the job site. Also, rugs should not be placed on pre-finished floors until the adhesive is cured (cure time varies depending on the manufacturer). Placing rugs or a cover of any kind over the floor before it has cured can cause discolorations, softness, and /or luster change of the finish.

3. Some rug pads are made of PVC (vinyl) that contains plasticizers. Even after the cure cycle, plasticizers can migrate out of the pad and discolor the finish or wood (including pre-finished). A rubber honeycomb-type pad, which has holes in it, is most recommended because it allows the finish and floor to breathe. Do not use a stiff pad with hard cleats or grippers on the bottom as these can cause indentions in the wood.

4. Wood will change color over time due to sunlight, and the portion under the rug may change color as well. It is best to move the rug periodically to keep a more even color throughout the wood floor.

For more information please look at GEORGIA FLOORS Tech Tips: Surface Finishes and Color Change in Wood Flooring as well as our Care and Maintenance Booklet for all floor types.