Do You Put A Pad Under Hardwood Floors

Not just any pad will do though.

Do you put a pad under hardwood floors. Hardwood floors do not require underlayment padding but they may squeak and creak if you place the surface boards directly against the underlayment. And the area rug provides cushioning for the carpet so that it too will last longer. Any time you sit down on a sofa or chair that s right atop hardwood floors the piece will shift ever so slightly and the legs will mark the floor. If you plan to nail or staple your hardwood floor in place virtually any underlayment can be used.

Why you need padding underneath an area rug. Carpet padding does not provide enough support for hardwood floors and is often too thick for nail installation. We put proper padding under floating floors not under nailed or stapled down floors which is how solid hardwood gets installed. An area rug is a great way to add a little warmth under foot atop a cool hardwood floor.

Padding and layers under hardwood flooring. Felt rubber hybrid pad this is the premium rug pad offering the best of both worlds. Note that the underlayment you purchase should be specifically marked for use with hardwood floors not for carpets. You are getting the benefit of the cushioned protection of the felt with the gripping attributes of the rubber.

Hardwood flooring can increase your home s value. An area rug on its own slips easily when stepped upon especially on smooth floors such as hardwood or laminates. Placing a pad under a rug not only prevents the rug from slipping on your hardwood floor it also makes the rug more comfortable for walking. If sound mitigation is a concern.

Soft padded foam of the type that is regularly installed under laminate flooring is one layer installed between the subflooring and solid hardwood flooring. If you don t have an area rug pad you are likely to damage your hardwood floors underneath by scratches discoloration and or wearing the finish down. Unlike padding under a carpet this type of underlayment padding is too thin for you to feel when you walk across a laminate floor. A pad underneath an area rug is well worth the investment for both safety purposes and to help that rug stay exactly where you want it.

Scott you re dead right. Your first task is preparing the surface that the hardwood will lie on which means deciding whether you need to use felt paper under the hardwood. If you want scratches and marks on your beautiful hardwood floors don t use furniture pads. Engineered wood flooring however offers far more options for the addition of the padding style underlayment.

In conclusion pvc pads are not recommended for use over hardwood floors.