Every carton of luxury click vinyl flooring states that the owner is to avoid using rubber backed rugs as they may stain or discolor the vinyl planks.  You may have questions concerning why and how these everyday use items can destroy your new flooring.  Rubber backed rugs and mats can stain or discolor your designer vinyl flooring for two reasons.

The first reason is that there is a chemical used when developing the rubber for bathmats, rubber backed runners, and area rugs.  This chemical is used to prevent the rubber from deteriorating over time.  Unfortunately, the chemical used to protect the rubber from deterioration has antioxidant properties that create an adverse chemical reaction with the finish of the luxury vinyl flooring.  This reaction leads to permanent stains and markings on your floors.

The second reason rubber backed mats can stain or discolor your floor is due to poor circulation.  Keep in mind that fading of the planks may occur over time due to normal daily traffic and sunlight exposure.  However, when a mat is stuck directly to the vinyl plank flooring, no air circulates between the two and it alters the coloration of the vinyl.  If left for too long, the rubber can adhere to the flooring and create a seal that has to be scraped off creating further damage.

This doesn’t mean you can’t use area rugs or mats on your flooring at all.  There are corrugated and honeycombed carpet pads that allow air to circulate between the floor and rug.  Just be very careful reading descriptions on the rug or mat you plan to purchase to make sure that it won’t damage your vinyl. 

The luxury in your home is in the details!  Are you ready to upgrade your kitchen flooring?  Have questions about your options?  Contact us today at 1-800-678-2321.