The Discoloration of a Wood Floor by a Rug

Benefits of Area Rugs

• When area rugs are properly cared for, they provide artistic beauty to any room. Hand-knotted wool and silk rugs, made in much the same way ancient Persian rugs were, are some of the highest achievements in textile art. However, cheaper cotton or synthetic rugs offer beauty, as well as insulation for the floor and protection for carpeting and hard surface floors, like hardwood. They are easy to move and most are easy to clean.

Discoloration Due to Light

• While it might be difficult to imagine your wood floors getting a sunburn, light streaming in from the windows can damage them. Wood floors are constructed of natural materials that fade with ultraviolet exposure. When area rugs are placed over hardwood -- particularly in spaces that receive lots of natural light -- but not frequently rotated, the wood underneath can become discolored in comparison to the surrounding wood. To prevent this, use window treatments and rotate rugs regularly.

Discoloration From Dyes

• Area rugs are dyed to achieve their color patterns. This is usually done by applying natural or synthetic dyes to the yarn before the rug is weaved. However, some of this dye can leech through to the floor underneath, especially with poorer quality items. These dyes can be difficult to detect; rug owners do not usually check underneath their rugs every day, and it may take time for the colors to transfer to the floor. Using a rug pad can help prevent this damage to wood floors.

Discoloration From Wear and Tear

• Over time, wood floors lose their finish layers and begin to show wear from all the traffic. Uneven wear patterns are created in these floors when area rugs are not frequently rotated because the wood underneath the rugs ages slower than wood not protected by the rugs. The result is a checkerboard of discoloration. To prevent this, use the same method used to prevent sun damage: rotate, rotate, rotate.