Showing posts with label flooring. Show all posts
Showing posts with label flooring. Show all posts

Sunday, July 9, 2023

Do I Need an Underpad for My Area Rug? Things To Consider

5 Things to Consider to Decide If You Need An Underpad for Your Area Rug

Adding an area rug to your home is a wonderful way to enhance the aesthetic appeal of any room. Not only does it provide a cozy and stylish touch, but it also adds a layer of comfort underfoot. 

However, consider using an underpad to maximize the benefits of your area rug. An underpad, also known as a rug pad or rug underlay, is a thin cushioning layer placed underneath the area rug. Its advantages include increased comfort, improved safety, and enhanced rug durability. If you're wondering how to properly choose an underpad for your area rug, here are some key points to consider.

Product Page Featuring Various Area Rug Underpads Here

1. What Size of Underpad Should You Choose for Your Area Rug?

When selecting an underpad, it's crucial to consider its size in relation to your area rug. The underpad should be slightly smaller than your rug, allowing the edges of the rug to lay flat on the floor while the underpad remains hidden beneath

The underpad should be cut approximately 1-2 inches shorter on all sides than your rug. This ensures the underpad doesn't protrude or become visible, creating a neat and polished appearance.

Also, by allowing the edges to lay flat on the floor, you'll avoid added elevation of the rug edges, which can be a tripping hazard. With the underpadding a couple of inches away from the edge and the edges lying flat, you'll have a safer setup.

2. Which is the Better Material and Thickness to Go With?

Underpads are available in various materials, such as rubber, felt, and synthetic blends. Each material offers distinct benefits, so choosing the one that suits your needs is essential. 

Rubber underpads provide excellent grip, preventing your rug from slipping and sliding on the floor. On the other hand, felt underpads offer additional cushioning and can help protect delicate floors from scratches. Synthetic blends often combine the advantages of both rubber and felt.

Thickness is another crucial aspect to consider. Underpads come in different thickness levels, typically ranging from 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch. Thicker underpads offer more cushioning, making your area rug feel softer and more comfortable underfoot. They also provide extra insulation and noise reduction. Thinner underpads, while less cushioned, are suitable for rugs in high-traffic areas where a lower profile is desired.

3. Consider the Benefit of Added Protection for Your Floors

Besides offering comfort and stability, underpads also play a vital role in protecting your floors. Hardwood, laminate, or tile floors can be susceptible to scratches and damage caused by the constant movement of an area rug. A quality underpad acts as a barrier, preventing your rug from rubbing against the floor and minimizing the risk of unsightly marks or scuffs. Moreover, underpads can help extend the lifespan of your flooring, making them a wise investment in the long run.

4. Safety Considerations with a Slip-Resistant Underlay

Safety is a crucial consideration when choosing an underpad. A high-quality underpad should have a slip-resistant surface on one side, which helps keep your area rug securely in place and minimizes the risk of slips or falls. This is especially important if you have children, elderly individuals, or pets in your home. Additionally, underpads with good grip properties ensure your rug stays in position even in high-traffic areas, preventing potential accidents.

5. Consider an Area Rug Underpad to Help with Floor Noise Reduction

An underpad can also contribute to noise reduction in your home. If you have hardwood or tile floors, footsteps, and furniture movement can often create echoes and amplify sound.

The cushioning properties of an underpad help absorb impact and reduce noise transmission, making your space more peaceful and quiet. 

Whether hosting a gathering or enjoying a relaxing evening at home, an underpad can create a more serene environment by minimizing the sound produced when walking or shifting furniture on your area rug. Say goodbye to unwanted noise and hello to a calmer atmosphere with the help of a quality underpad.

In conclusion, while an area rug can undoubtedly enhance the beauty of your space, using an underpad is highly recommended to fully enjoy its benefits. When selecting an underpad, remember to choose a size slightly smaller than your rug to maintain a clean and polished look. Consider the material and thickness that best suits your needs, whether it's the grip of rubber, the cushioning of felt, or the versatility of synthetic blends. Don't forget about floor protection and safety—opt for an underpad that provides a slip-resistant surface and helps safeguard your floors. By choosing the right underpad for your area rug, you'll ensure maximum comfort, increased durability, and a safer living environment for you and your loved ones.

Product Page Featuring Various Area Rug Underpads Here

 




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Sunday, April 16, 2017

Area Rugs that Can Bring an Inspirational Message into a Room

Find Rugs with Words via Funkthishouse.com
Inspiration in the Most Unconventional Places

The area rugs of today aren't the area rugs you used to see at your grandma's house. Nope. Today the choices are wide ranging and absolutely unexpected.

When we think of motivational and educational messages, we normally add them to a space by using prints or wall decals. However, today you can find area rugs featuring inspiring words ranging from spiritual to comical.

An Original Gift Idea

Choose an inspirational rug with words for a gift. There's a solid chance the recipient won't already have one. In fact, they've probably never seen one.

Inspiration doesn't have to always be serious and tutorial in nature. It can also be light and fun and still deliver a profound message.

Best of all, you're giving a practical gift that will actually be used to enhance the décor in a room.

A Motivational Area Rug featuring Virtues to Live By

Find inspirational words featured on rugs that speak to the positive traits we should work towards.

Feature a motivational rug in an office, den, teenagers room or even a foyer. Greet those who enter with words that reflect what you believe in and who you are.

Best of all, you can teach without speaking. Those who enter your space won't be left guessing about what you believe in or what you're motivated by.

Whether we speak words of goodness or just display them, they make an impact.

So the next time you're looking for an original gift, think about giving an inspirational carpet .... they don't fly, but they can help spread words of love, which can help the spirit fly, so in that sense, they're magic.

Put love on the floor to complete your décor.


Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Sunday, January 17, 2016

Safety Floors that Are Practical and Decorative

Safety Flooring Products

I Was Introduced to this Idea by an Accident while watching a TV Show! 

Safety Flooring with Style

The TV Show featured a family preparing to cover their gorgeous hardwood floors with safer hardwood look-a-like interlocking foam tiles.

When they opened the box and started pulling out the pieces, I was impressed by how closely the color matched their home's hardwood floors.

You Can View Flooring Styles Here

After seeing it completely placed over the top of their natural hardwood, I was convinced I missed out when my kids were young! What a fantastic safety solution for kids without compromising design style!

These safety floors did not detract from their stunning decor. The playroom looked like any other main rooms in the home, except it was filled with toys.

Choose Interlocking Foam Floor Tiles that Match Your Existing Flooring

You can find light, dark, grey, black, and more hardwood-look-a-like foam flooring colors. When you've spent a great deal of time and money decorating a room, foam tiles help to maintain the look and structure of your space while simultaneously serving as a safety feature.

Given the growing number of people caught in the 'sandwich generation' (those caring for both kids and seniors simultaneously), safety flooring can go a long way as an investment. Best of all, when you're finished needing it, simply remove it.

We're no longer limited to choosing those multi-colored ABC interlocking foam floors for protection and safety; now, we have this incredibly practical look-a-like hardwood foam as an option.

You can read more about Interlocking Foam Floors here at Funkthishouse.com.

by Barbara Tremblay Cipak
Owner, Funkthishouse.com



Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Sunday, February 15, 2015

How to Successfully Clean Grout

How to Clean Grout - A Review of the Products & Methods We Used

The best way we found to clean the grout was to paint and seal it. Forget trying to scrub the dirt out of the grout lines 'til your arms fall off. We used this Colorfast Grout Colorant. Below you can see the before and after picture of our kitchen floor.
We've tried a few different ways to clean the grout on our ceramic floors - We've used a steamer (maybe you've seen that method advertised on the shopping channel), and we've even gotten down on our hands and knees and tried to bleach out those ugly dark lines with a toothbrush.
Guess what? The steamer and hard-labor scrubbing methods worked as well, but they were far from what this product did for our floors. Look at the before and after pictures to see the final result.
Our kitchen tile floor was white, but the grout that was initially used by the builder of our house (19 years ago) was a light greyish color. I've always disliked that look - you know, where you see a square.
Before and After Kitchen Grout Cleaning

After researching numerous product options for cleaning our grout, my husband decided to try tile grout paint/sealer. It was a wise choice.
He selected the white grout colorant and carefully followed the instructions that came with the product. 
He put the colorant directly on the light grey grout but prepped the tile grout first according to the instructions
He put two coats and applied them until the tile grout color was nice, white, and clean-looking. Note: you may not need two coats; we just decided to do it.
Also, we had a couple of chips in the white tile squares, and we HATED that look! So, instead of replacing tiles, he simply dabbed the chipped areas with this grout paint.
It also seals the grout simultaneously so that dirt and grime have a harder time penetrating the surface, thus dirtying it up again. 
We've had it on our floors for four months, and it still looks great.
I'm not naive enough to think that this grout paint and sealer will last forever, and I'm sure at some point my husband will have to do a reapplication...but...so far, so good - and YES, my house has a lot of traffic - 6 people! (four boys!)
So, if you decide to go this route to clean your tile floor grout, select the color you want and follow the directions on the package.
Using a grout colorant close to the actual tile's overall color aids in the tile appearing more like one continuous piece.
In a smaller space, having tiles appear as individual squares can make the room seem even smaller. So the more you can get the floor to look like it flows as one piece, the better the size impression.

by Barbara Tremblay Cipak
Funkthishouse.com



Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


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