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How Do I Choose the Best Rug Backing?

A. Leverkuhn
A. Leverkuhn

In order to choose the best rug backing for a rug or piece of carpet, it’s important to look at the quality of the materials, and the variety of materials used for these effective floor covering layers, as well as their overall durability and ease of use. Many different kinds of rug backings are available for any size of floor covering. These materials typically help to protect floors and rugs from the kinds of problems associated with lack of air flow or deterioration underneath the floor covering.

One consideration for choosing the best rug backings is to understand whether the materials that are used for this layer are eco-friendly and natural, as opposed to chemically volatile. Some rug backing is made of natural fibers and glues, so that it is organic and sustainably manufactured, and does not cause health issues for people or animals. Buyers should be sure that rug backing will not require any “off-gassing” on-site, where some kinds of materials emit harmful chemicals when they are installed in homes or buildings. Off-gassing can create significant health hazards and require the rug materials to be aired out in a separate space before being used in public areas or anywhere that people live or work.

Area rugs.
Area rugs.

Part of finding the best and most durable rug backing is to look for certain processes that are included in manufacturing and distributing the best kind of rugs with the best aeration qualities. One of these processes is called heat setting. Heat setting uses high-intensity heat to fix the rug backing, making the result more durable over time.

When evaluating rug backings it is also important to consider any other properties that will provide effective aeration or ventilation for rugs. Rugs without sufficient backing can allow mold to grow between the rug and the actual floor. Mold, mildew and other aspects of this kind of decay can ruin different types of floors, as well as produce harmful fumes. It’s crucial to think about what kinds of additional aeration materials may be needed if the carpet will be installed in a damp or humid environment.

Animal hide rugs generally do not last very long.
Animal hide rugs generally do not last very long.

While choosing the best materials and design for rug backing, buyers can also choose free or fixed designs. Fixed rug backings have been added to the rugs at the factory or place of manufacturing. Additional free or aftermarket rug backing products can simply be placed under the rug to provide aeration as well as traction control to prevent some kinds of accidents and injuries.

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    • Area rugs.
      By: fotoedgaras
      Area rugs.
    • Animal hide rugs generally do not last very long.
      By: Jim Parkin
      Animal hide rugs generally do not last very long.