[GeoGeo]

We had tile installed on our lanai and I want to keep it looking somewhat clean when the dogs come in from outside. I want to put a nice looking rug in front of the sliding door that leads into the house, but also a rug in front of the doggie door that leads from the lanai to the courtyard. I bought a couple of rugs, but then I found out you should not use rubber-backed rugs on vinyl or tile. Anyone have suggestions as to what to use? Preferably something I can wash incase one of the dogs has an accident. Suggestions?

[gadaboutgal]

but I guess it would depend on whether they're referring to vinyl tile or ceramic tile.
We've had porcelain tile floors for the last 8 years, and I have any and all kinds of rugs including the rubber backed kind on many areas of my floors. I actually use the rubber kitchen mat in front of my sink. So far, no affect to the floors. I'd just give the kitchen area in Home Depot or Lowes to check.

[starflyte1]

I buy outdoor rugs from Rugsusa.com. Good sales, free shipping and no tax.

[Uptown Girl]

I have friends that have applied silicone caulk on the reverse side of their runner rugs along the edges.... (they let it dry for about 12 hours before using) They do wash them, don't know if they put their rugs in the dryer, though.

If in doubt as to any chemical reaction from the caulking having prolonged contact with the material of the floor , I'd try good old fashioned double sided carpet tape on a rug without a non skid backing. Might be a pain at times, but safer as to chemical reaction.

Keep in mind that direct sunlight can be a contributing factor in any color change of the floor, if part of the floor is exposed to the sun and part is continually covered, no matter what the rug backing is.

[GeoGeo]

Thanks for the great replies. I did some further researching and the website where I read that the rubber-back rugs would harm the tile apparently was wrong. I have since found out that porcelain tile will not discolor....vinyl flooring might because of a chemical reaction. The worst thing could be that the rubber backing might stick to the tile and have to be scraped up.

Wouldn't you know I would go to the only website that said you couldn't use the rubber-backed rugs on tile. LOL

[pooh]

What about those Water Hog mats from LL Bean...... Rugs and Doormats: Home | Free Shipping at L.L.Bean

[FoPAA]

We love our "Soggy Doggy":
Dog Paw Cleaning Mat and Towel - Soggy Doggy Doormat

[Barefoot]

BBB had a very absorbent microfiche rug, excellent for dogs.

That is Bed, Bath @ Beyond, not The Better Business Bureau.