ONe problem with area rugs is that you have to send them out to be properly cleaned as you can 't steam clean them or you risk ruining the hardwood underneath them with the water so if you are considering hardwood because of the gross out factor of carpet then stay away from putting area rugs down unless they are small ones you can machine wash but those cotton types pose a slipping danger to the children. Also when washing the foam floor mats be sure to take them up to do it or do it by hand with a rag as you also run the risk of getting water down through the seams onto the hardwood. Had a friend totally ruin her expensive hardwood floors doing both of these things - luckily it was in the same room and they only had to replace flooring in one room.