By Mat

How to stop floor mats from moving

There’s nothing worse in life than a floor mat that won’t stay in place. OK, maybe there is, but shifting mats are pretty annoying. Obviously, the best way to stop your floor mats from sliding around is to buy a non slip one to begin with. If you’ve already purchased your mat, though, you still have hope.

Heaps of you have asked us what to do to keep your slippery mats in place, so here is our guide on how to stop floor mats from moving. By outlining your options we hope we can help you decide which method is right for you.

1) Add an underlay to stop your floor mat from moving around

By far the best method to stop your non-non-slip mat from moving around is to make it non-slip with an underlay. An underlay is an added layer of material that sits between your mat and the floor. Their job is either to provide cushioning or in this case prevent movement. Foam, felt and rubber are among the most common materials used to make underlays, so putting a mat under a mat is a great option for any floor.

2) Use tape to secure slippery mats

There are a few different types of tape you can add to stop floor mats from moving. Double-sided carpet tape is an easy-to-use option that comes in a range depending on your floor type. With any chemical adhesive, make sure your flooring won’t react with it before you stick it down! If you get that part wrong, the results can get pretty expensive. We do stock some heavy duty grit tape that stops mats moving in high traffic areas. If you want to check its compatibility with your mat, feel free to reach out to one of our matxperts.

3) Velcro up those slippy mats

Velcro is the surprisingly strong hook and loop mechanism that we all remember from our childhood, but sticking down floor mats is just one of its unknown areas of expertise. One half on your floor and one half on your mat will do wonders, but this method works best on hard floors. If you’re wondering how to stop rugs moving on carpet, Velcro won’t be your best shout. Don’t worry, though. There are loads of other methods that will be.

4) Pins can stop floor mats from sliding

It might not be your first option to stick pins through your mat, but pins are actually an effective and easy to use option. Pins go through the edge of the mat into a higher pile carpet and stop the floor mat from sliding around. Carpet pins have a flat head so you will barely notice them and, most importantly, no one will step on them!

5) Suction cups are a great invention

Moving mats is such an annoyance that some clever people have created a device with the sole purpose of solving the problem. With suction cups on the hard surface and an adhesive side to stick to your mat, whoever made these knew they didn’t need to reinvent the wheel. A traditional mechanism for sticking things down on an innovative new product.

6) Glue can stop mats slipping on carpet and hard floors

Glue can help you stop floor mats from moving, but we’re not talking about Pritt Stick here. A glue gun filled with hot glue is a good way to stick a mat down permanently, but make sure it’s not too hot. If the glue is too hot, it could burn the carpet. If it’s too cold, it won’t stick. Research the material of your mat and the floor and make sure the glue is the ideal temperature to work effectively without causing any damage.

7) Fit a sliding mat into a recess to make it stay

A mat recess, or mat well, is a lowered section in the floor that a mat sits inside. Mat recesses are generally in doorways inside or outside, although you could technically fit one anywhere that has a thick enough floor. The mat well is lowered by the height of the mat, so that the mat sits level with the floor. Because the mat is surrounded by walls, it will not move around at all. Being level with the floor also means that trip hazards are significantly reduced. If you are designing an entranceway or have a mat recess already, this is one of the best options for a slippy mat you already have.

8) Invest in a non slip floor mat

You knew it was coming… If you haven’t bought your slippy mat yet – don’t. It is far more effective and much better value for money to buy a mat that is non slip in the first place. Any mat in our anti-slip collection will stay in place and reduce slips, trips and falls wherever you place it. All our non slip mats have been tested in a lab to ensure they are effective enough to be certified ‘non slip’. Most of our non slip range gained the highest level of resistance during these tests, and they all reduce slips, trips and falls. One of our team will be happy to talk you through which ones are best for you.

Do you need to stop your mat from slipping?

Moving mats are a huge cause of slips, trips and falls – both at home and in the workplace. From schools and shopping centres to your own front door, a good quality non slip mat is absolutely essential. Something many of our customers are pleased to learn is that a non slip mat can be multi-functional. That means your entrance mat can be stationary and look great – whether you want to add your logo, a welcome message or just keep it simple.