6 Ways to Stop Mats from Moving on the Floor

6 Ways to Stop Your Mats from Moving and Improve Safety

What do you do when the mat you put down just refuses to stay put? As more people pass over the mat, it gradually creeps away from where you placed it, so you continually need to reposition it. Not only is this battle with your mats a frustrating waste of time, but it is also a serious health and safety issue. A moving mat can easily lead to slips and falls, putting employees, customers, and guests at risk.

Fear not! At Mats4U, we are often approached by people asking how they can overcome this issue. To help, we have put together six ways to stop your mats from moving and ensure they stay in place.

The Problem with Moving Mats

If your mat is slipping, creeping, or moving on your floors, you may find you have one or more of the following issues:

• Increased risk of slips, trips, and falls – ‘having the rug pulled from beneath you’ is more than just a saying!

• Dirty or damaged floors that the mat was originally meant to protect.

• Wasted time spent repeatedly repositioning the mat.

• An untidy and unprofessional-looking area with mats out of position.

By addressing these problems with an effective solution, you can ensure a safer, cleaner, and more presentable space.

6 Ways to Stop Your Mats from Moving

1. Use Double-Sided Tape Under the Mat

One of the simplest and most cost-effective solutions to prevent mat movement is using double-sided tape. This method is quick and easy but should be considered a short-term fix.

Pros:

• Inexpensive and widely available.

• Easy to apply and remove.

Cons:

• Needs to be replaced frequently, especially after cleaning.

• May leave residue on the floor.

If you opt for this method, choose a wide tape to maximise contact with both the mat and the floor for better grip.

2. Choose a Mat with a Non-Slip Rubber Backing

Investing in a mat with a high-quality rubber backing can significantly reduce movement. Rubber has a natural grip that helps it stay in place, particularly on hard surfaces.

What to Look For:

• A heavy-duty rubber backing for extra stability.

• A cleated gripper backing for carpets, which hooks into the carpet fibres.

• A flat rubber backing for hard floors, ensuring maximum surface contact.

By choosing the right type of mat backing for your flooring, you can eliminate unnecessary movement and improve safety.

3. Use a Non-Skid Mat Underlay

Non-skid mat underlays are a fantastic solution, providing an extra layer of grip between the mat and the floor. These underlays are designed for either hard floors or carpets, though some options work on both.

Benefits:

• Cost-effective and long-lasting.

• Easy to cut to size and install.

• Provides extra cushioning and comfort underfoot.

When using a non-skid underlay, ensure that it is at least 5cm (2 inches) smaller than your mat to prevent edges from lifting and creating a tripping hazard.

4. Use an Adhesive for a More Permanent Fix

If double-sided tape isn't strong enough, you might consider using an adhesive to secure the mat in place. This option is best for areas where mats don’t need to be frequently moved.

Things to Consider:

• Ensure the adhesive is compatible with both your mat material and flooring.

• Avoid adhesives that may damage the mat backing or floor finish.

• Choose a removable adhesive if you may need to relocate the mat in the future.

This method provides a firm hold but requires careful selection of adhesive to prevent damage.

5. Build a Mat Well or Recess in the Floor

For a permanent and highly effective solution, consider installing a mat well (a recessed area in the floor designed to hold a mat). This option is often used in commercial buildings and high-traffic areas.

Advantages:

• The mat stays completely flush with the surrounding floor.

• Prevents tripping hazards and ensures a seamless appearance.

• Ideal for entrance areas where stability is essential.

While this is the most expensive solution, it provides the most professional and long-term fix for mat movement issues.

6. Place a Fixed Frame Around the Mat

If building a recessed mat well isn’t an option, an alternative is installing a frame around the mat. A fixed frame keeps the mat in place and prevents it from shifting.

How It Works:

• The frame is placed on the floor surface around the mat.

• It can be glued or screwed into place for added security.

• The edges of the frame prevent the mat from moving.

This method is especially useful in areas where mats frequently shift due to high foot traffic.

 

Final Thoughts: Find the Best Solution for Your Needs

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to keeping mats in place. The best solution depends on your budget, the type of flooring you have, and whether you need a permanent or temporary fix.

To recap, here are the six ways to stop your mats from moving:

1. Use double-sided tape – a quick, temporary fix.

2. Choose a mat with a non-slip rubber backing – a longer-term solution for added stability.

3. Use a non-skid mat underlay – an affordable and effective way to prevent movement.

4. Apply an adhesive – a more permanent fix for areas where mats don’t need to be moved.

5. Build a mat well or recess in the floor – a highly effective but costlier option.

6. Install a fixed frame around the mat – a secure way to keep mats in place without major construction.

Whichever method you choose, addressing mat movement can prevent unnecessary accidents, reduce maintenance time, and keep your space looking tidy and professional.

Need More Help?

We hope this guide has provided valuable insights into solving mat movement issues. However, if you still need help choosing the right mats or solutions for your specific situation, our friendly team is here to assist you.

You can reach us at 0121 313 6748 during normal UK office hours, or email us at sales@mats4u.co.uk. We are always happy to provide tailored advice to ensure your mats stay in place and your floors remain safe.

For a wide range of high-quality, non-slip mats, visit www.mats4u.co.uk today!