If you want to know how to keep chair mat from moving on carpet, then this article about chair mat slippage and solutions will be helpful for you. We will talk about the different ways to keep your chair mat from moving and explain why they move.
We also included how to choose an appropriate chair mat for your situation. Enjoy reading!
Ways to Prevent Your Mat From Moving
Method #1. Pick a mat with a gripper or claw backing
This solution keeps your mat rooted rather than preventing movement or carpet-mat creep. Rugs with grippers or claws backing go into your carpet pile, which results in a stable mat.
The downside of this option is that not all grippers or claws are of good quality. Also, it may end up tearing your carpet.
Method #2. Put a non-skid underlay
If the grippers do not work, maybe underlays will. Non-skid underlays are a layer between the carpet and the mat. This would keep the rug from slipping when there is pressure on the carpet.
While this option is cheap, it is sticky on one side and may ruin your carpet’s integrity if you are not careful. A helpful tip is to ensure that the underlay is cut in a way that does not overtake the mat. This tip can also help you to not trip over it.
Method #3. Ensure your mat is of good quality
It may not be easy to ensure your mat is of good quality because that is subjective, and there are a variety of things you need to consider. However, a good indicator of quality would be a carpet with thick and durable material because it can prevent slippage.
Method #4. Pick a mat with rubber backing
A carpet with a rubber backing may not solve all of your problems, especially if you move around your mat carpet. However, it can keep the mat from moving better than a carpet without rubber backing.
Method #5. Weigh your mat down
This one is likely the first thing you did when you noticed that your mat is slipping along with your carpet. Weighing your mat down is the simplest and least expensive option on the list here. However, this is not a complete solution, and you have to consider what items you can use as weight without obscuring your carpet.
Method #6. Pick an appropriate tape
Tapes are often overlooked as solutions for chair mat slippage. However, they do help as long as you get the right ones. Double-sided carpet tapes are helpful, and most homeowners attest to their effectiveness.
Either way, you still need to thoroughly do your research and choose tapes that will keep your carpets and floors adhesive-free.
Method #7. Pick the right mat for your situation
Ultimately, this should be your first choice. You have to consider several factors when choosing a mat, especially if you get easily annoyed with slippage.
If you often have people over, your carpet would undergo heavy foot traffic. In this case, get a mat that is durable and thick.
Why is there mat movement on carpets anyway?
Chair mats move in the direction of the carpet pile. Naturally, the carpet pile beneath the mats is the reason why mats move on carpets.
When someone walks over the mat and the carpet, their weight is transferred up to the carpet pile. The carpet pile then moves and the rug along with it. Basically, with every movement you do on the mat and carpet, they will move along with you.
Mat and carpet movement is standard with plush mats, and they quickly transfer your movement to the carpet pile hence why most homeowners prefer thick mats over plush rugs.
How to choose the appropriate chair mat?
We talked about how it is essential to choose the appropriate chair mat, so here are the factors you need to consider in selecting a suitable chair mat:
Choose the correct pile height
There are different kinds of piles, so you have to know what to choose between commercial, low, medium, and high. For your reference, commercial carpets measure ¼” in height.
Low piles range from ¼” to ⅜,” medium pile can go from ⅜” to ¾” thick. Lastly, the high pile is ¾” thick.
Choose a suitable surface
Some mats are catered explicitly to hard floors, and they are not interchangeable with those for carpeting. Also, rugs for hard floors are prone to slipping because they do not have backers.
Determine the weight and usage
As mentioned above, you have to take into account the amount of traffic and movement in your space so you can choose which mat would be suitable for your circumstance.
Consider your workspace
In line with considering usage, you also have to consider your workspace. This is because there are standard sizes for chair mats, and knowing your workspace would make it easier for you to choose one.
Conclusion
You have learned about how to keep chair mat from moving on carpet, along with the solutions and the things to consider in this article. Hence, we hope you will find the perfect solution for your mat slippage, and we hope we were able to help!