How to Keep Chair Mat from Sliding on Hardwood Floors

Chair mats are good to enhance the overall aesthetics of your room, meanwhile protecting both the floor and the chair’s leg.

But takes no time to turn into the most annoying objects by bunching up together, and slipping around. It makes you lose focus on the task by diverting your mind to keep the mat in its place. Worse than that poses a threat of accidents and injuries if not taken care of timely.

In all these unwanted scenarios, the good news is that fixing it does not cost you a fortune. You can get rid of it by applying some quick DIY techniques or by adding a few inexpensive products to it.

Not sure, what we are referring to?

Stay with us till the end to get an idea, as this detailed guide on; “How to Keep Chair Mat from Sliding on Hardwood floors” will help you explore all possible ways to fix your sliding mat instantly.

Here we go;

How to Keep Chair Mat from Sliding on Hardwood floor

To keep your chair mat from sliding on the hardwood floor, you need nothing exceptional. Just applying double-sided tape, grippers, and backers or only replacing it with the right chair mat can prevent your mat from sliding.

Here’s a detailed explanation of all these methods, so you can get a better insight into all;

1. Use Double-Sided Tape

One of the easiest and quick ways to fix your mat from sliding is to use double-sided tape that will stick it to the floor.

When buying one make sure to get the tape that is compatible with the hardwood floors, and meant to be used with mats. There are carpet tapes that do not work well with office chair mats, so better to stick with the chair mat tapes or grab the multipurpose one.

Here’s how to use it effectively;

• Before thinking of applying the tape, the first step is to clean the floor and the mats back from all possible dust and debris to make the process effective. Otherwise, the dust can become an obstacle and will avoid you from getting the best out of it.
• After cleaning the floor and mat, put the mat upside down, and start applying the tapes at the back of all corners.
• Once done covering the back properly with the tape, peel off the other side of the tape, and slowly place the mat on the ground, by turning the back of the mat towards the floor.
• After placing it at the desired location, tap the mat to make it stick to the floor properly.
• Now just validate whether it is attached to the floor properly or not by walking on it. If still, it slides there would be an issue with the installation. Repeat the process until you stick it to the floor rightly.

This is all that you need to do, for sticking the mat to the floor. How simple the process is, isn’t it?

Why you should be applying this method?

• It is fairly easy to put on and peel off. Everyone can easily use the method to keep the chair from sliding.
• Holds great adhesive strength that can easily keep the mat stick for a longer period of time. You can expect it to remain in its best condition for at least 6 months.
• Using this double-sided tape is safe for both your floor and the mat.
• Moisture can’t affect it by any means.
• An inexpensive way to fix the sliding carpet.

2. Rug Grippers

They are normally used for the rugs to prevent them from sliding, but can also become useful with the chair mats. Consider finding the best one, and do not rely on the low-quality one just save a few bucks, as it can ruin your hardwood floors.

There are 2 types of grippers you could find in the market;

• Adhesive Grippers

The adhesive rug grippers have tiny suction cups at the bottom, where the air pressure inside makes the adhesive effect to keep the mat stick to your floor. They help you to avoid the chair mat sliding, even when slipping on it. But they are not recommended to use on the carpet floors.

The best thing about these grippers is that they do not raise the level of the mat, and are compatible with the hardwood floors. Does not leave marks or scratches on your expensive hardwood floor.

Similar to the double-sided tape these grippers are also easy to put on and peel off, whenever needed. However, unlike double-sided tape, they can be washed as well along with the mat and do not lose their adhesive effect at all.

• Sticky Grippers

Sticky grippers are not different from double-sided tapes in terms of their purpose and functionality. They are adhesive from both sides, one has to be attached to the mat’s back and the other has to be attached to the floor.

You can follow the same instructions, mentioned in the double-sided tape section to apply it effectively. They are also hardwood floor friendly and do not harm or leave the mark on the floor.

But bear in mind, it is only recommended for the short term of use. If you want something long-lasting, and more practical you can consider other mentioned ways.

3. Use Anti-Slip Rug Pad

Using an Anti-slip pad is more practical and a long-term solution to your problem. However, it can be a bit more costly but worth the money you would spend on it.

We love it for a reason that it does not only prevent the mat from sliding but also adds cushioning to it. Once applied, you will feel it to be more comfortable than before.

It comes in the shape of the sheet that is needed to place flat underneath the mat. When placing it, make sure it is of the exact size of your mat and does not have any wrinkles or bumps.

Try your best to place it flat. And if the pad is a bit larger than the mat, then trim it down using scissors.

There are 2 types of pads you could find in the market;

• Solid pad
• Mesh pad

And also comes in different material types including, PVC, rubber and many more. Grab the one that is made up of higher quality, and designed to last for years.

4. Apply Silicone Caulking

Well, if the Rug pads are not suitable for your budget, you can consider applying silicone caulking. It is one of the most inexpensive methods to avoid your mat from bunching or curling up together.

They are as effective as other rug pads and can be applied easily. You just need to put the mat upside-down and apply the silicone caulking to the back of the mat. And then putting it back to the floor, at the desired place.

Important to know, that it also comes with a drawback that the caulking can ruin your hardwood floor, leave a mark and are not easy to peel off as the double-sided tapes are. If you can bear with it, go and get it right away.

Otherwise, spend a few more bucks and grab an anti-slip rug pad to keep the mat from sliding with more sense of security and peace.

5. Rubber Shelf Liner

Find the best rubber shelf liner and place it underneath the chair mat. Though, they are not manufactured to serve this purpose but can be helpful in avoiding your mat from slipping away.

Don’t expect them to stick the mat to your floor all the time, they only work to avoid the mat’s unnecessary sliding on the hardwood floor.

Before placing it, you are supposed to trim it down using scissors to the size of your mat. Once done, you can place it underneath and place the chair above the mat.

We are recommending it to those, who just want to stop unnecessary sliding and have a very low budget that they can’t even opt for the double-sided tape or the anti-slip pad.

6. Apply Hot Glue

Here’s another most effective and budget-friendly way to get rid of mat sliding. Grab the hot glue and apply it to the back of the chair’s mat. You can either apply it only to the corners or to the full-back side of the mat, the choice is yours, as it works both ways.

After applying the glue, place the mat back on the floor at the desired place. Once dried the glue will firmly stick the mat to the floor. You won’t be able to easily detach it from the floor.

The gripping of this method is exceptional but comes at the cost of limitation. The glue won’t let you peel off easily, and if forced, it could damage the mat and the floor.

Use this method only if you have to place the mat in the same position for years to come.

7. Use Anti-Slip Chair Mat

If you do not want to put any effort into making your current chair mat sticky or if nothing works with it, then there is a need to replace your chair mat. Consider replacing it with the one that comes with its own gripping capabilities.

This way, you would not have to invest your money or time in applying glue, tape or placing an anti-slip pad. The chair mat will hold itself, without getting curled or sliding away.

They are also good in terms of smoothly letting the chair roll around and not becoming a hindrance by any means.

We would recommend using a carpet underneath the chair mat for more effective results.

Final Thoughts

Now you are equipped with enough information to stop your chair mat from sliding and know all the possible ways to achieve the desired results.

But the key is to not know all of them, instead choosing the one that goes well with your scenario and promised to be a long-term solution.

Here’s what we would choose if we had to;

• For an effective, safe and budget-friendly solution, we would choose to apply double-sided tape
• For the long-term and practical solution, we would choose to use an Anti-slip pad underneath the chair mat.
• If we don’t want to get into the hassle of applying any of the methods, we would get the anti-slip chair mat.