How To Keep Chair Mat From Moving On Carpet? Detailed Guide

Putting a chair pad on your carpet to protect it isn’t the end of the story for many folks. Preventing a slip and fall by putting down a chair mat that doesn’t move across your floor is essential. Using these four methods, you can keep your chair mat in place!

Having a sliding mat in your home is a serious safety risk.

The chair mat should be secured in place by placing a non-slip mat underneath it.

Double-sided tape or Velcro can be used to secure the chair pad to carpeted surfaces.

A rubber bottomed furniture slider or an adhesive like as Sugru can be used to keep furniture from sliding across carpeted floors, such as ottomans and coffee tables.

Why is there mat movement on carpets anyway?

As the carpet pile grows, chair mats shift in tandem with it, as well. Mats move on carpets because of the carpet pile beneath them.

The weight of a person’s feet is transferred to the carpet pile when they walk over a mat and carpet. The rug then travels with the carpet pile. Basically, the mat and carpet will move with you as you move on them.

Thick mats are preferred by most homes over plush rugs because of the easy transfer of movement to the carpet pile that plush mats provide.

How do I keep my chair mat from sliding on carpet?

Sometimes, the tiniest inconveniences can be the most aggravating.

If you have a chair mat and carpeted floors, this is very important. As a result, the rug underfoot can make it impossible for your chair to remain stationary, which is a clear safety danger should someone get caught up in its movement. Here are a few tips for preventing your mat from slipping:

Rubber Backing:

The chair mat’s rubber backing is what keeps it from slipping around on your carpet. You’ll need a rubber-bottomed ottoman or coffee table for this. Sugru can be used to increase the amount of grip.

Gripper or Claw Backing:

Attaching a gripper or claw backing to the underside of your chair mat is necessary in this case, as well. Using Velcro strips, rubber furniture pads, or other adhesive materials, this can be accomplished in an instant. The goal is to prevent your carpet from rolling about while it is being used as a chair substitute by you and others.

Non-Skid Underlays:

To prevent your chair pad from slipping on carpet, try this trick. To prevent slipping, use a non-skid underlay beneath your mat in this situation. When used as an ottoman or coffee table replacement, this will assist keep it in place and avoid any needless sloshing.

Glides:

Gliders are the ideal way to keep your chair mat in place on carpet since they are inserted between the rug and the floor beneath it, creating friction that prevents it from slipping when people try to get up on it!

Make Sure Your Mat Is of Good Quality:

Low-quality mats may not be able to keep your floor as clean as a high-quality mat would, so it’s best to avoid them. As a result, only use high-quality formats! You may check out our article on heavy-duty chair mats here.

Weigh it Down:

This is the most straightforward choice on the list. Place a few books or anything else that is about the same in weight as an average person on top of your chair mat the first time you see it sliding. Using this method, your rug will remain in place for days!

Get a Rug Pad:

Using a carpet pad to lessen the risk of people slipping on the surface is a fantastic method to address this issue. You should look for a surface with some traction so that there is no risk of slipping!

Put Down Some Non-Slip Sheets:

While this may appear to be a strange choice, they perform well. They are typically made of vinyl and can be bought in most supermarkets and department stores.

Double-sided tape:

tape will protect your mat from moving around if you stick it through the tape

Put Some Books On It:

Simply tying the rug down is the most effective method for keeping it in place! Use this technique in any place or office where you want to improve your level of comfort. As previously said, the books’ weight acts as an anchor to keep the carpet firmly in place. Furthermore, because they are immobile, there is no risk of their tripping and stepping on someone as they pass through.

Find A Rug With Non-Slip Backing:

Finding a non-slip rug backing eliminates all slipping risks when people are walking across it. This is an excellent alternative. They also have a somewhat longer lifespan than other varieties, but not by much.

Velcro straps:

While Velcro is another option for attaching the rug to the carpet, it may be more difficult to apply than double-sided tape.

Kitchen Towels:

By placing bath towels or dishcloths below, you’ll prevent the rug from moving around when someone steps on top of it. They’re also a cinch for guests entering the room from the outside. You won’t have to worry about racking up exorbitant repair bills if something goes wrong with them while they’re in use.

How to choose the appropriate chair mat?

We discussed how important it is to pick the right chair mat, so here are some things to keep in mind when doing so:

Choose the correct pile height

You need to know the difference between commercial, low, medium, and high piles. Commercial carpets are 14″ thick, just as a point of reference.

The thickness of a medium pile can range from 38″ to 34″ for low heaps and 14″ to 38″ for medium piles. Finally, the high pile measures 34 inch thick.

Choose a suitable surface

These hard-floor-specific mats are not interchangeable with those for carpeted floors. Furthermore, the lack of backing makes hard floor rugs more slippery.

Determine the weight and usage

As previously said, the amount of traffic and activity in your space must be taken into account when determining which mat is best for your needs.

Consider your workspace

You must also take into account the layout of your workstation when determining how much room you need. If you know the dimensions of your work area, it will be easy for you to select a chair mat.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Chair Mat for Carpet

Antistatic and antibacterial qualities, as well as pile compatibility, are important considerations when designing chair mats for carpets. Choosing the best chair mat for carpet in your home or workplace should take these considerations into account.

Material

It is possible to find chair mats in a range of materials including tempered glass and plastic. Polycarbonate plastic is the ideal material for a chair mat on a carpeted area. Using this thermoplastic, you may create a wide range of products that are both durable and translucent. It doesn’t break or bunch up under the chair’s wheels or legs.

It is difficult to roll on a rubber mat because it compresses under the weight of your feet and wheels. Flexible polycarbonate plastic makes it easier to move or slide a chair over on carpet, making it ideal for chair mats.

Dimensions and Shape

A wide range of chair mats for carpet can be found. Larger desks and tables necessitate larger mats in order to fully protect the carpet beneath them, With a regular desk and chair, you’ll need a mat that is 36 inches by 48 inches. Downsized versions are appropriate for workstations that are smaller, while a larger table may need something a little wider.

Carpet chair mats that have an extra lip under the desk are among the best. The front-most wheel of an office chair will be shielded from the carpet beneath a desk by this lip.

Carpet

The fluffiness of carpets and area rugs can be found in a variety of pile heights. It’s important to note that while high-pile carpets are thick and fluffy, they can also be rather durable. The pile height of carpet mats is crucial because they feature tiny studs on the bottom that grip the carpet.

Low-pile carpet mats feature shorter studs to keep them in place, whereas high-pile carpet mats have longer studs. If you have a high-pile carpet, a shorter stud would be acceptable, but if you have a low-pile carpet, a longer stud will not allow the mat to rest properly.

Thickness

The thickness of your chair mat will have a significant impact on how well it retains its shape and withstands regular use. With four desk chair legs or five wheels, the finest mats have a thickness of between 3 and 5 millimeters, which gives enough strength and rigidity to withstand the strain.

However, carpeted surfaces may not be suitable for thinner mats. In order to roll on these mats, one must be careful not to sink or bunch under a wheel. They’ll keep the carpet safe, but they may be difficult to use.

Bottom Surface

This means the mats for hard surfaces like hardwood floors or tile or vinyl flooring are entirely level on the ground. Carpet mats, on the other hand, do not suffer from this problem.

The finest chair mat for carpet has studs underneath, as was mentioned earlier. The mat is held in place by these studs, which act as cleats. Studs keep the mat in place when you adjust your chair. If you want to obtain the best results from your chair mat on a rough surface, you need these.

Additional Features

Depending on your preferences, you may choose one product over another because of a few additional characteristics. Antistatic chair mats, for example, can assist prevent laptops and keyboards from being shocked by rolling energy.

For those who have difficulty removing their chair from under a desk, chair mats with non-slip materials on the top can be a significant help.

A chair mat that is antimicrobial will help prevent the growth of mold and mildew on the carpet beneath it. Humidity control is an important consideration if your office or house has an issue with it.

The Best Chair Mats for Carpets in 2022

To help you narrow down your selections, we’ve included a few of the best chair mats for carpet that can fit a variety of budgets and pile heights.

Gorilla Grip Polycarbonate Studded Chair Mat

Using 3 millimeter-thick material, the Gorilla Grip chair mat is extremely durable. It will not bend or curl under the weight of wheels or chair legs. It’s equipped with sturdy studs on the bottom, so it won’t slide about on most surfaces.

Product Details

• Polycarbonate plastic is the material of choice.
• The following dimensions are available: 29 by 47 inches; 36 by 48 inches.
• 3 mm in thickness
• Ideal for: piles with a low to medium density

Pros

• Thick and strong mats are resistant to curling and buckling.
• It adheres firmly to most surfaces and won’t slip.
• Extendable lip as an option

Cons

• Slightly smaller dimensions
• Heavy piles should not be used.

OFM ESS Collection Chair Mat with Lip

The expanded lip of this mat allows it to slide below a desk, providing the maximum amount of protection. Durable studs hold the mat firmly in place on workplace carpets, preventing it from moving around when used under a chair. Additionally, this mat has a nonslip surface on top, enhancing both ergonomics and safety.

Product Details

• Material: PVC
• Two sizes are available: 36″ x 48″ and 46″ x 60″
• 2.2 mm is the thickness.
• Best suited for: low pile carpets (minimum thickness: 14-inch).

Pros

• An inexpensive alternative is available.
• A large mat can cover a lot of ground.
• a non-slip top

Cons

• Low or high piles aren’t the best candidates for this rug.

Marvelux 48″ x 60″ Heavy Duty Polycarbonate Chair Mat

It is available in a variety of sizes, including 30 inches by 48 inches, 36 inches by 48 inches, 47 inches by 53 inches, 48 inches by 51 inches, and 48 inches by 60 inches. With so many options, it’s possible to find a chair or office layout that works for you. On carpets up to 12-inch thick, this chair mat’s stud pattern will keep it in place.

Product Details

• Thermoplastic polycarbonate
• Among the options are 30 inches by 48 inches, 36 by 48 inches, 47 x 53 inches, 48 x 51, and 48 x 60 inches
• 2.54 millimeters in thickness
• Pile thickness of up to 12-inch is ideal.

Pros

• a slim but robust construction
• A smooth, gliding surface
• Various sizes are available to meet a variety of office layouts.

Cons

• Other options are more expensive
• High piles are ineligible.

Amazon Basics Polycarbonate Office Chair Mat

There are four versions of this mat, each with a lip for further protection: 30 inches by 47 inches, 35 inches by 47 inches, 47 inches by 51 inches, and 49 inches by 59 inches. With a slightly rough top surface, the mat provides some traction for getting out of the car.

Product Details

• Thermoplastic polycarbonate
• The following dimensions are available: 30″ x 47″, 35″ x 47″, 47″ x 51″, and 49″ x 59″.
• 2.03 millimeters in thickness
• Low pile (as thin as a quarter inch) is the best choice.

Pros

• a slim but robust construction
• The top surface is slightly textured.
• Extendable lip as an option

Cons

• Medium and high piles are ineligible.

Amazon Basics Polycarbonate Office Carpet Chair Mat

Customers can pick from three different sizes, depending on how their workplace is set up: 35″ x 47″; 47″ x 53″; and 47″ x 59″. Because it is made of a transparent material, this mat will blend in seamlessly with any work environment.

Product Details

• Polycarbonate plastic is the material of choice.
• 47 by 53 inches; 59-inch-by-47-inch; 35-inch-by-47-inch
• 2.7 mm is the thickness.
• High pile (more than 12 inch thick)

Pros

• The top of the surface is textured.
• Extendable lip as an option
• Impact-resistant

Cons

• Low or medium piles aren’t desirable.

Anji Mountain Rug’d Collection Chair Mat

These mats are made of polyester, not plastic or glass, and are best suited for safeguarding hard floors and low-pile rugs. Each one has a PVC core for additional stability and rubberized dots on the underside to keep it in place.

Product Details

• Polyester and PVC
• Inches: 36 inches wide by 48 inches long
• 6.35 millimeters in thickness
• Those with a low pile of clothing

Pros

• Designed for maximum strength and durability.
• A central layer of supportive PVC
• There are a total of 24 possible layouts.

Cons

• Medium and high piles are ineligible.

Lorell Tempered Glass Chair Mat

Scratch-resistant and clear, the chair mat allows your home’s floor to show through. The main drawback is that this model is only available in a square shape, which may not be suitable for all users despite the fact that it comes in three sizes.

Product Details

• Tempered glass is the material.
• 36 inches by 36 inches; 50 inches by 50 inches; and 60 inches by 60 inches are the three standard sizes.
• 6.36 mm is the thickness.
• All piles of any height

Pros

• Totally open to scrutiny
• The surface is scratch-resistant.
• Weight capacity: 1,000 lb
• Suitable for any type of floor.

Cons

• Other options are more expensive

FAQs

This section is for you if you still have questions regarding the best chair mats for carpet. What are the best carpet mats? We’ve compiled a list of some of the most often asked questions concerning the finest carpet mats.

Q: Are chair mats bad for carpet floors?

When it comes to mats for carpets and heavier floor mats like tempered glass, there is a clear difference. However, on general, a chair is worse for a carpet than a mat.

Q: How do I choose a chair mat for carpet?

As a first step, make sure you get a mat that’s made to fit your carpet’s pile. The mat’s studs should correspond to the height of the pile. Finally, you’ll need to choose a size that fits your needs. Other qualities, such as antistatic and antibacterial capabilities, must also be taken into account.

Q: What is the difference between a beveled-edge mat and straight-edge mat?

Users may easily roll on and off the mat thanks to the beveled edge, which acts as a little ramp. For thicker mats, this is a useful feature.

Conclusion

Chair mats often slip on carpet, which is a common complaint. The simplest method to avoid this is to set your mat down before sitting on it, rather than sitting on top of it. This will help keep the mat in place when guests walk across it or push their chairs back into place after lunch! The more questions you have on how to maintain a chair mat in place, the sooner we can respond.