Useful Tips For How To Keep Rugs From Slipping On Tile

Since my early twenties, I have lived in homes with hardwood floors and saw many rugs slipping on tile, but it never seemed like a big deal to me. 

Not until rugs slipping really caused some damage around my house did I start to seek solutions. It took some time for me to realize that there’s actually an easy way to keep your rugs from slipping on the tile!  

If you’re looking for a quick fix or just want more information, then this is the blog post for you! Here are some useful tips on how to keep rugs from slipping on tile.

how-to-keep-rugs-from-slipping-on-tile
How to keep rugs from sliding on tile floors

Why Do Rugs Slip On Tile?

The lack of friction is the reason why the rugs slipping on the tile floors. You should put an area rug that has a woven plastic backing on rigid tiles is like putting a smooth layer on another to avoid friction. There is no grip on that area, which creates pressure on the rug when we stand or walk on the rug, and there it slides. 

Why did I say women plastic backing? Most area rugs nowadays are made from polypropylene weave, which many believe is one of the natural materials. In fact, it’s plastic that has been spun into fibers. The durability of these carpets will last longer than any found in nature – which makes them perfect for your home’s flooring needs.

That’s why it’s familiar to homeowners regarding choosing rugs for their home and eventually causes the scenario mentioned above.

How To Keep Rugs From Slipping On Tile?

Oftentimes, large rugs wouldn’t slip on your tile, while their smaller or thinner siblings tend to have trouble sliding and moving.

Below I’ll present many different methods for securing these delicate pieces, ranging in price and durability. Some are quick-fix options, while others offer more long-term solutions that cost slightly higher but last much longer!

Rubber Backing

Rugs with rubber backing are less likely to slip, making them easy to use on tile floors. That reminds me, you should also consider the floor type you’re putting your rugs on when purchasing one.

If the rugs you like or are already using don’t have this backing, don’t worry, there are ways around it! You can still do some things to fix this issue without having to purchase another one.

Use Non-slip Pads

Placing non-slip pads under your rug is also a great choice. You can find them at any store and place them on top of or under the carpet if necessary.

  • You’ll want to measure your rug before you place non-slip pads on it. Once you’ve found the right size, getting started will become much easier.
  • Remember to test the rug afterward by walking on the non-slip pad to make sure that everything is in place. Gently take one step at a time – if anything starts slipping, then readjust as necessary and try again until you’re pleased with the result.

The unpredictable changes in aggressive walking can cause your rug to become slippery, so be careful with it. Even if you have your pads underneath, walking carelessly would make them slip. The reason lies in the slick surface of the hardwood floor.

Rug Grippers

These could be easier to use in some ways as their designs suit rugs’ corners and edges.

  1. All you have to do is place them in the corner of your rug, and you’re good to go.
  2. Though they are grippers with adhesive aiding them in gripping the rugs’ bottom, some of their variants may be similar to non-slip pads.

Carpet Tape

You can consider using carpet tape for its convenience and efficiency.

  • Flip the rugs then cut the tape into strips and stick them on the rugs’ bottom.
  • It’s best to have your strips cut in 4” long, then place them in your rugs’ corners.
  • Don’t forget to stick some in the center. Only peel them off when you’ve done sticking all the areas you want. Then, lay the rug down.
  • If you want your rug to look good, then place it in the spot that’s most aesthetically pleasing and lay flat so there won’t be any wrinkles. Make sure the tape holds tightly and keep it in place regardless of external effect. 

Silicone Caulk

You can add squiggly lines of silicone caulk to your rug to have the same effect of the carpet tape.

  • Load your caulk gun with one silicone caulk’s tube, then try to create squiggly lines on the backside of that rug. You’ll have to spend quite some time to have perfect coverage.
  • Then, it would help if you pressed the caulk into the rug before it dried, which is within one hour after you’ve applied it in.
  • Place the rug anywhere you want, and then walk on it for a bit so that the caulking can settle.

Something Heavy

how-to-stop-mats-slipping-on-tiles
Placing heavy furniture is a great idea!

Another way to hold your rug is by using something heavy like a coffee table to restrain it.

One problem with this method is that it might not work for every type of rug. If you have runners in your hall, then placing furniture or other things on the carpeted area won’t work because it would take up too much space.

You can flexibly combine this method with others in this list, as they will fit different areas in your house.

Hook And Loop Anchors

It’s good using hook and loop anchors that assemble the closures on kid’s shoes.

  • Apply one side of the anchor with a protective adhesive coating, and then stick it into either floor or rug.
  • A strong bond forms between the two sides will hold your rug in place.

Hot Glue

Some people use hot glue to prevent their rug from slipping instead of silicone caulking. 

  • Apply hot glue to the back of your rug and leave it there for a few minutes. You can see that it dries way faster than silicone.
  • Make sure that the temperature won’t melt it. Test out a small piece first, and if all is well, go ahead with the application.

Read: How To Remove Glued Down Carpet Pad From Concrete – Detail Instruction

Rug Pins

For those placing their rugs above wall-to-wall carpeting, rug pins will come in handy.

You’ll need to adjust the point of the pins so that they will securely attach the rugs to the carpeting without damaging your tile. Also, ensure that the pins’ top point down be flush with flooring, making it less noticeable and visible in your room when you’re done.

Conclusion

Rugs that slip on tile can be frustrating. But you don’t have to live with it! Surely some of the methods above can solve this headache of yours.

The helpful tips for how to keep rugs from slipping on tiles we have mentioned have their pros and cons. For instance, non-slip pads might still slip under aggressive movement, not everyone owns a caulk gun, you’re placing rugs on the hallway, or that you’re not positioning rugs above wall-to-wall carpeting. 

Therefore, I recommend you consider your situation before utilizing any of the tips above.

Related Post:

Categories Home Improvement Tags

Leave a Comment