How To Keep Your Doormat From Sliding—7 Easy Ways!

Does your doormat keep sliding around and tripping you up? Doormats that lack a grip on the back tend to slide across the floor, causing frustration and potentially injury. If you need help keeping your doormat stationary, you've come to the right place. We've done the research to provide you with the best ways to stop your doormat in its tracks.  

The best ways to keep doormats from sliding are as follows:

  1. Switch to a doormat with rubber backing.
  2. Add rug grippers.
  3. Add hook and loop fasteners to the mat.
  4. Use a skid-resistant grip pad.
  5. Attach carpet or rug tape.
  6. Use a felt and rubber rug pad.
  7. Install a mat well.

Some of these options are extremely easy, and others are more complex and may require professional assistance. So, which option is best for your home? Keep reading to learn more about each choice and how to use them most effectively. 

A welcome doormat in the front door of a house, How To Keep Your Doormat From Sliding—7 Easy Ways!

7 Easy Ways To Keep Your Doormat From Sliding

1. Switch to a Doormat with Rubber Backing

Mats with a built-in rubber backing are the most convenient option. They don't need any additional modifications and stay in place very well on their own.

Most rubber-backed doormats are very easy to clean as well. These types of doormats are available in many different colors and prints, so you'll be sure to find something that matches your home's decor.

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This doormat has a non-slip rubber backing, and it's available in three different colors. Click here to check these mats out on Amazon.

2. Add Rug Grippers

Rug grippers are another easy way to prevent your doormat from slipping. They can be added to any doormat to provide extra grip, and they work very well at keeping things in place. They're made with rubber backing that faces the floor and an adhesive side to apply to the mat. 

These pads come in a pack of eight, which is enough to cover two doormats. Click here to see them on Amazon.

3. Add Hook and Loop Fasteners to the Corners

Velcro is a great way to keep most things in place. You can find adhesive velcro pads designed for use on mats, or you can use velcro tape.

Using velcro will require applying a piece to the floor and the mat, but the adhesive is usually pretty easy to remove from floors with some elbow grease. There is a wide variety of different hook and loop sizes and shapes available to choose from, but larger pieces tend to have a better hold.

These large hook and loop adhesive rug pads will work for small or large mats. Click here to see them on Amazon.

4. Use a Skid-Resistant Grip Pad

Grip pads are available in varying sizes and can easily be cut to fit perfectly under your doormat. These pads work pretty well to keep your doormat in place, but they don't adhere to anything, so they can easily kick and roll accidentally.

It's a great option if you want to avoid applying anything with adhesive to the floor or the mat.

This gripper pad is available in six different sizes, so you're sure to find what you need. Click here to check them out on Amazon.

5. Attach Carpet or Rug Tape

Carpet tape is double-sided, heavy-duty tape with a strong grip that's perfect for keeping doormats in place.  This tape is also very easy to use, and one roll comes with enough to hold down multiple mats or rugs. It adheres to almost any surface, but you may want to check if it will work with your flooring.

This roll of carpet tape includes 40 yards worth, which should be enough to care for all your carpet concerns. Click here to see it on Amazon.

6. Use a Felt and Rubber Rug Pad

These felt rug pads have a rubber backing to prevent slippage, and the felt grips to the bottom of your rug without any adhesive. They are a little thicker than the other options, and they have no adhesive, so they may be likely to flip if they're kicked. Since they are thick, they can be nice for mats and rugs that could use a bit more cushion, like in front of the kitchen sink.

This rug pad is 1/4" thick, so it offers a good amount of additional padding under the mat. Click here to check this pad out on Amazon.

7. Install a Mat Well

A mat well can be added by installing moldings around the doormat. This process isn't overly complicated, but you may want to hire a professional if you are limited on tools or don't feel confident using a tape measure. A well is a permanent option that works wonderfully to keep your doormat in place. 

What Do You Put Under a Doormat?

Besides the options we have already mentioned, another great way to help keep your doormat in place is to layer doormats on top of each other. Use a larger doormat underneath a smaller one for a fun and interesting look. This isn't a perfect solution for preventing slippage, but it will help. 

Why Are People Layering Doormats?

Layering a small mat over a larger one creates a more finished look in the doorway area, and when done right, it can add to the existing decor of your home. Layering doormats also make it easy to change up your look. Just swap either doormat for a different design for a fresh look that still matches your decor. 

How Often Should You Change Your Doormat?

It's recommended to replace your doormat every two years, sooner if the mat is visibly ragged. While this is a general recommendation, there's no rule against replacing it sooner. Many people like to change their doormats seasonally. This also allows them to decorate according to the nearest holiday.

Calloway Mills Christmas Doormat

This doormat is perfect for the holiday season. Click here to see it on Amazon.

How Do You Measure a Front Doormat?

When trying to determine what size doormat you need, you should always aim to have your doormat be at least 80% of the width of your door. If you have sidelights, you should include them in your calculations as well. A doormat that is too small will make it look out of place in front of the door.

Are Rubber Doormats Good?

Yes, rubber doormats are a great option. Rubber provides a great grip, preventing slippage, and it does a great job of catching dirt and mud. 

One of the largest benefits of rubber doormats is that they are so easy to clean. Just spray it down with the hose to have it look like new again. The biggest downfall with rubber doormats is that they are usually available in limited colors and don't typically come with patterns or designs.

Are Coir Doormats Good?

Coir doormats aren't as durable or washable as rubber mats, but they do have other benefits. The Washington Post reported that coir is the best material for removing snow and mud from the bottom of footwear due to its stiff, bristle-like texture.

Another benefit of coir is that it is eco-friendly and a renewable resource made from the by-products of coconuts. Coir doormats come in a variety of fun colors, patterns, and designs.

Should Doormats Be Inside or Outside?

You should have a doormat on each side of the door. Choose a thick, coarse exterior doormat for outside to catch the majority of muck. A fiber doormat on the interior side should suffice to catch the rest of the mess, but in snowy or rainy weather, a coir or rubber doormat can be used indoors as well. You can feel free to switch out the mats to meet your needs and the weather.

Under the Rug

Now that you know all the best methods to keep doormats in place, you're ready to get started on your next project. Don't forget to measure your entryway before purchasing to ensure it's the right size for your door. Weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each option, and make the best choice for your household. Have fun giving your entryway a new look.

If you need more advice on choosing what material your next doormat will be made of, read our article "What is a Coir Doormat? [Including 15 Examples]"

For some seasonal doormat inspiration, read our article "13 Spooky And Spectacular Halloween Decorations For Your Front Porch."

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