How to Mount Rugs to a Carpet

Placing a rug over carpeting is a good way to preserve carpet in a high-traffic area. Rugs also can add color and visual interest to a room. Rugs need to be secured or mounted to carpeting so that they do not slip. Slipping rugs are a safety hazard that can lead to injuries from falls and trips. Securing a rug is especially important if a child or an elderly person will be walking through the room, as they are less stable when walking and have a higher chance of tripping.

Things You'll Need

• Rug
• Measuring tape
• Non-slip rug backing
• Scissors, if necessary
• Double-sided tape

Instructions

1. Measure the length and width of the rug to determine the size of pad that will fit under the rug.

2. Purchase a no-slip rug backing in a size to fit your rug from a home improvement store. Rug backings and rug pads also can be found in department stores and specialty carpeting stores.

3. Trim the backing if the backing is too large for the rug. If the backing is too small, you may cut it into sections so that the backing can be placed evenly underneath the rug.

4. Ensure that the area where the rug will be placed is clean. Move any furniture from the area where the rug will be placed.

5. Lay the rug backing onto the floor centered where you would like to place the rug. If the backing was small and you have cut it into strips, evenly place the strips of backing so that there is backing throughout the area where the rug will be placed.

6. Place the rug on top of the backing, centering it over the backing. Press the rug down to stick it to the backing. Smooth the rug to remove any bumps.

7. Apply double-sided tape to the rug edges to keep the edges from curling and turning up. Edges that do not lay flat against the carpeting are a safety hazard.

Tips & Warnings

• To further anchor the rug to the carpet, place furniture on the rug so that the weight of the furniture keeps the rug in place.

References

• American Bone Health
• Consumer Reports