For years, I’ve bought non-slip mats to use under rugs not only on the boat, but also on tile and wood floors. Many times, though, I have odd sized rugs (particularly on the boat) and end up having to cut a large mat down . . . but then the scraps don’t fit my other rugs, either. I tend to get a little grumpy about throwing so much away – I don’t like to waste money and I hate to create extra trash.
Last week, a new Jo-Ann’s fabric opened in town and I discovered that they sell non-slip matting by the yard. Not only is it considerably cheaper than the packaged mats I was buying, I can fit several items together and end up with a lot less waste.
It has larger openings than what I have been using (see photo below) but my experience so far is that it’s actually grippier (is that a word?).
You can use this non-slip material for a couple of things in addition to rugs:
- Under placemats – cut pieces about 1” smaller than the placemat.
- Under tablecloths – cut a piece to fit the top of the table.
Got other places you use non-slip mats? Leave a note in the comments!
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Carolyn Shearlock has lived aboard full-time for 17 years, splitting her time between a Tayana 37 monohull and a Gemini 105 catamaran. She’s cruised over 14,000 miles, from Pacific Mexico and Central America to Florida and the Bahamas, gaining firsthand experience with the joys and challenges of life on the water.
Through The Boat Galley, Carolyn has helped thousands of people explore, prepare for, and enjoy life afloat. She shares her expertise as an instructor at Cruisers University, in leading boating publications, and through her bestselling book, The Boat Galley Cookbook. She is passionate about helping others embark on their liveaboard journey—making life on the water simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.
Kim Zimmer says
What a great way to keep placemats in place….had not thought of that application for the rug gripper!
Cathy Colley says
I found it at Wal-Mart too!
The Boat Galley says
Our Walmart has about the tiniest fabric department ever (and they almost closed it a year ago . . . ) so none in ours, but that’s a good one to check too.
Cathy Colley says
I found it at Wal-Mart too!
The Boat Galley says
Our Walmart has about the tiniest fabric department ever (and they almost closed it a year ago . . . ) so none in ours, but that’s a good one to check too.
Kristine Brincks Linnan says
Do you think it would work under canvas covered seat cushions? We have already tried Velcro and snaps but I am thinking a combination with a product like this. Have you seen it self sticky so I can stick it to wood side?
Clubtray Sailing says
I prefer to stay stick to the wood. Thank any way. But I appreciate your post.
Carolyn Shearlock says
Then using the spray construction adhesive would be the answer!
The Boat Galley says
I think it would help considerably. Shouldn’t need to actually stick it to the wood — the rubber makes it so it doesn’t move much. But if you needed to, you could spray it with some construction adhesive and then put it on.
Herman says
Watch out with using nonslip on plastic surfaces. The nonslip has solvents that evaporate
over time and can damage plastics.
I have a clockradio at home, on the underside you see dents, where it is continues in contact with the antislip bubbles.
So watch out where you use it.
Shari Berkowitz says
It can make a good shelf liner. If you have a little scrap at the end, it can be a jar gripper for opening tight jars.
Chris&Janet says
We wind strips of this among our stowed bottles — no more clinking.
Karen Bowen says
Hi. Another option for rugs or mats is run a bead of caulking on the underneath of your mats or rugs. I smooth it down to ensure no lumps. Works like a charm.
Colin Mombourquette says
It certainly is great stuff with many uses. Dare I say that the issue of using non-skid underlay on a boat is a slippery slope?
The Boat Galley says
No it’s not! Not if it’s used right!
Colin Mombourquette says
Meaning that once you start using it you find endless uses for it.
Cathy Colley says
Works great under ccushions too!
Melissa says
I actually just use the non slip in the head. It is afford-ably a throw away, and is easy to wash in the tub with soap and water.
Heidi Snell says
I buy the rolls at Costco when they have a coupon sale. Note that there are different types available in different stores. I like the thicker mats as the non-skid surface seems better for the majority of my non-skid & cushioning jobs. What I have used it for:
Tool box drawer liner, shelf liner, nav chart liner, cargo space liner, pieces placed between nested pans, as noted -under rugs, on a dog ramp, in the bottom of solid cup holders to keep cups from rattling, also I glue bits on surfaces that squeek with vibration, or rub off paint/varnish on surfaces such as wood-fiberglass interfaces. The extra odd pieces are great for jar openers & I have them everywhere!
Avi Goldstein says
These are available at Walmart.
Sally Larson says
I had very good results by smearing the back of the carpet with silicone using a calk gun and then a putty knife to smooth it and then attaching the mat to that wet surface. It worked fabulously and I didn’t have to deal with the mat and rug separately when cleaning.
Michelle says
There a product called Fiber-Lok Non Skid Backing (EnviIronmental Technology) that I’ve been using for a few years now. You simply ‘paint’ it on the back side of a rug (I paint it around the border & then add big X’s all over the rest of the rug), let it dry and no more sliding rug. It has never harmed my teak & sole floors and you can wash the rugs w/o affecting skid. I’ve even used this product on the bottom of socks to make them non-skid.
Carolyn Shearlock says
Sounds really interesting — thanks for letting everyone know about it!