Anti-slip mat or underlay: what's the difference?

Antislipmat
Antislipmat of ondertapijt: wat is het verschil?

Doubting between an anti-slip mat and an underlay? This is what you need to know

When you buy a new rug, you often come across the terms anti-slip mat and underlay. Many people think they are the same thing, but there are important differences. The right choice depends on what you want to achieve: do you mainly want to prevent the rug from shifting, are you looking for extra comfort, or do you want to combine both?

In this blog, we explain the difference between an anti-slip mat and an underlay, when to choose which solution, and why an anti-slip mat is the best choice for most rugs.

What is an anti-slip mat?

An anti-slip mat is a thin mat that you place under a rug or runner. Its open structure provides extra grip between the floor and the rug, significantly reducing shifting.

An anti-slip mat is primarily intended to:

  • Reduce sliding
  • Prevent curling corners
  • Increase safety
  • Keep the rug better in place
  • Protect the floor and the rug from unnecessary wear and tear

Because an anti-slip mat is thin, the appearance of the rug is maintained.

What is an underlay?

An underlay is a thicker layer placed under a rug. Its purpose is not only grip but also extra comfort and insulation.

An underlay can provide:

  • More walking comfort
  • Sound dampening
  • Thermal insulation
  • Extra protection for the rug

However, not every underlay has strong anti-slip properties. As a result, a rug can still shift.

The main differences

Anti-slip mat

Underlay

Prevents shifting

Increases comfort

Thin and flexible

Thicker material

Easy to cut to size

Often less flexible

Ideal for hard floors

Mainly focused on comfort and insulation

Suitable for runners and rugs

Mainly for larger rugs

When do you choose an anti-slip mat?

An anti-slip mat is the best choice when you notice that a rug or runner keeps shifting. Especially on smooth floors such as PVC, laminate, tiles, or parquet, an anti-slip mat provides much more stability.

An anti-slip mat is ideal for:
  • Living rooms
  • Hallways
  • Kitchens
  • Bedrooms
  • Home offices
  • Playrooms

In households with children or pets, an anti-slip mat is also a smart choice.

When do you choose an underlay?

An underlay is particularly interesting when you want to create extra comfort.

For example, consider:

  • A thick rug in the bedroom
  • Extra warmth on a cold floor
  • Less contact noise
  • More softness when walking

Always check whether the underlay provides sufficient anti-slip, or combine it with an anti-slip solution if necessary.

Why do so many people choose an anti-slip mat?

For most households, a shifting rug is the biggest annoyance. That's why an anti-slip mat is often chosen over a traditional underlay.

The advantages:

  • More grip
  • Less risk of tripping
  • Suitable for almost all hard floors
  • Easy to cut to size yourself
  • Suitable for small and large rugs
  • Also ideal for runners

What size do you need?

Choose an anti-slip mat that matches the dimensions of your rug. For the best result, keep the mat approximately 2 to 5 centimeters smaller than the rug on all sides.

Commonly chosen sizes are:

  • 80 × 200 cm
  • 80 × 250 cm
  • 120 × 170 cm
  • 160 × 230 cm
  • 180 × 250 cm
  • 240 × 340 cm

If your size isn't available, you can easily cut an anti-slip mat to size yourself.

Frequently asked questions

Is an anti-slip mat the same as an underlay?

No. An anti-slip mat is intended to keep the rug better in place. An underlay is primarily focused on comfort, insulation, and sound dampening.

Can an underlay also help prevent shifting?

Some underlays offer some grip, but not all. Always check the product's properties.

Is an anti-slip mat suitable for PVC?

Yes, anti-slip mats are suitable for most hard floors, including PVC, laminate, parquet, and tiles. For new flooring, always consult the maintenance instructions of the floor manufacturer.

Can I cut an anti-slip mat to size myself?

Yes. TEKZEN anti-slip mats are easy to cut to size with sharp scissors.

Choose the solution that suits your rug

Do you primarily want to prevent a rug or runner from shifting? Then an anti-slip mat is usually the best choice. Thanks to its strong grip, easy installation, and wide range of sizes, your rug will stay better in place, and you'll enjoy more safety and comfort. View TEKZEN's range of anti-slip mats and easily choose the size that suits your rug.

Also read our other blogs about anti-slip mats

Do you want to know more about choosing, using, and maintaining anti-slip mats? Then check out our other helpful guides: