Pros and Cons of Applying Rug Tape on Your Floors and Carpets

If you have a rug that keeps moving around on your floor, you’ve got a few different options to keep that sucker in place.

While you might guess our top choice for keeping a rug from slipping is to use a non-slip rug pad (it is), that’s not for everyone — and that’s okay! We can still be friends.

If non slip rug pads aren’t your jam, rug tape might be more up your alley. And because we want all rug owners to live in harmony with their rugs, we created this handy guide on everything rug tape.

Ready to become a rug tape expert? Let’s go.

What is rug tape?

Rug tape is a double-sided adhesive that holds area rugs on the floor. It’s like that double-sided scotch tape, but way stickier.

There are different types of rug tape though — more than you ever thought possible. The most common ones are made of silicone, rubber, or adhesives such as glue.

The silicone-based ones are the best. Why? Long story short, they’re the least likely to damage your flooring, carpet, or rug. We’ll go into more of the juicy details on that further down too.

Benefits of rug tape

You may wonder, do I really need to use rug tape in my house?

Honestly, you may not. If you’ve got some killer non slip rug pads (hint hint 😉) or you just don’t have any rugs in your house, you probably don’t. On the other hand, rug tape may be a huge benefit for you.

Here are some benefits of rug tape:

Prolongs the life of your rug and floors by reducing friction.Eliminates slipping.It’s easy to install.It’s removable.

Let’s dive deeper...

Prolongs the life of your rug and floors

By keeping the rugs in place, the rug tape decreases the constant movement between the floor and the rug. That movement adds more wear on your rug which shortens the rug’s life. Plus, if your rug backing is scratchy such as jute or wool, the backing can also start to scratch your floors.

If you can lock your rugs to the floor with rug tape, then both the floor and rug will last longer.

Eliminates slipping

Rugs that lack a secure grip on the floor tend to fold, bunch up, or slide out of position. Not only does this look bad, it can also be a tripping hazard and cause injury.

The best solution to this is a non-slip rug pad or rug tape to hold rugs in place — especially in high foot traffic areas.

Easy to install

The installation process of rug tape is easy. Pick up the rug, make sure everything’s clean, slap the sticky stuff on the rug or the floor (depending on specific instructions), and put the rug back in place. BAM. You’ve got yourself a non slip rug.

It’s removable

When you need to move the rug for whatever reason, your rug tape should be easy to take off.

Some rug tape also keeps up its adhesive qualities for several uses so you can pick up the rug for a quick clean or shake out and just put it right back down with the same tape.

Negatives of rug tape

Despite the above benefits, using rug tape has two pretty significant downsides that you need to look out for.

Can damage some floors

A double-sided carpet tape with harsh adhesives can leave a sticky residue on laminate and vinyl floors. The residue is hard to remove, and you may risk scratching the floor surface as you scrape it off.

We’ve also heard of some rug tape just generally causing damage to all floor types, so just know that is a possible risk.

A good rule of thumb is to test the tape on a small space of your flooring to make sure it doesn’t damage the floor.

Can ruin the rugs

A carpet tape with harsh adhesives such as Polyethylene Resin ruins an area rug. The adhesive material disintegrates over time and reacts with the carpet. And when removing the adhesive tape, it can rip off the mat or rug’s fibers. Yikes!

Different types of rug tape

The several rug tape options in the market vary depending on their intended purpose. For example, carpet tape for wall-to-wall carpet is going to have different qualities than a removable rug tape.

The good news?

You can often avoid the aforementioned downsides of using rug tape by purchasing the right rug tape.

Be sure to choose one that’s compatible with your flooring and is safe to use on your rug. That way, that tape will have the lowest risk of damage to your floor and rug.

Let’s break this down on those different types of rug tape.

Heavy duty rug tape

A heavy-duty rug tape is meant for (you guessed it) heavy-duty grip. Think duct tape, but probably safer.

Its strength and versatility make it suitable to use on rugs and wooden flooring to keep your rug in place for the long haul. Moreover, the heavy-duty rug tape gives you the freedom to use it both indoors or outdoors.

Did you know: You can use heavy-duty rug tape as an alternative to duct tape. You can use it to hang art, seal minor repairs, or attach to furniture feet to keep it from moving.

Pros:

Versatile to use on hardwood, laminate, tile, marble, carpets, stone flooring, and stairs.Suitable for indoor and outdoor use.Leaves no residue or scratching on your delicate floors.

Cons:

• Costly.
• Doesn’t offer a cushioning grip.

Best Used For: Wood/Laminate/Tile/Carpet
Ease of Installation: Easy
Damage Risk: Low
Longevity: Long term

Rug tape for hardwood floors

Hardwood floors are delicate, and most rug tapes can ruin them — a nightmare for any homeowner. The adhesive in the carpet tape easily reacts with wood flooring and wood floor finishes that’s exposed to the sun or heat.

That reaction loosens the grip and leaves discolored stains that damage the hardwood floors.

Instead of using a harmful carpet adhesive, opt for rug gripper tape. For instance, the double-sided washable rug stopper is suitable for hardwood, tile, large carpets, and small area rugs like a doormat.

What’s more? This rug tape won’t restrict your cleaning routines because it’s reusable. Simply pick up the rug, clean the carpet or floor as you would normally, then wipe down the gripper with a damp cloth, let it dry, then put the rug back down — sticky again! That’s because water reactivates the silicone grip, and it becomes sticky again.

Pros:

• Washable and reusable.
• Doesn’t damage the floors when removed.
• Suitable to use on smooth surfaces.

Cons:

• Doesn’t offer a cushioning grip.
• Some reviewers claim the grip is not very good.

Best Used For: Wood/Laminate/Tile/Carpet
Ease of Installation: Easy
Damage Risk: Low
Longevity: Long term

Rug tape for laminate floors

A laminate floor is more sensitive than other floor types and can react badly with some tape. That means you have to be even more careful about choosing the right rug tape.

One choice that we’ve seen good reviews for is the Xfasten double-sided carpet tape. It’s a heavy-duty rug tape that provides a sturdy grip while being gentle on delicate floor surfaces like laminate and wood flooring.

Pros:

Leave no residue on laminate floors.

Cons:

Doesn’t offer a cushioning grip.

Best Used For: Wood/Laminate/Tile/Carpet
Ease of Installation: Easy
Damage Risk: Medium
Longevity: Long term

Rug tape for carpet

The best kind of rug tape for a carpet is one made of silicone such as the XFasten Double-Sided Carpet Tape for Area Rugs and Carpets.

Silicone is more durable compared to rubber when it comes to tapes and unlike rubber, it doesn’t leave a sticky residue. With many rubber tape, manufacturers use harmful chemicals or plasticizers to enhance the adhesive ability or durability and these can damage the floor. (Note: that’s not so with natural rubber.)

Silicone is also equally easy to apply and remove without ripping off the carpet fibers or floor’s surface. Perfect for temporary flooring over carpet.

Pros:

• Easy to install.
• Doesn’t damage rugs and floors.
• Long-lasting.

Best Used For: Carpet
Ease of Installation: Easy
Damage Risk: Low
Longevity: Long term

FAQs about rug tape

Still have some doubt?

Let’s get some answers to those questions still lingering in your mind.

What Is the best rug tape?

The best rug tape is the one that is most compatible with your flooring type and is safe to use on your rug. Always opt for a rug tape based on the floor type you’re working with.

Does Rug Tape Work On A Carpet?

Yes. However, only double-sided carpet tapes specifically made for area rugs are safe to use on your carpet.

How do you tape down a rug?

First, make sure both your floor and rug are clean and dust free.

Then, depending on the specific rug tape instructions, you’ll either stick one side of the adhesive to the floor where you want your rug to be or to the bottom of your rug.

Lastly, peel off any covering (if there is any) on the other side of the tape and place the rug on the floor where you want it to be. Gently press down on the rug where the tape is to make sure it fully adheres to both the rug and the floor.

Will double-sided tape damage carpet?

Yes. The adhesive in a conventional double-sided tape is too harsh for carpets. It sticks and rips off the carpet material. Always purchase rug tape that’s specific to taping carpets such as a silicone-based tape.

Does rug tape ruin wood floors?

Rug tape made of synthetic rubber ruins wood flooring. The rubber material is too sticky and will rip off the hardwood finish. Instead, go for silicone rug tape to keep your beautiful hardwood floors intact. These should be safe for wood floors.

Is carpet tape permanent?

No. You can remove the carpet tape at any time.

How strong is carpet tape?

Carpet tape is relatively strong. For instance, the XFasten Extra Sticky Carpet Tape has high shear stress resistance and tensile strength. It should keep area rugs in place for a fair amount of time, however the adhesive will wear down eventually.