Can I cut and bind this polystyrene mat without ruining it?

September 3, 2022 11:44 AM

I have one of these great Mad Mats, like this one, but it's too wide. Will I ruin it if I cut it and tape the edges? if not, what sort of tape should I use, or is there Another Way? Alternately, is there a mat that's around 36" wide and 8 ft long that's as nice and cleanable as this one? (most are hideous, I find. I'm not into hideous.)
posted by DMelanogaster to Home & Garden (3 answers total)

There's a 30" runner available on that page, is that too narrow?
posted by rhizome at 1:06 PM on September 3, 2022

It looks as though this mat is woven, and so yes, you will ruin it if you cut it as the edges of the rug keep the individual warp and weft fibers from unraveling.
posted by momochan at 1:17 PM on September 3, 2022

Best answer: Not this brand but I have cut a similar indoor-outdoor rug and sealed the edges by melting them with a lighter. It lasted many years and was totally fine.
posted by HotToddy at 1:29 PM on September 3, 2022 [1 favorite]