Marine snap in carpet backing ideas needed

[boatguy94]

Hey everyone! Summer is here and I've been trying to think of ways to do snap in carpet for my boat. Although it'll be on the cheap, I already bought outdoor carpet from Menards, I need some input/ideas.

First, since the backing on the carpet is so thin I want to add a rubber type backing to the carpet. Then I will get this binded on the edges in the end once everything is cut. My problem is that I can not find a good rubber backing that would be like the rubber backing on marine carpet. I know I should have just gotten marine with the rubber, but this won't be in that much and my boat is always in the garage. I needed to do it on the cheap this time... If anyone has any ideas of what to look for that would be great. Right now I've been searching ebay for "rubber sheet" and I don't know if any of that would work.

Also if anyone in the lower south-east part of Michigan knows of a good shop that would be able to bind my carpet in the end that would also be appreciated.

Hopefully this all makes sense! I've been outside working, and the heat is starting to get to me :lol: :facepalm:

 

[cpubud]

Re: Marine snap in carpet backing ideas needed

don't use a backing it will only add to the drying time and odor.

 

[boatguy94]

Re: Marine snap in carpet backing ideas needed

Another reason I want to use the backing is because of my deck... When I did it I tried to embed sand in my last coat of epoxy on my deck. When I did this I used the rough sand and it didn't turn out very well and it is very rough. I fear that if I put the carpet on top of this it will be shredded in no time... I've been looking and I still can't find something like I would want or what would work.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Marine snap in carpet backing ideas needed

You won't be able to find jus the rubber backing that you need. And as someone who has carpet that is rubber backed, unless you remove it so that it dries correctly, you will wind up with the rubber backing sealing itself to the sole of the boat (ask me how I know...). Take the pieces to a local upholstery shop and have it backed with trunk liner material. You can get it in shades of gray, charcoal, and black. They can back the carpet and should be able to bind it for you as well. Tell them that another upholsterer told you that the carpet (as long as it's not too thick) should go thru a binding attachment for their machine.

 

[Slip Away]

Re: Marine snap in carpet backing ideas needed

I know this company makes carpets, mats, etc. for boats, but not sure if they will bind your carpet, or just try to sell you new stuff.
Custom Marine Carpet
Phone 1-877-762-7461 or (269) 684-1922
423 N. 9th St. Niles, MI 49120 U.S.A.

I have heard of people apply the rubber spray on tool grip to the back of carpet to replace the old rubber backing, but I have not tried it myself.

 

[boatguy94]

Re: Marine snap in carpet backing ideas needed

You won't be able to find jus the rubber backing that you need. And as someone who has carpet that is rubber backed, unless you remove it so that it dries correctly, you will wind up with the rubber backing sealing itself to the sole of the boat (ask me how I know...). Take the pieces to a local upholstery shop and have it backed with trunk liner material. You can get it in shades of gray, charcoal, and black. They can back the carpet and should be able to bind it for you as well. Tell them that another upholsterer told you that the carpet (as long as it's not too thick) should go thru a binding attachment for their machine.

Thank you for the reply and info Fireman! I will look for the trunk liner and try to get it all cut for me or I might have a friend that can sew it for me. But thank you for leading me down the right path with the trunk liner. I wasn't even thinking that the rubber would stick :facepalm: makes a lot of sense though!

I know this company makes carpets, mats, etc. for boats, but not sure if they will bind your carpet, or just try to sell you new stuff.
Custom Marine Carpet
Phone 1-877-762-7461 or (269) 684-1922
423 N. 9th St. Niles, MI 49120 U.S.A.

I have heard of people apply the rubber spray on tool grip to the back of carpet to replace the old rubber backing, but I have not tried it myself.

Thanks for the referral Slip Away. I will contact them, but they are a bit from me distance wise.

The rubber bed liner is also a decent idea but I feel if it didn't dry flat it would not really form to the boat and might break. Might be better for a repair, but that's also a good idea.