Installation Guidance for Rhino Cutting Mats & Workbench Protection Mats
One of the most common questions we receive is:
“Should I glue the mat to my workbench?”
The simple answer is no.
Rhino Cutting Mats are designed to lay directly onto the workbench under their own weight. In the vast majority of installations, no adhesive, edging strips or mechanical fixings are required.
This installation method ensures the mat performs as intended throughout its service life.
Why Don’t We Recommend Gluing Mats Down?
Like most engineering plastics, PVC-based work surface materials naturally expand and contract with changes in temperature.
This movement is completely normal and is influenced by factors such as:
- Ambient workshop temperature
- Seasonal temperature changes
- Direct sunlight
- Radiant heat from windows or machinery
- Localised heating
Although the movement is relatively small, over the length of a large workbench it can become significant.
If the mat is bonded to the bench or tightly restrained around its edges, it cannot move naturally.
This may result in:
- Rippling or buckling
- Bowing across the surface
- Raised edges
- Internal stresses within the material
- Reduced appearance and flatness
Allowing the mat to move freely eliminates these issues.
The Recommended Installation Method
Simply place the mat onto a clean, dry workbench.
In almost every application, the weight of the mat is sufficient to keep it securely in position during normal use.
No:
- Adhesive
- Double-sided tape
- Silicone
- Contact adhesive
- Screws
- Edge retaining strips
are normally required.
Installing Mats Into Recessed Worktops
Where a mat is being fitted into a recessed work surface or tray, it is important that there is adequate clearance around the perimeter.
We recommend allowing an expansion gap of approximately 2–3 mm around all sides of the mat.
This small clearance allows the material to expand and contract naturally without becoming trapped.
A tight-fitting recess may cause the mat to:
- Lift
- Ripple
- Bow
- Distort
particularly during warmer periods or when exposed to direct sunlight.
What About Direct Sunlight?
Even inside buildings, direct sunlight through windows can significantly increase the surface temperature of a workbench.
Dark coloured benches and enclosed workshops can also experience noticeable temperature fluctuations throughout the day.
Allowing the mat to move freely accommodates these normal environmental changes and helps maintain a flat, professional-looking work surface.
Can I Use Edge Strips?
Generally, we do not recommend fitting edge trims or retaining strips that clamp the mat tightly in position.
If edge trims are used for aesthetic reasons, they should never restrict the natural movement of the material.
The mat should always be free to expand and contract.
Do Large Mats Move More?
Yes.
The larger the mat, the greater the potential dimensional movement over its length.
This is another reason why larger workstation mats should always be installed without adhesives or rigid restraint wherever possible.
Best Practice Summary
✔ Lay the mat directly onto the workbench.
✔ Allow the mat to remain free-standing.
✔ No adhesive is normally required.
✔ If fitting into a recess, allow a 2–3 mm expansion gap around the perimeter.
✔ Avoid tightly clamping or restraining the edges.
✔ Keep the mat free to expand and contract naturally.
Following these simple installation guidelines will help ensure your Rhino Cutting Mat remains flat, stable and performs reliably for many years.
