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How to build a D.I.Y. wooden floor mat

Wooden floor mat.

Overview

A wet laundry floor is a slip hazard for the whole family. An easy way to fix that problem is with a wooden floor mat. This easy-to-follow guide will show you the tools and equipment you need to make your own wooden floor mat in a size to suit your laundry.

Steps

1Get the timber pre-cut

Because this D.I.Y. project needs quite a few pieces of timber, the best way to make it easier for you is to have the timber pre-cut to the right size at your local Bunnings. You can cut your timber to any size you like, for this project we cut the following lengths:

  • Cut the 70mm x 30mm dressed pine 1.8m into 6 x 200mm blocks
  • Cut the 30mm x 30mm dressed pine 2.4m into 22 x 200mm blocks
Various tools and materials to build a wooden floor mat.

2Lay out the design of the floor mat

Before you drill any holes in the timber, lay the pieces out in the design of your choice. You can be as creative as you want with the layout.

Person laying down pieces of wood in floor mat shape.

3Mark where the rods will be drilled

Choose a spot on your design where the wood overlaps. Mark this spot and use a square to draw a straight line down the centre of the overlapping timber pieces where the holes for the rods will be drilled.

Person measuring timber frame with steel ruler.

4Mark where the holes will be drilled

Measure and mark the centre of each piece of timber. By drilling holes through the centre of the timber, the rod will slip straight through and the pieces of wood will stay flush.

Person measuring bit of timber with steel ruler.

5Drill the holes through the timber

Clamp the wood to the workbench. Use the 12mm spade bit to drill through the timber. Repeat this process for all the wood except the pieces at the end, where the rod will be inserted and secured. For these pieces, clamp them and use the 22mm spade bit to drill halfway through the pieces of wood, this creates a recess to hide the ends of the rods. Finish off the holes with the 12mm spade bit.

Person drilling hole into piece of timber with spade bit.

6Lay out the floor mat and insert the rods

Lay out the floor mat in your chosen pattern, so that all of the holes for the rods are aligned. Thread the rod through the holes.
Person inserting metal poles in various pieces of wood in floor mat shape.

7Screw on the nuts and pull the rods tight

Screw the nuts onto one end of the rods, so that they're flush with the end of the rod. Pull the rods through the holes to tighten up the mat.

Person screwing bolt onto metal pole.

8Cut off the ends of the rods

Put on your safety glasses and earmuffs. Clamp the mat to the workbench. Use a grinder to cut off the excess rod so it's flush with the mat.

Person using handsaw to cut through metal bar.

9Paint the floor mat

Before you put the floor mat together, paint it. To do this, remove one piece of timber at a time and paint it. Wait for the paint to dry then re-insert the rods. Use a spanner or shifter set to tighten the rods.
Wooden floor mat.
Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.