The Clever DIY For A Beautiful Checkerboard Rug On A Budget (But Is It Worth The Time?)

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

If you're trying to get the checkered floor trend in your home and add a cozy rug to your space, then a checkerboard rug sounds like a dream come true. At least, until you see the price tag for anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to nearly a thousand (yeah, we cringed a bit, too). Is the only solution to live with boring area rugs or break your budget? Well, not really, since it is possible to DIY a beautiful checkerboard rug at a fraction of the cost.

This affordable DIY is surprisingly simple, at least on the surface. Simply take two solid-colored large area rugs and cut them into equal rectangles or squares. Line the pieces up, alternating colors to create the checkerboard look, then secure them together. Instagram user @deannadunn used heavy-duty duct tape to tape her rug together and reports it holds up well in a space they don't walk a lot in. But is this rug really worth the time it takes to measure, cut, tape, and secure? Let's dig in.

DIYing a custom checkerboard rug looks easy at first glance, but each step takes up a good chunk of time. While the DIYer had help from a friend, the project appeared to span many hours throughout a whole day. Keep in mind that the bigger your rug is, the longer it will take to make, so ensure you have ample time to create the perfect rug size for your space. If you don't mind a DIY that could keep you busy for hours, or want to create an affordable rug that matches your decor, this may be the project for you.

So, how can you make this DIY last? One of the best ways is to use strong materials to secure the rug pieces together. We love duct tape, but in this case, it may not have the grip needed to keep the rug intact, especially in high-traffic areas. It may even leave a sticky residue on your floor. Instead, try carpet seaming tape, like Duck Brand Self-Adhesive Fiberglass Carpet Seaming Tape. Its adhesive holds rug pieces together with a powerful bond. One DIYer also recommends securing the finished rug to a non-slip rug pad with double-sided carpet tape to hold it together.

The last big question is how will this rug stand up to cleaning? Anecdotal evidence reports it's safe to vacuum, but as we could not find expert opinions or scientific evidence, we recommend proceeding cautiously. Consider vacuuming on the lowest setting at first, just to be safe. Another game-changing tip to keep your rug pristine is to use a bristle broom to remove dirt without risking damage.