The $17 DIY cargo liner

I did some searching for trunk/cargo liners and couldn't find one that ticked all my boxes. I wanted to have access to all rear compartments without removing a whole cargo cover or tray. I wanted a little cushion for hauling heavier/sharper edged items (my wife is bit of a flea market and green house addict), and I wanted something easily wipeable as well as easily removable. My local hardware store had 1/4" foam garage-rated fatigue mats which are super light and accept sticky velcro really well. I know it's not the greatest solution but I think it will fit the bill for us. The velcro adheres to the carpet in the Prius very well. Total cost for the mat and velcro was $17.00 CDN (which is probably about 8 bucks USD these days ).

It took me an hour and a half to measure, cut and fit - so my only real expense was my time. I may also look at some sort of tape to seal the seams come ski season.

The only downside is that the wheel wells are still exposed - but I'm still scratching my head on that. It's only week two with our car. But with garage sale/flea market season in full swing, I feel much safer sending my better half out and about!

 

You're quite welcome! I already tossed the packaging but will try and snap a picture of the UPC when I'm in the store next. The company name is "Best Step". Here's a link to the actual item I purchased (it was on sale when I bought it).

Best Step Anti-Fatigue Foam Floor Mat, Diamond | Canadian Tire

 

Yep, that's the one. One piece of advice: open the package well ahead of time and spread out on a clean floor so it will lay flat. Or, you can do what I did and (with another person) open the package, spread it out and roll it up in the reverse direction it was packaged. Tape it up for a few minutes while it's rolled up in reverse and then you'll have a perfectly flat mat to work with. Hope it works out for you!

 

Thanks! I used a box cutter (with new blade) and heavy duty scissors, depending on whether I needed straight or curved cuts. I just traced the small pieces with a sharpie and took my time on the larger sections. I also used a metal yardstick and large carpenter's square for straight cuts. I had to cut slits in the foam where the back seats click into the locking mechanism when upright, and small slits to expose the nylon tabs to pull out the three small storage trays. Just take your time and you'll be fine!

 

I lucked out and didn't make any big mistakes and had about 1.5ft x 4ft left over. New box cutter, good pair of scissors, straight edge, and a sharpie (dry erase if you have it), and you're good to go.

But be careful. The day after I finished the project, I got in the car to take my daughter to work and found a couple full recycling bins back there courtesy my better half!