Hi everyone,

I'm planning my safari for later this year. One of the critters I'm hoping to get is a mountain zebra, and I really want to make it into a rug. The quote I got from my taxidermist (from the tannery) was $16/sq ft, plus extra for padding and backing.

The only problem is I have no clue how many square feet a mountain zebra typically is, or how they would measure that. Can you guys help shed some light on this. I'd also love to see any photos you guys have of zebra rugs with and without backing so I can decide if its worth the extra money.

Thanks, Mike

They tend to make a different looking rug since the belly has no stripes. You may want to ask someone to post a picture so you can decide if that's what you really want to do.

Contact Jerry Huffaker...
... he rugged a zebra for me, carpet backed with a rolled leather edge. LOVE IT !

Money well spent...

Give Brent or Dan a call at The Wildlife Gallery
989-561-5369
They did an incredible job on mine! Leather backed with a rolled leather edge.

Do you really want/need padding and backing? I had mine done as a rug without all that stuff because that is how they were traditionally done. It's also lots less $$ and easier to hang on a wall, through over a railing - where mine resides - or through down on a wood floor. I do have a beautiful Elk done with the whole thing.

My Hartmans just has a felt backing and is working out well. I have it on a carpeted floor, gets walked on a little, I like it. May be able to get a pic? Will post if succesful.

I had mine done in Namibia, it's the only thing I would consider having done there. It was about 1/3 the cost of having it done here. It shipped right along with the other trophies from my hunt. Good luck and hope this helps.

Larry Sellers
SCi Life Member

Thanks for the input everyone...I'm not sure if I want/need the backing and padding or not. I've never actually seen one that had it.

I'm planning to lay the rug on the floor, but it's possible I'd want to drape it over a couch or something later on. I doubt I'll hang it on the wall since I'm trying to fill all that space with shoulder mounts!

So if you guys have any advice on the backing it would be greatly appreciated. Of course any photos would be great too.

Thanks, Mike

Short answer:

floor=finished rug with backing and trim

wall=could go either way.

Long answer:

Backing with a material that will not slide is best for on a wood floor. The backing will also make the rug more durable. Carpet backing or vinyl are better than felt. Felt is a dust/hair magnet and I do not recommend it for that reason. A well finished rug will not wrinkle over time and will lay nice and flat. They are heavy compared to just an unbacked/trimmed rug. Hanging on the wall is generally fine with an unbacked skin but be aware that any tanning oils may leave a stain over time on a wall and the skin will develop some wrinkles over time.

For hanging on the wall or draping over a sofa etc.. an unbacked skin is ok. If you ever think you may want it on the floor and if you want to keep it wrinkle free for a lifetime I would suggest you pay the extra and get it backed/trimmed.

I had a Hartman's tanned in Africa once without backing. It was stretched, trimmed for shape and prepared with the head laying flat just like a finished rug with no backing or leather trim. It was cheap and has held up fine hanging on the wall with just a few wrinkles. I would not do that again simply because the tanning held up the rest of my dip and pack shipment for many months.

In order to look its best, an unbacked zebra rug will still need to be stretched and trimmed for symmetry and the head and ears sewn down flat so adding a backing and leather trim is not going to really make it a huge savings.