How to Build a Chair Mat Out of Laminate

Use scrap laminate to make decorative chair mats.

When you are installing laminate flooring in your home, you might find that you have excess laminate left over once the flooring has been installed. Instead of tossing the laminate into the trash, use it to create home accessories. For example, construct matching chair mats that will be both beautiful and utilitarian from leftover laminate. Everything you need in order to make handmade laminate chair mats can be found inexpensively at any arts and crafts supply store.

Things You'll Need

• Laminate flooring
• Band saw
• Tape measure
• Sandpaper, medium-grain
• Sandpaper, fine-grain
• Foam adhesive
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Cut out a square from laminate flooring, using a band saw. The square should have rounded corners and be a few inches larger than the base of the chair which you'll put on top of it.

2. Sand the edges of the laminate square using medium-grain sandpaper. Move the sandpaper using small, circular motions around all of the edges to smooth down any roughness.

3. Sand the edges of the laminate square using fine-grain sandpaper. Move the sandpaper using small, circular motions around all of the edges to make them sleek and soft.

4. Cut out a square piece of foam adhesive, using scissors. The foam adhesive square should have the same dimensions as the square of laminate that you cut earlier.

5. Peel the backing off the foam adhesive square, and position the foam sheet evenly over the back of the laminate square. Press the foam adhesive onto the laminate square to secure it in place.

6. Place the laminate chair mat onto the floor where your chair will go, with the foam side facing down. Repeat to make as many laminate chair mats as you like.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep sharp saws and scissors out of the reach of children.