How to Buy a Chair Mat

Place a chair mat under the desk and chair to extend the life of your carpet. A mat also reduces fatigue by allowing you to roll your chair more easily. They’re available in different sizes and weights, pre-cut or custom fit.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Choose the appropriate type of floor mat for your particular needs. They are available in different thicknesses and assorted materials, such as vinyl and wood. The weight on the mat, the type of chair castors and the combined thickness of the carpet and padding will determine which mat you’ll need.
   
2. Determine the size and shape of the mat you’ll need. Consider the total floor space, width of the workstation, size of the chair base and the amount of movement you need for the chair.
   
3. Decide whether you want a clear or colored mat. A clear mat allows the color of the carpet or the wood grain on the floor to show through. Both kinds are available in different thicknesses.
   
   
4. Establish whether you’ll be placing the mat over carpet or a hard surface such as linoleum, tile or hardwood. Look for lots of cleats on the underside of the mat if you’re placing it on a carpet. You need these to grip the carpet and keep the mat in place when you roll your chair over it. Non-cleated mats work well on a hard floor surface, and heavy-duty antistatic mats are available for hard floor surfaces and low pile carpet.

Tips & Warnings

• If you'll be moving your chair mat for routine cleaning, you may want a more flexible mat. If you can easily fold it in half, you'll be able to roll it up and move it without difficulty.

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