Office floor mats can be a great way to protect your floors from wear and tear, and it can also help you stay more comfortable while you work. Chair mats are designed to protect your floor from damage by providing a protective barrier between the floor and your chair.
But did you know that an office floor mat can also offer some other benefits? Here are a few things you may not have known about these handy mats.
What are office floor mats and what do they do?
Office mats are designed to protect your floor from the castors or wheels of your office chair. They come in a variety of sizes and materials, and you can choose one that best suits your needs. For example, if you have hardwood flooring, you may want to choose a mat made of a softer material so it doesn’t scratch the floor.
If you’re like most business owners, you’re always looking for ways to save money and increase efficiency. One way to do both of those things is by using office mats.
Do you have a floor mat for your office? If not, you should consider getting one.
Benefits of using office mats
Floor mats offer a variety of advantages that can make your work life easier and more comfortable. Here are some of the top benefits of using an office mat:
- Mats protect your floor from damage, marks and scuffs, making them last longer.
- They also protect floors from dirt, spills and are easy to clean – just sweep or vacuum them regularly.
- A mat makes it easier to move around your workstation, and paired with a swivelling chair it increases mobility and reduces the risk of slipping.
- If your chair has wheels, a mat makes it much easier to roll your chair around on the carpet.
- If your chair doesn’t have wheels, it minimises the risk of getting the chair legs caught, preventing accidents in the workplace.
- Floor mats create a more comfortable work environment by providing cushioning for your feet and additional padding sitting in one place all day!
- Mats provide insulation against cold floors in the winter and hot floors in the summer.
- Certain types of office mats can reduce fatigue, improve your posture and help prevent back pain.
- They come in a variety of colours, styles, and sizes to match any office décor.
A range of chair mats for every office
Office mats are made from different materials and are designed for different types of floors, such as carpet, tiles and hardwood flooring. The most common types of materials for chair mats are tempered glass, plastic, rubber, and PVC.
- PVC or plastic mats are the most popular because they’re durable, easily cleaned and have a low price point.
- Tempered glass mats are the newest on the market and offer the smoothest roll surface. They’re also the most expensive option.
- Rubber mats are suitable for outdoor use, on hard surfaces or in workplaces that may regularly have wet floors.
- For low-pile carpets or hardwood, the best material is polycarbonate plastic. This material is a thermoplastic that’s impact-resistant, very strong and easy to mould.
Polycarbonate mats come in many different sizes to fit any style of office chair. Usually clear, they’re also available in multiple colours options to match your décor.
Size matters
When choosing a floor protector, it is important to select the right size and shape to suit your needs. For example, if you have a large desk with multiple monitors, you will need a larger mat than someone who only has a laptop.
Shape
The shape of office floor mats also differ. The most common are rectangle, square, and lip shapes.
- A rectangle mat is the best option for most people as it covers a large area and can be used with any type of chair.
- A square mat is suitable for those who have a smaller desk or workstation.
- Lip mats are ideal protection from rolling chairs, but they can also be used under computer towers.
Thickness
Chair mats also come in a range of thicknesses for home and office use. Floor protectors are also designed for different thicknesses of carpet pile. Thick options are better suited for industrial use or areas with higher traffic.
Did you know that most chair mats have a carpet & underlay thickness rating? To measure the thickness of your carpet and underlay, push a pin firmly into both until you can’t go any further. Mark where the pin meets your carpet with a marker. Then remove it and measure how far apart these two points are from each other. The pin test will help you determine which chair mat is right for your carpet pile and prevent cracking.
For hard floors, the thickness is usually around ¼ inch or less. The primary benefit of chair mats is to prevent damage to your flooring from marks and wear, as well as make it easier to move around in your office space.
Unique features
Some office floor mats are made from anti-static materials that protect sensitive electronic equipment from static electricity.
If you have a sit-stand desk or adjustable desk there are also anti-fatigue chair mats, which are ergonomically designed to provide comfort and support when standing for long periods on a hard surface. Anti fatigue mats are made from materials like gel, foam, or air which can help reduce the risk of foot, leg, and back pain.
Looking to improve your workspace and promote good health? Check out these options from our sit-stand desk range:
ELEVATE SIT-STAND DESK – STANDARD
Looking to add a little healthy movement to your workday? Meet the Elevate Sit-Stand Desk! This electric sit stand desk features motors on each leg, providing a stable and spacious design that makes it easy to transition from sitting to standing.
Plus, when paired with an Arteil office chair, you’ve got the perfect combo for a healthy and comfortable office space.
VIX MESH OFFICE CHAIR
The Vix Mesh Office Chair is a sleek and contemporary office chair with features that include an optional headrest, adjustable arms for increased comfort while you work (and greater productivity!). The sliding seat allows you to adjust the depth and a separate lever allows you to change the height according to your needs. Syncro tilt technology ensures stability at 4 locking positions ensuring maximum support while working on your computer.
Arteil stock these at affordable prices with metro area delivery within 7 days.
Choosing the right office mat for your needs
Purchasing the right office chair mat depends on several factors, including the type of flooring in your office and the amount of traffic. With so many different kinds of chair mats available, it’s important to choose the right one to safeguard your flooring and furniture.
Carpeted floors are more vulnerable to dents and damage from an office chair, so it’s important to choose a chair mat that is designed for carpets. Timber and other hard floors are less susceptible, but a chair mat will still provide protection from dirt, scratches and scuffs.
Traffic
If you have high-traffic areas or chairs on wheels, you’ll want a chair mat that is durable and can withstand heavy use.
Another advantage of using a chair mat is it can help reduce noise levels caused by rolling chairs. This is ideal for open-plan offices, as it can help to create a more productive and comfortable working environment.
Flooring
The type of flooring in your office also dictates what kind of mat you should get. Carpeted floors will require a different style of mat than hard surfaces or laminate floors. The material of the chair mat is important to consider if you have a carpet. Hard plastic mats can damage carpeting, so it’s important to find a chair mat made from a soft material.
The best type of chair mat for carpets is the studded variety. These have small spikes on the underside that grip the carpet fibres and prevent the mat from sliding around.
Hard floors and laminate require a smooth mat so that it does not damage the flooring. An office mat made from glass is a good choice for laminate, tile and hardwood because they’re smooth and causes scratches on the flooring.
Once you have determined the size and kind of mat you need for your floor, you can select one based on your budget and style preference.
Safeguard flooring and create a healthier workplace
Buying an office mat is an investment that will save you money in the long run. It is an ergonomic way to increase your productivity and mobility.
There are many different types of mats available on the market, so it’s important to do your research to find the best one for your needs. With a little bit of time and effort, you can find the perfect mat to keep your office floors and furniture looking great for years to come!
There are many advantages to a well-designed ergonomic work environment. So, if you’re looking to purchase an ergonomic office chair that will support your back and keep you comfortable all day long, Arteil has a great selection. Arteil has a wide variety of chairs to choose from, so you can find the perfect one for your needs.
Arteil also has a wide variety of office chair spare parts including mats, castors and glides to maintain your office chair and keep it rolling smoothly.
Give us a call today to learn more about our products and how we can help you create a healthy and productive work environment for your team or home office.