Chair Mat Material Selection

Choosing the Right Mat for Your Floor

The first step is figuring out what type of floor you have and which mat works best for it. A mat that’s too thin can crack or wear out, while a thicker one might be more durable but could affect how your chair rolls.

Types of Floors:

  • Carpeted Floors (like in offices or homes):
    • Thin Pile: Usually found in offices; very thin carpets.
    • Thick Pile: Found in homes; thicker, more cushioned carpets.
  • Hard Floors (like wood, tile, or concrete): These floors need mats that provide a smooth surface for chairs to roll on. We offer two options:
    • Clear Vinyl: Most popular; lets you see the floor while protecting it.
    • Black Vinyl: Great for covering damaged or uneven areas.

Picking the Right Mat Thickness for Carpet

  • To measure carpet thickness, straighten the end of a paper clip, then stick it into the carpet until it reaches the floor. Grab the clip at the carpet’s surface, pull it out, and measure the length with your fingers. That’s the thickness of your carpet and padding.
  • If your carpet and padding are ½ inch or less (about the thickness of a pencil), our Premium Line is the best choice.
  • If your carpet and padding are ½ inch or thicker, go for the Executive Line, which comes with a lifetime warranty.
  • Not Sure? If you’re unsure about the thickness, it’s safer to choose a thinner mat than one that’s too thick.

Still Need Help? 

We’ve got you covered with our easy chair mat material selection chart! It’s simple to use: the first column shows the chair mat material, the second column gives you a visual of your floor type, and the third column explains why that material is the best match for your floor.

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Don't Guess With This Great Tip

The easiest way to check the thickness of your carpet is to straighten the end of a paper clip, then sink it into the carpet, through the padding, until it reaches the floor. Grab the paper clip at the point where it's flush with the carpet. (Be sure you're not matting down the carpet with your hand.) Measure the distance between your fingers and the end of the paper clip. That's the carpet's thickness.

  • Non-Studded Material

    Our non-studded material is designed for all kinds of hard floors, including concrete floors and hardwood floors.

  • Economy Material

    Our economy material works well for Carpeted areas with no padding, or where the combined pad and pile is less than 1/4” thick.

  • Premium Material

    Our premium material works great for any combination of carpet pad and pile between 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch thick. This one is our best seller.

  • Executive Material

    Our executive material is recommended for any combination of pad and pile greater than 1/2 inch thick. It's great for a home office.