Measuring Your Custom Chair Mat
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To design your custom chair mat, you’ll need to create a simple drawing and take accurate measurements of the area you want the mat to cover. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to make this process easy to understand:
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Draw the Shape of Your Mat
Start by sketching the area where your chair mat will go. This drawing doesn’t need to be perfectly to scale or a work of art—just a rough outline that captures the basic shape of the mat (e.g., rectangle, L-shape, or something custom). The key is to ensure the opposite sides of your drawing are balanced. For example:
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- The total horizontal measurements across the top of the mat should equal the total horizontal measurements across the bottom.
- Similarly, the total vertical measurements on the left side should match the total vertical measurements on the right side.
This ensures your mat’s shape is consistent and symmetrical, which is important for proper cutting.
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Measure the Area
Use a tape measure to measure the dimensions of the area your mat will cover. Write these measurements directly on your drawing, labeling each section clearly (e.g., length of the top, width of the sides, etc.). Be sure to include any part of the mat that will slide under your desk (often called the “lip” area).
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- For the lip area (the part under the desk), plan for about 10 inches of coverage to ensure your chair rolls smoothly over this section.
- When measuring smaller sections, like the lip, round down to the nearest inch. For example, if you measure 25.5 inches, write down 25 inches. This rounding provides a bit of clearance to make installing the mat easier without bumping into furniture, and it won’t affect how well the mat works.
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Double-Check Your Measurements
Before moving forward, verify that your measurements are accurate. Check that opposite sides of the mat (top vs. bottom, left vs. right) add up to the same totals. If they don’t match, adjust them now to avoid issues later. This step ensures your mat will fit perfectly in your space.
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Determine the Overall Size of the Mat
Now, calculate the total size of your chair mat by combining all your measurements. This is the full footprint of the mat, including the lip area under the desk. To do this:
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- Add up the horizontal measurements to find the total width of the mat.
- Add up the vertical measurements to find the total length of the mat.
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Choose the Right Product Size
Use the total overall size of your mat (width and length) to select the appropriate product size when ordering. Our mats are cut from standard raw material sheets, so pick a sheet size that’s equal to or larger than your measurements. If you’re unsure which size to choose, feel free to reach out to us with your drawing and measurements, and we’ll help you select the right one.
By following these steps, you’ll have a clear and accurate plan for your custom chair mat. Your drawing and measurements will be used to transfer the design to our system for precise cutting, ensuring your mat fits perfectly in your home or office. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us!