Last Updated on June 4, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford
Are you looking for a way to make your workplace more comfortable? If so, you may want to consider using chair mat alternatives.
A chair mat can help protect your floor from damage, but it can also be uncomfortable and stiff. There are many different types of chair mats on the market, but not all of them are right for everyone.
In this blog post, we will discuss 11 different chair mat alternatives that can help make your workplace more comfortable!
What are chair mats?
A chair mat is a type of floor mat that is designed to protect your floor from the wheels of your office chair. Chair mats come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials, so you can find one that fits your needs. Some chair mats even have special features like anti-fatigue properties or built-in grips to keep your chair from sliding around.
If you have hard floors in your office, a chair mat can help protect them from scratches and damage. Chair mats also make it easier to move your chair around, so you can stay productive at your desk.
Why do you need a chair mat alternative?
Most people don’t think they need a chair mat until they start experiencing back pain or discomfort from sitting in the same position for long periods of time. If you work at a desk job, chances are you are sitting for at least eight hours a day.
That’s a lot of time to be putting strain on your back and neck! A chair mat can help alleviate some of that discomfort by giving you a softer, more comfortable surface to sit on.
Chair Mat Alternatives
1. Bell Glides.
You may have seen these before- they are those plastic, disk like things that people put under the legs of furniture to make it easier to move around on hardwood or tile floors. They come in all sorts of colors and sizes and can be found at most home improvement stores.
Bell glides are a great alternative to chair mats because they are much less expensive and can be used on any type of flooring. They are also easy to install- just peel and stick!
Pros and cons of bell glides:
Bell glides are an alternative to chair mats that can be used on both carpeted and hard floors. They have a number of advantages, including being less expensive and easier to install than chair mats.
Bell glides also allow chairs to be moved more easily, which can be helpful if you need to rearrange furniture frequently. However, bell glides can also damage floors and are not as effective at protecting carpets from wear and tear.
2. Chair Leg Felt Pads.
Do you have hardwood floors and keep finding little dents in them? If so, then you need to get some chair leg felt pads. These are an easy way to protect your floors without having to use a bulky chair mat.
They come in different sizes and shapes, so you can find ones that fit your chairs perfectly. They’re also easy to install – just peel and stick! And if you ever need to remove them, they won’t leave any sticky residue behind.
Pros and cons of Chair Leg Felt Pads:
If you are looking for an alternative to chair mats, felt pads may be a good option for you. Felt pads have several benefits, including the fact that they are much cheaper than chair mats.
They also tend to be less slippery, making them a good choice if you have hardwood floors. However, there are some drawbacks to using felt pads as well. For one, they can wear down quickly, leaving your floors vulnerable to scratches.
Additionally, felt pads can be difficult to clean, and they may not provide as much protection as a chair mat. Overall, felt pads are a good option if you are looking for a cheaper alternative to chair mats.
3. Chair Without Wheels.
While there are many different types of chair mats on the market, one alternative that you may not have considered is a chair without wheels.
This type of chair is becoming increasingly popular in today’s office environment.
There are many benefits to using a chair without wheels, including the fact that they are much easier to move around.
Another benefit is that they are less likely to damage your floor.
If you are looking for a way to make your office more ergonomic, then a chair without wheels may be the perfect solution for you.
4. Glass Mats.
For those of you who prefer something a little more decorative, glass mats make a great alternative to the traditional chair mat. They come in a variety of colors and styles, so you can find one that fits your home or office decor.
Glass mats also have the added benefit of being easy to clean – just wipe them down with a damp cloth when they get dirty.
5. Marble Or Granite Cutout.
If you are looking for an interesting and unique way to add style to your home or office, then consider a marble or granite cutout. These beautiful pieces can be used as floor mats, countertops, backsplashes, or even art pieces. They are truly versatile and can add a touch of luxury to any space.
When it comes to marble or granite cutouts, there are many different options to choose from. You can find them in a variety of colors, sizes, and shapes. If you want something truly unique, then you can even have a custom piece made.
6. Polyurethane Wheels.
If you are looking for an alternative to chair mats, consider using polyurethane wheels. These wheels are designed to roll on carpet and protect it from wear and tear. They come in a variety of sizes and colors, so you can find the perfect match for your office decor.
Polyurethane wheels are an affordable way to keep your carpets looking new, and they require no installation. Simply roll them out on your carpet and enjoy the protection they provide.
Pros and cons of Polyurethane Wheels:
They’re cheaper, last longer, and don’t slide around on the floor like chair mats can. However, polyurethane wheels can damage hardwood floors and leave marks on carpeting.
7. Roller-Style Blade Wheels.
You know the ones. They’re made of hard plastic and they have those little metal blades that spin around. You can find them at any office supply store.
They’re not very expensive, but they’re also not very good for your floors. The blades can scratch up hardwood and tile, and they’re not very effective on carpet.
8. Rug.
A lot of people use them in their homes and businesses. They are easy to find and relatively inexpensive. You can even find them in a variety of colors and designs to match your décor.
The downside to rugs is that they can be a tripping hazard, and they don’t offer much protection for your floor.
9. Sheet Of MDF Board.
If you are looking for a cheaper alternative to a chair mat, you can try using a sheet of MDF board. MDF stands for medium-density fiberboard and is a type of engineered wood.
It is made by breaking down hardwood or softwood fibers and combining them with wax and resin binders. MDF is denser than plywood and is often used as a cheaper alternative to particle board. MDF can be found at most hardware stores or online.
10. Sheet Of Plywood.
We often think of plywood as something we use for construction projects or perhaps for making a workbench in the garage. But plywood can also be used as an inexpensive and surprisingly effective chair mat.
If you have hardwood floors in your home office, chances are they’re starting to show signs of wear from your office chair rolling back and forth over them all day. A sheet of plywood can help protect your floors and make your chair roll more smoothly.
To use a sheet of plywood as a chair mat, simply place it on the floor where you want it to go. You may need to trim it to size if it’s too large for the space.
11. Standing Desks.
You’ve probably seen them before, those desks that allow you to stand up while you work. They have been gaining in popularity in recent years as more and more people are looking for ways to combat the sedentary lifestyle.
Standing desks are a great way to get some extra movement into your day, and they have been shown to have a number of health benefits.
Some of the benefits of standing desks include:
-Reduced risk of weight gain and obesity
-Lower risk of heart disease
– Reduced risk of type II diabetes
– Reduced risk of cancer
– Improved mental health
FAQs
Is a chair mat necessary?
Most people would say yes, a chair mat is necessary if you want to protect your flooring from scratches and scuffs. But there are some people who argue that a chair mat is not necessary, and that it’s actually more harmful than helpful. So what’s the truth?
Here are some pros and cons of using a chair mat:
PRO: A chair mat can help to protect your floor from scratches and scuffs.
CON: A chair mat can be a tripping hazard.
PRO: A chair mat can extend the life of your carpet.
CON: A chair mat can be expensive.
Do chair mats ruin carpet?
The debate on whether chair mats ruin carpet has been going on for years, with no clear consensus. Some people say that chair mats protect your carpet from wear and tear, while others argue that the mats can actually damage your carpet.
So, what’s the truth? Do chair mats ruin carpet?
Well, it depends. If you’re using a cheap, flimsy chair mat, then it’s likely that the mat will damage your carpet. However, if you’re using a high-quality, heavy-duty chair mat, then it’s unlikely that the mat will damage your carpet.
So, if you’re worried about damaging your carpet, be sure to choose a high-quality chair mat. Otherwise, you might end up doing more harm than good.
Do bamboo chair mats work on carpet?
Yes, bamboo chair mats can work on carpet. They are designed to protect your floor from the wear and tear of office chairs. Bamboo is a durable material that can withstand heavy use. Chair mats can prolong the life of your carpet by protecting it from dirt, spills, and other debris.
Conclusion
So there you have it, three great alternatives to the standard chair mat. If you’re looking for a more environmentally friendly option, go for the bamboo mat. If you want something that will last longer, go for the PVC mat.
And if you’re looking for a cheaper option, go with the recycled tire mat. Whichever option you choose, make sure to measure your space first so you know what size mat you need. Happy shopping!
