Hardwood flooring has continued to grow in popularity over the last several years. It’s no wonder either, as hardwood flooring services both fashion and function thanks to its natural (or faux natural) beauty and the ease with which you can clean messes from its surface. However, they are easier to damage, especially from rough-wheeled office chairs that constantly move across the surface.
The best chair mat for protecting your hardwood floors is the Gorilla Grip Premium Polycarbonate Chair Mat for Hard Floors. This best-of-the-best chair mat exceeds expectations across the board from its durability to its transparency and can be purchased in one of two sizes and with or without edge lip.
Chair mats for hardwood floors tend to be constructed of either vinyl/PVC, polycarbonate or tempered glass.
Some chair mats for hardwood floors have options to include a lip around the edge of the mat, which is typically meant to prevent your chair from accidentally sliding off the mat and damaging the hardwood underneath. Some don’t like the outer lip as it constitutes a tripping risk and can also be a bit sharp in rare cases.
Usually only a concern for plastic chair mats and especially for plastic mats which are not BPA-free. Very few plastic chair mats which have this initial smell last much longer than a day or two though if they are opened in a small space, it could last longer. If your new chair mat has some user reviews that point out a smell, you’re concerned it might have one. It’s best to open it in a large indoor or any exterior space to allow the smell to dissipate before placing it in its intended room.
Chair mats for hardwood floors vary in price depending on the material used in their construction and their size, with most entry-level chair mats for hardwood floors costing around $35. Stronger or larger chair mats for hardwood floors usually don’t cost more than $10-$15 more though some can double in price to reach roughly $70. Few chair mats for hardwood floors cost more than $70, except for tempered glass chair mats, which can cost several hundred dollars.
There are several methods to keep your chair mat from moving around your hardwood floor. One of the better methods is to add a thin layer of glue all over the bottom of the chair mat, which is then allowed to dry before the chair mat is returned. This adds traction to the chair mat. Another option you can try is to attach the double-sided tape to the corners or edges of the chair mat to keep it still though you generally need to replace the tape every so often.
The best method of cleaning your chair mat for hardwood floors is to simply wipe it clean with soap and water-soaked cloth before thoroughly drying the surface and especially drying any water that sneaked under the edge of the mat. You could also mop it, but water will still get under the edges that you’ll need to dry to prevent mildew.
Gorilla Grip Premium Polycarbonate Chair Mat for Hard Floors
What you need to know: This is a nearly invisible chair mat for protecting your hardwood floor without attracting unwanted attention.
What you’ll love: The durability of this chair mat is high enough to last for years and comes in two sizes to best fit your office.
What you should consider: These chair mats don’t ship flat, which can possibly cause some lasting imperfections.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
AiBOB Office Chair Mat for Hardwood Floors
What you need to know: This is a good quality chair mat for hardwood floors that can save you a little bit of money.
What you’ll love: The plastic of this chair mat is smooth enough for chairs to move across easily but textured enough to prevent unwanted movement.
What you should consider: This chair mat for hardwood floors ships rolled up, which can cause some damage.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Amazon Basics Polycarbonate Chair Mat with Lip for Hardwood Floors
What you need to know: This is a middle-of-the-pack option for chair mats for hardwood floors in both quality and price.
What you’ll love: Multiple versions of this chair mat are available in terms of sizes and with or without an edge lip.
What you should consider: Amazon ships this chair mat wound tightly enough that opening the package will cause the mat to burst forth suddenly.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Jordan C. Woika writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
