The last two years have been rather unpredictable, but one thing has remained certain: the rise of the home office. More people than ever before are turning their spare bedroom — or empty spot in the living room, dining room, and everywhere in between — into an efficient workspace.
That said, though, you may have installed a new office space on the hardwood floors of your home — and noticed a scratch or two along the way. It begs the question: How do you protect your hardwood floors from office chairs and other furniture?
Today, we’re going to take a closer look at just that. Whether you’re a renter who wants a quaint workspace or just want to be able to move around a little easier, it’s a good idea to pair your new ergonomic office chair with a protective floor mat.
Should You Buy Floor Protection for Office Chairs in Your Home Office?
The short answer: yes. You absolutely should invest in floor protection for your home office chairs, especially if you’re constantly rolling on hardwood floors. But there are also a variety of reasons to get one even if you’re not on hardwood floors. This can include sitting on top of thick carpet, linoleum, or even just wanting a more professional look and feel to your home office.
For whatever the reason, investing in floor protection for chairs in your home office is a great decision, and one you won’t regret
What Kind of Material Should Your Floor Protector Be Made of?
When it comes to shopping for the best mat for your home office chair, it’s a smart idea to pick one that’s thick, durable, and isn’t going to move around underneath you. In addition to all of the above, make sure the mat is specifically designed for the type of floor in your office. A mat designed for hardwood floors might not be the best choice for your carpeted ergonomic home office.
As far as the actual material, it’s mostly up to personal preference. Some do work optimally with certain floor types, though. For example, vinyl, polycarbonate and tempered glass are the most popular ones. Vinyl is thin, light, cheap and good for light home office use. Tempered glass will work on all floor types and give you a smooth roll, although it does tend to be a bit more expensive than the others. Polycarbonate, though, is your in-between option; it’s strong, durable, and just like PVC mats, has transparent as well as color options.
But What About the Size? Does it Matter?
The thickness of the mat is especially important if you plan on using it on carpet, but the length or width is usually personal preference. If you want to take up a large footprint, have at it! If you only want to cover a relatively small portion directly underneath where your chair is going to be rolling, that works, too.
(If you’re in the market for a home office chair that fits in a small space, check out our recommendations here.)
When it comes to measuring the actual “thickness” of the mat, the size you choose is dependent on how thick your carpet is. The thicker your carpet, the longer the “teeth” should be underneath the mat — it’s what holds the mat in place while your chair sits on top of it. The best way to know for sure is by measuring the thickness of your carpet and comparing it to the mat you’re looking to buy.
If you’re dealing with hardwood floors, you won’t have to deal with the “teeth” at all. These types of protective mats usually have rubber grips that prevent the mat from sliding on hardwood or flat floors.
How Much Do Home Office Mats Usually Cost?
Ultimately, it depends on which type of mat you choose for your home office. The least expensive option will be the vinyl or PVC mats that work well with hardwood floors. They will run you anywhere in the $30-$50 range. If you go for a more mid-range option — like polycarbonate, which is more durable — they will retail for around $50-$75. And finally, if you opt for the high-end tempered glass option, you’re looking at spending anywhere north of $75.
The more you pay, the more quality office mat you’re going to receive and the longer it’s going to last.
Do I Need Anything Else for My Home Office?
We all spend a lot of time at work. And if you’re reading this, you probably spend just as much time sitting behind a computer screen at a desk.
When it comes to sitting behind a desk all day, comfort is paramount. That’s where office chair accessories come in. Think about all of the top-of-the-range office chairs on the market. They all have one thing in common: ergonomics, premium materials, and a little touch of luxury.
Bottom Line
There’s no doubt that protecting your floor is incredibly important, especially if you’re rolling around on hardwood floors all day. Especially if you’re renting an apartment, you won’t want to lose your security deposit on scratched hardwood floors, especially when there’s a quick and easy way to avoid it.
One of the absolute best ways to protect your floors from the damaging effects of office chair wheels is simply to invest in a good floor protector. Not only will it help protect your floors, it will also improve your chair’s mobility and your own comfort throughout the workday.
