Designed to improve comfort and efficiency in the workplace, wheeled office chairs are common place. They can make it easier to sit for long periods, and allow free movement around an individual’s workspace. But they may also have negative effects, most of which are reduced by using the correct chair mat.
Chair mats are constructed from a number of different materials and come in a range of sizes, shapes and thicknesses. They are designed to protect the workspace environment while making movement around it healthier and more efficient.
Carpet dramatically reduces the effectiveness of wheeled chairs. Constantly forcing a chair to move against resistance can result in health issues such as back, leg and knee pain. For carpeted floors, chair mats provide a smooth surface for wheels to travel over. It takes around 80% less effort to roll across a chair mat than over carpet, dramatically decreasing strain on the body.
Flooring surfaces are also vulnerable to damage caused by rolling chairs. The combined weight of the chair and the person sitting in it is directed downward onto the floor at just four or five points. These pressure points move constantly throughout the day, and can create wear, furrows and gouges in both hard floors and carpeting.
Chair mats are constructed from a number of different materials and come in a range of sizes, shapes and thicknesses. They are designed to protect the workspace environment while making movement around it healthier and more efficient.
Three materials are commonly used to make chair mats – polycarbonate, PVC and rubber.
Polycarbonate and PVC are thermoplastics, with polycarbonate stronger and stiffer than PVC. This stiffness makes it ideal for use on carpeted floors. Long-life polycarbonate chair mats from Advance Matting are suitable for any thickness of carpet, with spikes on the underside to ensure they will not move. They are also easy to clean with a damp cloth and safe for use with underfloor heating.
Flexible PVC mats are suitable for both carpet and hard floors. Advance supplies PVC mats in rectangular and keyhole shapes, with or without spikes. These, too, are easy to clean and safe with underfloor heating.
Rubber mats are generally thicker than polycarbonate or PVC, and remain secure on hard floors and carpet without requiring spikes. Our 5mm keyhole-shaped mats have a non-trip bevelled edge for safety, and are a suitable alternative to the traditional PVC or polycarbonate chair mats.
Many flooring manufacturers will void their warranties unless chair mats are used. This, combined with the health and safety benefits they provide, makes chair mats an excellent functional addition to most workplaces.