Protective chair mat
Are you a gamer, streamer or do you simply spend at least eight hours a day at your desk? Your floor has had enough — panels or parquet quickly pick up scratches and dents. That is why you need an ENDORFY protective mat. It is a shield for your floor — thick, durable and made for intensive use
What do you gain? Above all, less worry — no more scratching panels or ruining carpets. The chair moves on the mat smoothly and quietly, without the characteristic “scraping” of the floor. Place a mat under it and move without worrying about the floor.
Protective floor mat - what to consider?
Protective mat models available on the market differ in size and materials. Their variety can be overwhelming, so below we have prepared a list of elements to look at before making a purchase decision. They are:
● chair size - the larger the area occupied by the base of your swivel chair, the larger the protective mat should be. Ideally, its size should be larger than the seat by several to dozens of centimeters (this extra margin is intended for moving the chair on the mat);
● material of the protective mat - you can choose among, among others, nearly invisible-on-the-floor polycarbonate and polypropylene as well as slightly thicker silicone and PVC. In our opinion the most versatile is the latter - not only does it prevent floor scratches, it also protects against moisture and muffles the sounds of moving casters. For this reason we used it in our products;
● shape of the protective mat - besides the protective function, a floor mat under the chair should also simply look good and match your setup. At ENDORFY you can choose from 3 shapes: round (Floor Pad 110C), square (Floor Pad 90S) and rectangular (Floor Pad 120R).
You should also pay attention to the appearance of the protective mat. At ENDORFY we opted for a neutral black background covered with subtle patterns. This combination fits perfectly both a modern gaming setuping and a home recording studio.
Protective chair mat - pros and cons
If you are considering a purchase, it's worth learning the pros and cons of this decision. The advantages are:
● floor protection - a protective mat under the chair effectively protects the floor from permanent damage such as deep scratches (on parquet, panels, wood) as well as dents and wear (on carpets and rugs). It is an investment that helps avoid costly renovations;
● smoothness and quietness of movement - the mat's surface provides ideal conditions for chair wheels. The chair moves smoothly, without resistance, eliminating the characteristic “scraping”, which translates into comfort and quiet during work or gaming;
● ease of cleaning - mats for gaming chairs, especially those made of plastics, are much easier to clean than carpet fibers or gaps between floorboards. Just wipe it with a damp cloth to remove dust, hair or spilled liquids;
● stability - a good protective floor mat has a non-slip bottom that prevents uncontrolled sliding of the chair and the mat itself, which improves ergonomics and stability while sitting;
● ergonomics - thanks to the free movement of the chair on the mat you put less strain on your body when moving while seated.
Disadvantages:
● initial cost - a protective floor mat is a one-time expense. Although it is usually much cheaper than a chair, it still constitutes a separate budget item;
● risk of slipping - if you choose the mat poorly for the surface (e.g., a smooth mat on a hard floor), it may shift and roll, which is frustrating. It is necessary to choose a mat with spikes (for carpet) or with a non-slip coating (for parquet);
● need for maintenance - hard mats may dull or crack over time, if they are low quality. Soft mats, like carpets, collect dust and require regular vacuuming;
● aestheticsa - although transparent models are available, the cheapest opaque mats can visually dominate the room and not everyone will like their appearance.
A protective mat is an essential accessory for anyone who spends at least a few hours a day at a desk. The difference in price between a mat and the costs of floor sanding or replacing panels after a few years is very large — usually in favor of the mat.
Protective floor mat - how to choose the right one?
A protective floor mat is the quiet hero of every workstation - the key to keeping your floor in pristine condition. To actually fulfill its role, it must be perfectly chosen. Avoiding slipping and maximizing durability depend on two main factors: the type of surface and the material.
For hard floors (panels, parquet, tiles) choose mats with a smooth, non-slip underside (often a silicone/rubber coating). They must be solid enough not to bend excessively under the wheels, yet flexible so they don't crack. For carpets and rugs choose a mat with small nubs or spikes on the underside. They prevent the mat from sliding on a soft surface and keep it stable.
When it comes to materials, a protective chair mat made of PVC/polypropylene (PP) is the most popular, good and affordable solution. Our suggestion is a thick PVC material that also has waterproof properties — a accidentally spilled drink will not be a problem. On the market you can also find mats made of polycarbonate (very durable, crack-resistant and usually transparent, which is aesthetic, but more expensive) as well as rubber or mixed materials (good for hard floors, often offering the best grip).
Protective mat under the desk - how to choose the right shape?
What shape should the protective mat under the chair and desk have? Choosing the shape of the protective mat for the desk and chair is key to comfort, efficiency and protecting your floor. It mainly depends on how you work, the shape of the desk and the available space.
The standard shape — that is rectangular or square — is best for people who mainly work at the desk and move the chair only a little forwards and backwards. Such an arrangement maximizes protection in the central movement zone, but does not work well if you often move sideways (e.g., to a cabinet).
A round mat is an excellent solution for users with large workstations (e.g., L-shaped corner desks) or for people who move the chair very dynamically within a 180-degree radius (e.g., reaching for documents from a side container). Such a round protective mat for a gaming or office chair provides a large, uniform movement area, which increases freedom and fluidity of work.
See which of our protective mats for swivel chairs will be best for you. We also have other gaming furniture, such as desks.
● Do you need a protective mat under your swivel chair?
We often hear that rubber and nylon casters on a swivel chair (the latter you can find, for example, in ENDORFY models) sufficiently protect the floor from scratching. That is true - this durable and relatively soft material is friendly to most surfaces it rolls on. However, if you have wooden parquet at home, it is worth opting for a good protective mat. Such additional protection not only prevents floor scratches but also protects its surface from moisture. Additionally - in the PVC variant - it reasonably muffles the sounds of wheels moving on the floor.
● How to choose the size of the protective mat?
Hardly anyone sits motionless while using a computer - especially when a gaming session (or work) lasts several hours in a row. For this reason it is worth choosing a protective mat that is several to dozens of centimeters larger than the base of your wheeled chair. This way you can move freely within the workspace and protect a larger part of the floor from scratches or accidental spills. ENDORFY protective mats are available in three sizes: 900×900 mm (Floor Pad 90S), 900×1200 mm (Floor Pad 120R) and 1100×1100 mm (Floor Pad 110C).
