How Glass Chair Mats Extend the Life of Your Home Office Flooring
Thanks to the mass shift into work-from-home setups in corporate America, home offices are now a staple in most apartments and houses. Most corporate office spaces are planned and implemented with the help of a professional interior designer – complete with high-end products.
Most home offices do not have this luxury.
One of the most commonly overlooked (and underappreciated) components of most home offices is the floor. With a hardwood floor, desk chairs add a lot of wear and tear – which can be extremely expensive to fix.
It’s essential that you protect it from ongoing damage.
Enter an office chair mat for hardwood floors.
Most people opt for cheap plastic chair mats as a barrier to protect their floor. These mats do not hold up well for long-term use – and most are rendered ineffective within a few months. In this article, we’re going to explain why glass office chair mats are essential to protect your home office flooring.
Understanding the Problem: Office Chair Damage
Office chairs, (especially the ones with casters) can cause serious damage to your hardwood floors over time.
In addition to your weight in the desk chair, the floors are subjected to constant rolling and swiveling – which creates a great deal of friction and pressure on the hardwood floor. Through repeated use, hardwood floors can quickly get visible scratches, dents, and even holes. No flooring materials are immune to this.
Moreover, any debris that gets trapped in the desk chair's wheels will drag across the floor and increase the damage to both the integrity and aesthetics.
The Solution: Glass Chair Mats
A glass office chair mat for hardwood floors provides a significantly greater protective layer to absorb wear and tear. These chair mats are made of tempered glass that is highly resistant to scratches and dents.
Unlike plastic chair mats, the wheels of the desk chair do not create ruts and grooves after repeated use. The desk chair wheels roll seamlessly on the glass surface, which reduces friction and eliminates damage to your hardwood floor.
The initial cost of glass chair mats initially higher, but they provide unrivaled floor protection and are built to last a lifetime.
Benefits of Glass Chair Mats for Home Office Flooring
Floor Protection
Glass chair mats provide a strong layer of floor protection in your home office.
The tempered glass is designed to absorb the impact and reduce the friction caused by frequent movement in your desk chair. The tough, tempered glass construction makes the chair mat impervious to scratches and dents, which provides a near-unbreakable barrier between the wheels of your desk chair and the hardwood floor.
The wheels roll smoothly on the mat's glass surface, keeping the wood below completely unscathed, regardless of how much you use your desk chair.
Aesthetics
Glass chair mats add a sense of elegance and sophistication to your home office space.
The transparent nature of these chair mats lets the beauty of your hardwood floors shine through – and can blend into any decor style.
Cheap plastic mats, on the other hand, tend to crack and become sun-bleached over time – whereas glass mats maintain their polished look. All in all, the aesthetic appeal of glass chair mats goes beyond functionality. They can elevate your home office to a new level of style.
We purchased two glass chair mats with the beveled edge. The glass looks beautiful on our new wood floors. Our desk chairs roll very easily, and the mat always stays in place. We are so happy with the beveled edge. I would definitely recommend this product. We love them.
— Dan (Verified Customer) | Square Glass Chair Mat
Long-Term Cost Savings
Most people opt for traditional plastic chair mats due to the low cost. You can find some mats for as low as $20 (maybe even lower). These chair mats usually give out in a few months.
Investing in a glass office chair mat for hardwood floors can lead to significant long-term cost savings.
While glass costs more than plastic or rubber mats, the durability and longevity mean you won't need to replace it, as most models are built to last a lifetime.
Most importantly, the floor protection provided by glass office chair mats prevents damage that can require costly repairs (or replacements). This is extremely important for home offices with high-end hardwood flooring materials – oak, maple, zebra wood, walnut, etc.
Ultimately, a glass chair mat preserves your floor's aesthetic appeal and monetary value, making it one of the most cost-effective investments for your home office.
How to Choose the Right Glass Chair Mat
When choosing a glass chair mat for hardwood floors, there are several factors to be taken into account.
For one, the size and shape of the mat should align with your workspace dimensions and the range of movement you require. At Clearly Innovative, we offer square, rectangle, and tabbed glass chair mat variations – each of which is designed with beveled edges.
Secondly, it is also important to understand that there are specific office chair mats for hardwood floors. Be sure to check and make sure the glass chair mat is designed for wood – rather than carpet floors.
Lastly, it's always beneficial to look through customer reviews and brand reputations before making a purchase.
How to Care for Your Glass Chair Mat
Caring for a glass chair mat is relatively easy.
Regular cleaning with a damp cloth and a mild detergent or glass cleaner will keep the mat looking its best. Also, avoid using abrasive cleaners or tools that could potentially scratch the glass surface. If you're moving the mat, take precautions to avoid accidental drops or collisions. With the proper care, your glass office chair mat will last forever.
Over to You
You shouldn’t have to compromise on the quality of your home office. It’s a place where you make a living and spend a large portion of your time.
At Clearly Innovative, we’re big advocates that you should always invest properly in the things that come between you and the ground. This goes for mattresses, shoes, chairs, and of course, chair mats.
Moreover, hardwood floors are a privilege – they deserve proper care and protection. While traditional plastic or rubber chair mats may be a short-term solution to keep your floor materials safe from damage, glass chair mats will last forever and provide a plethora of benefits to your home office – including floor protection, ergonomics, aesthetic appeal, and more.
Are you interested in taking your home office to the next level?
Browse our selection of office components today. For any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to point you in the right direction.
