As many office workers set up remote workstations at home, creating a comfortable and safe home office environment has become a new focus. Computer desks, office chairs, and equipment now fill up spaces that used to be dens, recreation rooms, or spare bedrooms. An important surface to prevent the wear of office chair wheels and shoes is the floor, especially hardwood. Over time, unsightly or destructive ruts and scratches can permanently damage hardwood floors.

The solution to this problem is a heavy-duty chair cushion. Office chair cushions provide a barrier between the hardwood floor and the work space. The casters of the office chair can still move freely, but they will not make frictional contact with the floor itself. Chair cushions with extra lips can also protect the floor from hard-soled shoes. Most chair cushions are made of durable plastic, polycarbonate or tempered glass.

One of the best cushions on the market today is the Gorilla Grip polycarbonate cushion, which is a very thick model with protective lips and large dimensions.

The most significant difference between the basic entry-level chair cushions used for hardwood floors and the high-end models is the building materials. Inexpensive chair cushions often use vinyl or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). These materials do provide good protection between the chair and the floor, but they also have durability and safety issues. Slippage is a common problem with vinyl or PVC, unless the cushion also contains a backing material. If they arrive in rolls, these materials may also be difficult to flatten.

Mid-range chair cushions are usually made of a stronger plastic called polycarbonate. Polycarbonate cushions are usually transported flat to avoid curling. They are designed to provide greater grip on relatively smooth surfaces such as hardwood. Polycarbonate is also more durable than vinyl or PVC.

The most high-end is tempered glass, which provides maximum durability and adhesion. The tempered glass chair cushion is always flat, and many models have protective lips to keep the chair and occupants in place.

The ideal size of an office chair cushion is usually determined by the size of the desk and work area. Many manufacturers offer a range of sizes, usually rectangular or square. The type of floor can also affect the size of the chair cushion. Before ordering a chair cushion, measure the width of the table and the distance between the chair and the table.

Many office chair cushions have extensions or lips that fit under the table and provide extra protection to prevent shoe wear. This also provides a good parking space for the chair between uses. Lips are not essential to protect hardwood floors from damage, but many users do find it helpful.

Chair cushions that are shipped in roll form may not be ready for immediate use. Some vinyl or PVC models require several hours of exhaust to reduce any chemical odors on arrival. It also takes some time and effort to eliminate curls or folds, such as placing the mat in direct sunlight for at least an hour.

The degree of adhesion between the mat and the floor is also a consideration. The cushions used for carpets usually contain special studs to increase the grip, but the cushions used for hardwood floors must be smooth. The bottom surface should not be too rough, as this will damage the finish of the floor. When the user performs daily activities on the chair, a high-quality chair cushion should be firmly fixed in place. Some slippage may be inevitable, but the mat should not be too slippery to avoid a serious fall.

Many chair cushions designed for hardwood floors are made of transparent materials to show the natural beauty of the floor. However, some manufacturers also offer chair cushions in gray, black, or neutral colors. There are also chair cushions with bolder tones, highlighting the overall color scheme of the room.

Standard chair cushions on hardwood floors will accumulate static electricity over time, and the static electricity will be released into the computer or other sensitive electronic devices with the touch of a finger. The special antistatic chair cushion is designed to dissipate any accumulated static electricity before it is discharged. This information should be included in the product description or packaging.

The cheapest hardwood floor chair cushions are likely to be made of vinyl or PVC and cost less than $35. The retail price of a high-quality mid-range chair cushion made of more durable polycarbonate is $35-70. The price of high-end tempered glass chair cushions may be $70 or more, but the performance and quality are excellent.

A. Most chair cushions designed for hardwood floors have a smooth side and a textured side. The bottom is smooth to protect the floor, and the top is textured to provide greater traction for office chairs with casters. Some manufacturers put stickers or other markings to indicate the correct direction before shipping.

A. Many chair cushions used on hardwood floors are square or rectangular. They are designed to protect the floor under the chair. Chair cushions with extended tongues or flaps are designed to be placed under the table and provide a barrier between the floor and the user's feet.

Gorilla Grip Polycarbonate Chair Pad: Available on Amazon

Our view: Gorilla Grip chair cushions are suitable for all kinds of floors, but they are particularly compatible with hardwood floors in home offices.

What we like: The cushion is made of durable polycarbonate instead of thinner PVC. With a thickness of more than 3 mm, it can resist dents, dents and grooves caused by office chairs. The transparent polycarbonate material minimizes the appearance of chair cushions on hardwood floors or carpets. The chair can easily slide over the smooth top surface, while the bottom surface prevents sliding and movement.

What we don’t like: the cushions may be transported in rolls instead of flat as advertised. Sticky product labels are difficult to remove.

AiBOB office chair cushions for hardwood floors: available on Amazon

Our view: The entry-level price of this polyethylene chair cushion makes it an ideal choice for remote workers who need to protect home floors from the wear of office chairs.

What we like: Affordable prices are attractive to people who need multiple cushions. The mat is designed for hard surfaces, including wood, ceramic tiles, concrete and linoleum. It is made of polyethylene and does not contain BPA or phthalates. The surface is easy to clean and not easily stained.

What we don’t like: The strong chemical odor upon arrival is a common complaint, and it takes longer to ventilate to use.

Amazon Basic Polycarbonate Office Chair Pad: Available on Amazon

Our view: This durable polycarbonate chair cushion is an affordable alternative to the high-end models promoted by the Big Box office supply store.

What we like: Chair cushions are available in many sizes, suitable for different desk and chair sizes. The design includes a lip under the table to protect the floor from shoe damage. The polycarbonate material will be flat soon after unpacking and will not curl. It does not contain phthalates or heavy metals. The mat is designed for hardwood floors, not carpets.

What we don't like: The grip of hardwood floors may vary, and some slippage is reported. Michael Pollick is a contributor to BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company whose mission is to help simplify your buying decisions and save you time and money.

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