Office chair mats may look simple, but choosing the right one can make a big difference to how well your floor is protected. A good chair mat helps prevent damage from rolling chair casters, footwear, spills, scuffs and daily wear. It also creates a smoother rolling surface, making your workspace more comfortable and easier to use.
Two similar options available from Mats4U are the Polycarbonate Chair Mat Rectangular and the Advantagemat Plus APET Chair Mat. Both are clear office chair mats designed to protect floors while allowing your flooring to remain visible. However, they are not exactly the same.
This guide compares the two products side by side, helping you decide which chair mat is better for your home office, workplace, reception area, study room or commercial workspace. If you want a strong, clear floor protection mat but are unsure whether to choose polycarbonate or APET, this comparison will help you make a more confident decision.
Table of Contents
- Why Compare These Two Chair Mats?
- Quick Comparison: Polycarbonate Chair Mat vs Advantagemat Plus APET Chair Mat
- What Is the Polycarbonate Chair Mat Rectangular?
- What Is the Advantagemat Plus APET Chair Mat?
- Material Comparison: Polycarbonate vs APET
- Floor Protection Comparison
- Chair Movement and Ergonomic Comfort
- Hard Floors and Carpets: Which Mat Works Best?
- Size, Shape and Workspace Fit
- Eco and Safety Comparison
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Product Comparison: Polycarbonate Chair Mat and Advantagemat Plus APET Chair Mat
- Which One Should You Choose?
- Where to Use Clear Office Chair Mats
- Frequently Asked Questions About Office Chair Mats
Why Compare These Two Chair Mats?
The Polycarbonate Chair Mat Rectangular and the Advantagemat Plus APET Chair Mat are worth comparing because they are designed for very similar uses. Both protect flooring from office chair wheels, both are clear in appearance, both help chairs glide more smoothly, and both can be used in workspaces where floor protection matters.
The difference comes down to material, size flexibility, thickness, budget and the type of performance you expect. The polycarbonate option is the stronger premium choice for customers who want high durability and multiple size options. The APET option is a practical and environmentally responsible transparent chair mat, especially useful where a 90cm x 120cm size is suitable.
Similar Purpose, Different Material
Both mats protect floors from rolling office chairs, but they are made from different materials. Polycarbonate is known for exceptional toughness and rigidity, while APET is a clear, recyclable material that offers practical floor protection and a smooth rolling surface.
Useful for Home and Commercial Offices
Both products are suitable for workspaces such as home offices, corporate offices, reception areas, study rooms and shared workstations. The better choice depends on how heavily the chair mat will be used and what size or backing is needed.
A Practical Comparison for Buyers
When two clear chair mats look similar online, it is easy to choose only on price. This comparison helps explain the real differences so you can choose the mat that properly suits your floor, chair and workspace.
Quick Comparison: Polycarbonate Chair Mat vs Advantagemat Plus APET Chair Mat
The table below gives a simple overview of how the two mats compare.
| Feature | Polycarbonate Chair Mat Rectangular | Advantagemat Plus APET Chair Mat |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Premium floor protection and long-term durability | Clear, practical and eco-conscious chair mat protection |
| Material | 100% premium polycarbonate | APET |
| Shape | Rectangular | Rectangular |
| Backing Options | Flat back for hard floors, gripper back for carpets | Smooth backing or gripper backing |
| Thickness | 2mm, plus 3mm for gripper back | 2.2mm |
| Size Options | Multiple sizes available | 90cm x 120cm |
| Main Advantage | Stronger premium material and size flexibility | Good clear protection at a practical price point |
What Is the Polycarbonate Chair Mat Rectangular?
The Polycarbonate Chair Mat Rectangular is a premium clear office chair mat designed to protect hard floors and carpets from damage caused by chair casters, footwear and accidental spills. It is made from 100% premium polycarbonate, a strong material known for its toughness, clarity and resistance to cracking, curling and bending under normal use.
This mat is designed to provide a flat, rigid and smooth rolling surface for office chairs. This can help reduce the effort needed to move around at a desk and can make long working sessions more comfortable. It is also clear, allowing the flooring underneath to remain visible.
Best for Premium Floor Protection
The Polycarbonate Chair Mat is best suited to customers who want a strong, long-lasting chair mat with high durability. It is a good option for home offices, professional offices, conference rooms, reception areas and shared workspaces.
Strong and Rigid Construction
Polycarbonate is a tough material that resists cracking, curling, sinking, cupping, discolouration and odours. This makes the mat suitable for regular chair movement and daily office use.
Multiple Size and Backing Options
The Polycarbonate Chair Mat Rectangular is available in multiple sizes and with backing options for different floor types. Flat back is used for hard floors, while gripper back is available for carpets.
What Is the Advantagemat Plus APET Chair Mat?
The Advantagemat Plus APET Chair Mat is a clear, environmentally responsible chair mat designed for both hard floors and carpets. It is made from APET and provides a smooth, rigid surface for chair casters, helping protect floors from chair wheel damage, spills, scuffs and wear.
This mat is available in a 90cm x 120cm rectangular size. It has a 2.2mm thickness, a bevelled edge for easier roll-on and roll-off, and a smooth transparent surface that allows the floor underneath to remain visible.
Best for Practical Clear Floor Protection
Advantagemat Plus APET is best for workspaces where a clear, simple and practical chair mat is needed. It suits home offices, corporate workspaces, study rooms and reception areas.
Eco-Conscious APET Material
The APET material is recyclable at the end of its life and is designed to provide a clear, durable and emission-free floor protection option. This makes it suitable for customers who want a practical mat with an environmentally responsible material story.
Good for Standard Desk Areas
Because the mat is supplied in a 90cm x 120cm size, it is ideal for standard desk setups where that size gives enough coverage for normal chair movement.
Material Comparison: Polycarbonate vs APET
The biggest difference between these two chair mats is the material. Although both are clear and designed for office chair use, polycarbonate and APET perform differently.
Polycarbonate Material
Polycarbonate is the stronger premium material in this comparison. It is known for impact strength, rigidity and durability. The Polycarbonate Chair Mat is designed not to curl, crack or bend under normal use, making it a strong option for heavier daily office use.
APET Material
APET is a clear, recyclable plastic material that provides practical protection for flooring. It gives a smooth surface for chair movement and protects floors from casters, spills and scuffs. It is a good option where a clear and functional chair mat is needed at a more accessible price point.
Which Material Is Stronger?
Polycarbonate is the stronger material choice. If long-term durability, impact resistance and premium performance are the main priorities, the Polycarbonate Chair Mat is the better option.
Which Material Is Better Value?
Advantagemat Plus APET may be the better value choice if the workspace is not extremely demanding and the 90cm x 120cm size is suitable. It provides practical floor protection without needing to move to the premium polycarbonate option.
Floor Protection Comparison
Both chair mats protect floors from the same common problems. Office chair wheels can gradually damage flooring, especially when the chair is used in the same area every day. Chair mats create a protective barrier between the wheels and the floor.
Protection from Chair Casters
Both mats help reduce damage caused by rolling chair casters. This is useful on hard floors where wheels can cause marks and on carpets where repeated chair movement can flatten or wear the pile.
Protection from Spills and Scuffs
Both mats also help protect against accidental spills, footwear marks and daily scuffs. This is especially useful in home offices, shared offices, study rooms and reception spaces.
Which Protects Better Long Term?
The Polycarbonate Chair Mat is the stronger long-term protection option because of its premium material and resistance to cracking, curling and bending. The Advantagemat Plus APET Chair Mat still provides good floor protection, but polycarbonate is better for heavier use.
Chair Movement and Ergonomic Comfort
A chair mat should not only protect the floor. It should also make the workspace easier to use. A smooth, rigid chair mat can help office chair wheels glide more easily, reducing the effort needed to move around at a desk.
Polycarbonate Chair Mat Glide
The Polycarbonate Chair Mat provides a flat, rigid and ergonomic rolling surface. This makes chair movement smoother and can reduce strain during long periods of desk work.
Advantagemat Plus APET Glide
The Advantagemat Plus APET Chair Mat also provides a rigid, smooth surface for chair casters. Its bevelled edge helps make rolling on and off the mat easier, which is useful in standard workstations.
Which Feels Better for Daily Use?
Both mats improve chair movement compared with rolling directly on carpet or certain hard floors. The Polycarbonate Chair Mat is the better option if you want a more premium, rigid and long-lasting surface. The Advantagemat Plus APET is a strong practical option for everyday use.
Hard Floors and Carpets: Which Mat Works Best?
Floor type is one of the most important details when choosing a chair mat. A mat that works well on a hard floor may not be right for carpet, and a carpet mat may not sit correctly on a hard surface.
Hard Floors
For hard floors such as tiles, laminate, wood, vinyl or ceramic, a flat or smooth backing is the correct option. This helps the mat sit properly and reduces movement on the floor surface.
Carpets
For carpets, a gripper backing is usually needed. The gripper back helps reduce movement by holding into the carpet pile. It is important to measure the carpet thickness before choosing a carpet chair mat.
Polycarbonate Backing Options
The Polycarbonate Chair Mat Rectangular is available with flat back for hard floors or gripper back for carpets. This makes it suitable for a wider range of floor types and workspace setups.
Advantagemat Plus APET Backing Options
The Advantagemat Plus APET Chair Mat is available with smooth backing or gripper backing. Smooth backing is suitable for hard floors, while gripper backing is designed for carpets.
Size, Shape and Workspace Fit
Size is another important difference between these two mats. A chair mat must be large enough to cover the area where the chair moves most often. If it is too small, the wheels may roll off the mat and continue damaging the floor.
Polycarbonate Chair Mat Size Options
The Polycarbonate Chair Mat Rectangular is available in multiple size options. This makes it more flexible for different desk layouts, chair movement areas and workspace sizes.
Advantagemat Plus APET Size
The Advantagemat Plus APET Chair Mat is available in a 90cm x 120cm size. This is a useful standard size for many workstations, but it may not suit larger desks or wider chair movement areas.
Which Is Better for Larger Workspaces?
The Polycarbonate Chair Mat is better for larger or more specific workspaces because it offers more size flexibility. The Advantagemat Plus APET Chair Mat is better where the standard 90cm x 120cm size is suitable.
Rectangular Shape
Both mats are rectangular, which makes them easy to place under desks and chairs. A rectangular shape is practical for most office layouts because it covers the main rolling area directly beneath and behind the chair.
Eco and Safety Comparison
Both products have eco and safety benefits, but they approach them slightly differently.
Polycarbonate Chair Mat Eco Benefits
The Polycarbonate Chair Mat is 100% recyclable, free from PVC, phthalates and harmful chemicals, and is manufactured with sustainability in mind. It is also GreenGuard certified for low emissions and indoor air quality.
Advantagemat Plus APET Eco Benefits
The Advantagemat Plus APET Chair Mat is made from recyclable APET and can be recycled at the end of its life. It is also described as emission-free and suitable for individuals with allergies.
Which Is Better for Eco-Conscious Buyers?
Both are good choices for eco-conscious buyers. The Polycarbonate Chair Mat is the better premium recyclable option, while Advantagemat Plus APET is a strong practical choice for customers wanting a clear, recyclable and emission-free chair mat.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Office chair mats are generally easy to maintain, but regular cleaning helps keep them clear, professional and pleasant to use. Dust, grit and spills should be removed before they build up or scratch the surface.
Cleaning the Polycarbonate Chair Mat
The Polycarbonate Chair Mat can be wiped with a damp microfibre cloth for daily cleaning. For stubborn stains, a mild soap solution and non-abrasive sponge can be used. After cleaning, the mat should be wiped dry with a soft cloth.
Cleaning the Advantagemat Plus APET Chair Mat
The Advantagemat Plus APET Chair Mat is easy to clean and maintain. Regular wiping helps keep the clear surface looking clean and helps prevent dust and grit from affecting chair movement.
Cleaning Tips for Both Mats
Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners or rough tools that could damage the clear surface. Clean underneath the mat occasionally to remove trapped dust or debris, especially on hard floors.
Product Comparison: Polycarbonate Chair Mat and Advantagemat Plus APET Chair Mat
The following two Mats4U products are very similar clear office chair mats, making them ideal for a direct comparison.
Which One Should You Choose?
The easiest way to choose between the Polycarbonate Chair Mat Rectangular and the Advantagemat Plus APET Chair Mat is to think about how much durability, size flexibility and long-term performance you need.
Choose the Polycarbonate Chair Mat Rectangular If:
- You want the stronger premium material.
- You need multiple size options.
- You want excellent long-term durability.
- You want a mat that resists cracking, curling, bending and sinking under normal use.
- You need a chair mat for a busier or more demanding office area.
- You want a recyclable, PVC-free chair mat with strong safety credentials.
Choose the Advantagemat Plus APET Chair Mat If:
- You want a clear and practical chair mat at a lower starting price.
- The 90cm x 120cm size suits your desk area.
- You want a recyclable APET chair mat.
- You need smooth chair movement for a standard office setup.
- You want a transparent mat that blends into the workspace.
- You need a simple option for a home office, study room or corporate workstation.
The Simple Answer
Choose the Polycarbonate Chair Mat Rectangular if you want the stronger, more premium and more flexible option. Choose the Advantagemat Plus APET Chair Mat if you want a practical, clear and eco-conscious chair mat for a standard 90cm x 120cm workspace.
Where to Use Clear Office Chair Mats
Clear office chair mats can be used in many workspace environments. Their transparent appearance helps them blend in with the floor while still providing practical protection.
Home Offices
Home offices often have flooring that was not designed for daily office chair movement. A clear chair mat helps protect wood, laminate, vinyl, carpet or tiled floors from caster marks and wear.
Corporate Offices
In corporate offices, chair mats help protect workstations, meeting rooms and desk areas from repeated chair movement. They also help chairs move more smoothly during the working day.
Reception Areas
Reception desks often have chairs that move repeatedly across the same floor area. A clear chair mat protects the floor while keeping the space looking neat and professional.
Study Rooms
Student desks and study rooms can benefit from chair mats because they protect the floor from regular chair movement, footwear marks and accidental spills.
Creative and Hobby Spaces
Craft rooms, studios and hobby areas often involve chairs, desks, tools and occasional spills. A clear chair mat helps protect the floor while keeping the space easy to clean.
Frequently Asked Questions About Office Chair Mats
Q1: What is the difference between polycarbonate and APET chair mats?
A1: Polycarbonate is a stronger premium material known for toughness, rigidity and long-term durability. APET is a clear, recyclable material that provides practical floor protection and a smooth rolling surface.
Q2: Which chair mat is stronger?
A2: The Polycarbonate Chair Mat Rectangular is the stronger option because it is made from premium polycarbonate and is designed to resist cracking, curling, bending and sinking under normal use.
Q3: Which chair mat is better for a standard desk area?
A3: The Advantagemat Plus APET Chair Mat is a good option for a standard desk area if the 90cm x 120cm size suits the space. For larger or more demanding areas, the Polycarbonate Chair Mat may be better.
Q4: Can both mats be used on hard floors?
A4: Yes. Both mats can be used on hard floors when the correct smooth or flat backing option is chosen.
Q5: Can both mats be used on carpets?
A5: Yes. Both mats have gripper backing options for carpets. It is important to measure carpet thickness before choosing a chair mat for carpeted floors.
Q6: Which mat is better for larger office spaces?
A6: The Polycarbonate Chair Mat Rectangular is better for larger office spaces because it is available in multiple sizes, while the Advantagemat Plus APET Chair Mat is supplied in a 90cm x 120cm size.
Q7: Are clear chair mats good for office design?
A7: Yes. Clear chair mats protect the floor while allowing the flooring underneath to remain visible. This helps maintain a clean and professional appearance.
Q8: Do chair mats make office chairs easier to move?
A8: Yes. Chair mats create a smooth rolling surface that allows office chair casters to glide more easily, improving comfort during desk work.
Q9: Which chair mat is better for long-term use?
A9: The Polycarbonate Chair Mat Rectangular is better for long-term use because of its premium material strength and resistance to cracking, curling and bending.
Q10: Are these chair mats recyclable?
A10: Yes. The Polycarbonate Chair Mat is 100% recyclable, while the Advantagemat Plus APET Chair Mat can also be recycled at the end of its life.
Q11: How do I clean a clear office chair mat?
A11: Wipe the mat with a damp microfibre cloth to remove dust and dirt. For spills or marks, use a mild soap solution and avoid abrasive cleaners or rough tools.
Q12: Where can I buy these office chair mats?
A12: Both the Polycarbonate Chair Mat Rectangular and the Advantagemat Plus APET Chair Mat are available from Mats4U as clear office chair mat options for floor protection.
