Home carpet protection from chair casters
September 6, 2024 6:43 PM Subscribe
I'd love some recommendations on how to protect carpet from my computer chair casters. I would love some recommendations.
I think I need something 4ish feet by 5ish feet. I know the classic approach is to put down a plastic mat, but I generally hate how that looks and feels.
I'm currently using a rug that is too small, but it requires resetting almost daily, and bunches up and then tears under the piston. Would a larger rug not do that? Or will I still have the same problems? I mainly want to protect the carpet underneath from the wheels, but having it look ok would be great too.
I think I need something 4ish feet by 5ish feet. I know the classic approach is to put down a plastic mat, but I generally hate how that looks and feels.
I'm currently using a rug that is too small, but it requires resetting almost daily, and bunches up and then tears under the piston. Would a larger rug not do that? Or will I still have the same problems? I mainly want to protect the carpet underneath from the wheels, but having it look ok would be great too.
Have you tried replacing your wheels with carpet safe wheels? I've never tried them but it was an option I considered before the problem became moot due to a new floor installation.
posted by MagnificentVacuum at 7:32 PM on September 6
posted by MagnificentVacuum at 7:32 PM on September 6
You can buy replacement wheels that are made of rollerblade wheels. They're pretty great. I use them on the office chair that I use at my sewing machine - which sits on a rug that is not big enough for the area.
And/or just go to Target or another big box store and buy a bigger rug. A lot of the stores still have dorm area rugs available for fairly cheap.
posted by fluffy battle kitten at 8:22 PM on September 6 [3 favorites]
And/or just go to Target or another big box store and buy a bigger rug. A lot of the stores still have dorm area rugs available for fairly cheap.
posted by fluffy battle kitten at 8:22 PM on September 6 [3 favorites]
We did two things. 1), there are bamboo mats like those plastic ones, but they are nicer and .ore durable. 2) I got an outdoor patio rug that was fairly large, and don't have problems with movement or bunching. The surface is more durable since it's designed to be outside. I think the one I got was 5x7
posted by Gorgik at 8:27 PM on September 6
posted by Gorgik at 8:27 PM on September 6
I have a hardwood floor and use a super low pile rug from IKEA that has a rubbery, grippy bottom. It doesn't slide around, and my chair wheels roll just fine on it and don't wreck it. It's about 4' x 6'. It's also cute.
posted by mrphancy at 8:37 PM on September 6
posted by mrphancy at 8:37 PM on September 6
Like mrphancy, I use a grippy IKEA rug left over from my kids' toddler days. It doesn't bunch up and has protected the surface beneath.
posted by qxntpqbbbqxl at 11:07 PM on September 6
posted by qxntpqbbbqxl at 11:07 PM on September 6
Get a thick piece of plywood or particle board from Home Depot, 4x8, and probably 3/4 inch thick. Cut it down if that's too big for you.
Get some vinyl plank flooring, or Pergo if you're feeling fancy. Cover the plywood with flooring. Get some moulding and put a rail around the edge if you are worried about rolling off of it.
You now have a little piece of hard floor you can put in front of your desk. I use this at my main desk, and once they saw it, I had two family members ask me to make them one.
You will probably need to glue and maybe screw down the flooring.
posted by Hatashran at 6:01 AM on September 7
Get some vinyl plank flooring, or Pergo if you're feeling fancy. Cover the plywood with flooring. Get some moulding and put a rail around the edge if you are worried about rolling off of it.
You now have a little piece of hard floor you can put in front of your desk. I use this at my main desk, and once they saw it, I had two family members ask me to make them one.
You will probably need to glue and maybe screw down the flooring.
posted by Hatashran at 6:01 AM on September 7
If you hate plastic mats because they are generally made of vinyl (stinky, develops divots and grooves, wears out quickly, looks cloudy) note that you can now get polycarbonate versions of the mats that are much better. I have one of these: Flortex Polycarbonate and it's lasted over 4 years now. Polycarbonate is tougher, odor free, and retains clarity.
posted by soylent00FF00 at 7:13 AM on September 7 [1 favorite]
posted by soylent00FF00 at 7:13 AM on September 7 [1 favorite]
Instead of the plastic mats, there are chairmats made of tempered glass now. They look great, allow your carpet to show through, and are extremely durable. The downside is that they are extremely flat and ard, and so your chair has a tendency to glide at the slightest touch. Replacing the casters with soft(er) rubber wheels, like the type intended for hardwood floors, can help offset this a little.
Most office chairs have a pneumatic piston, and there's often a metal retaining clip on the bottom. This clip can snag on longer fibers, causing carpet damage. If you have access to a 3D printer, you can measure and make a custom cap to cover that clip, or just hot-glue a plastic lid from a peanut butter jar or something to the bottom.
posted by xedrik at 8:36 AM on September 7
Most office chairs have a pneumatic piston, and there's often a metal retaining clip on the bottom. This clip can snag on longer fibers, causing carpet damage. If you have access to a 3D printer, you can measure and make a custom cap to cover that clip, or just hot-glue a plastic lid from a peanut butter jar or something to the bottom.
posted by xedrik at 8:36 AM on September 7
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posted by supercres at 6:49 PM on September 6