Most kitchen floors today are not covered with carpet, but with ceramic tile, wood, or cement so that the floor can be easily cleaned. However, countless hours of baking or cleaning in the kitchen can often leave the feet and legs tired and sore. A simple way to prevent foot and leg fatigue is to place anti-fatigue mats on the floor where most traffic and standing are done. For example, Anti Fatigue Floor Mats would be best used in front of a stove, the main counter space, and the kitchen sink. Especially during the holiday season, most people find themselves standing for hours in the kitchen.
While standing for long periods of time on a rough surface some people tend to get tired legs and feet. Anti-fatigue mats were generally purchased by employers so their employees that stand for hours while working have a padded area to stand in. However, many people also buy them for their homes. Floor mats are mats that give the feet and legs cushiony support while walking on a rough surface. What makes a high-quality anti-fatigue floor mat? The first thing to consider when purchasing an anti-fatigue floor mat is whether it is washable or not. If the mat is used in the kitchen or garage, you will want something that is washable, and frequent washing may be needed.
There are four different anti-fatigue floor mats to choose from:
• Carpet - Carpeted anti-fatigue floor mats may be the most effective for fatigue. The best ones have an anti-slip rubber backing. Also, make sure it is washable.
• Vinyl - Vinyl anti-fatigue mats are generally used for industrial purposes, however, they can be used at home. Check for washability, and these mats can often be hosed down. Suitable for the garage.
• Foam - Foam floor mats are generally covered in vinyl. However, they are quite thin and are used for light-duty purposes.
• Rubber - Rubber Floor Mats can be purchased in a hardware store and often come as interlocking mats. These are difficult to wash but can be mopped if needed. They can be great in a child's play area or garage as there are fewer decorative choices with these mats.
Choosing the right rubber anti-fatigue floor mat:
Remember, the thicker and denser the floor mat, the better. The denser the mat the better support and less fatigue the legs and feet will feel. While these mats come in a variety of designs and may be attractive in the kitchen, their sole purpose is to reduce fatigue. While a foam mat may match perfectly with a kitchen design, they are often difficult to balance. Vinyl-covered mats may not be for someone that spends hours at the stove or counter. There are gel-filled anti-fatigue floor mats that can be an option. However, they are costly and may not be for everyone.
Choose the size of the mat:
Measure the area where the mat will go to make sure it covers the area correctly. The most harmful thing is to continue to step on and off a mat. Generally, a rectangular mat works well and should be no smaller than 2'x3' long. However, the ideal size would be 6'x8'.
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