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  • About Anti-Fatigue Mats??

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    Old 05-11-2018, 09:14 AM
      #1  
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    Default About Anti-Fatigue Mats??

    Let's talk about Anti-Fatigue Mats!

    First of all, I know how comfortable they can be to stand on.
    And how wonderful they are for we quilters, at the cutting table and ironing board.

    I've lusted over them for sometime.
    Have even shopped a bit for them, IRL and online.
    But with no true shopping knowledge myself, nor with store help who had any either,
    I have given up every time.
    I still want one, actually two, for the cutting table and the ironing board.

    Observations ... there is a Huge difference in what I have seen,
    as to the structure, composition, finish, sizes, etc. of the mats.
    Pricing is all over the map too! Very often unwieldy.

    So ... please share as to how to "shop" for an anti-fatigue mat.
    I don't mind spending the bucks ... but I want to make sure I get value for what it costs me.

    Please? and Thanks!

    Last edited by QuiltnNan; 05-11-2018 at 10:24 AM. Reason: remove shouting/all caps
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    Old 05-11-2018, 09:40 AM
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    Look at some of the discount places like Tuesday Morning, Ross, etc. They will be a little cheaper at those places. I've been looking at them too, I mostly haven't bought one yet because they aren't particularly attractive...I want some in the kitchen, but haven't found anything I like well enough to spend the $$$ on.
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    Old 05-11-2018, 09:42 AM
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    good question. Will appreciate input from folks cuz I'm thinking about one as well.
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    Old 05-11-2018, 10:04 AM
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    DaisyDawg ... I totally fear spending my money, and getting a not-so-good one.
    IOW wasting my $!

    FaintlyArtistic ... It's not so much about knowing where to buy, as many of your American stores are not here in Canada. Or if they are here, quite often they do not carry the same product lines. Likewise for our fellow QB'ers in other parts of the world.

    What I want to learn about is what to look for in choosing the "right" one. The best one!
    What makes the difference between good-better-best ..... or one that is total garbage?
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    Old 05-11-2018, 10:17 AM
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    are we talking about something more than the vinyl/foam mats like they have at walmart? I need something for my cutting table and if I'm missing out I'd like to know more. I have fibromyalgia and could use some relief.
    Mousie is offline  
    Old 05-11-2018, 10:17 AM
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    It all depends on how much you want to spend. I'm a retired chef, so spent a lot of time on the mats. The best ones are the ones from the restaurant supply. They aren't pretty, though and they are pricey https://www.acemart.com/kitchen/heal...-mat/AND4203-5

    Most anything will help. They are particularly important if you have concrete floors under your carpet, tile or laminate. Standing on cardboard will give you some cushion. That will, off course, not last too long.

    The ones that have a slick back are not too practical for a slick floor. I had some that lifted the paint off the floor. I'm not sure if they got water under them or just "bonded" to the floor. It was in a commercial kitchen, so was not a big problem, but it would have been in my home.

    Those mats that look like puzzle pieces work, too. They are lightweight and inexpensive.

    That's my 2 cents.

    bkay
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    Old 05-11-2018, 10:31 AM
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    Would cork mats or flooring pieces work? Or the kind of mats that interlock in the garage? I am asking because I don't know and would like to know, too.
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    Old 05-11-2018, 10:36 AM
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    My DIL has one by her strove and they are lovely to stand on. The only caution I would say is make sure they have the beveled edges because a straight edge would be a tripping hazard because the mats are solid and don't move. Hers is about an inch thick.
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    Old 05-11-2018, 10:54 AM
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    For me the ultimate mats are from GelPro. I have two in my kitchen and love
    them. I've had them for several years (10 or more) and they are still good.
    Not only they are comfortable to stand on, they are easy to clean, they
    are textured and they do not stain the floor. I had a black one (not the cheapest
    stuff) that would leave black marks all over the kitchen. The ones from Walmart
    (puzzle type) might be better than nothing but no where are good as those gel
    mats.
    The ones I have has a basket weave design on it. Since I got them so long ago
    I believe they are just the Classic ones. I just checked their website and
    they now have 5 different kinds.
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    Old 05-11-2018, 11:38 AM
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    Forgot to mention that the GelPro mats have the beveled edge.
    I've had the cheaper gel mats and they cracked after one or two
    years. Can you tell I've been through quite a few mats?
    EasyPeezy is offline  
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