Kitchen mats can add aesthetic appeal to your kitchen. They can help eliminate slipping hazards. They can even help protect your hardwood against stains. Or rather, the right ones will. The wrong ones will clash with your décor, increase the risk of slipping and wear away before their time.
It can be hard to determine which hardwood safe kitchen mats will be worth the purchase just by looking at them online. That’s why we composed the following review of the best kitchen mats for hardwood floors. See which ones made the cut.
KMAT Kitchen Mat
Editors’ Choice: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
This KMAT brand kitchen mat tops our list because it checks all of the important boxes: it is nice and cushy so you won’t get fatigued standing on it while you wash a pile of dishes, it has an anti-slip backing and it’s made of very durable polyvinyl chloride material.
On top of all that it sports a classic design that will fit the décor of many kitchens. This particular set comes with 2 mats. One is 47 by 17.3 inches and the other is 29 by 17.3 inches. These mats are safe for hardwood, tile, ceramic and marble.
Montvoo Kitchen Floor Mats
Editors’ Choice: 4.8 out of 5.0 stars
Some people don’t like the feeling of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) against their bare feet. It can have a sticky feeling. If you are one of these people this mat would be a good option for you. It has the feel and upper materials of an area rug but with the added bonus of a non-slip bottom.
This makes it very safe for hardwood kitchen floors because it won’t slip like normal, cloth kitchen rugs will. This mat is also very large so it would work well in larger kitchens. It is 31.5 inches long and 19.5 inches wide.
LuxStep Kitchen Mat Set
Editors’ Choice: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars
At nearly a half inch thick, this hardwood floor-safe kitchen mat set is one of the thickest and most comfortable items on our list. This would be a great option for anyone who spends a lot of time hand washing mountains of dishes on a regular basis.
These are polyvinyl chloride mats. One of the advantages of this type of material is that it is waterproof. Another advantage is that it is very easy to clean. You can go over it with a vacuum cleaner, rag or a broom to clean it.
WiseLife Kitchen Mat
Editors’ Choice: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars
If you want to cover a wider portion of your hardwood flooring then take a close look at this WiseLife mat. It’s a whopping 59 inches long and a generous 17.3 inches wide so it would be suitable for large kitchens.
This is a PVC kitchen mat that comes in a modern design that is sure to work in many different types of kitchens. It’s not super thick so it doesn’t pose a tripping hazard but it’s thick enough to provide support while washing the dishes or prepping meals.
DEXI Kitchen Rugs and Mats
Editors’ Choice: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars
This is a set of two kitchen mats. One is 59” x 18” and the other is 29” x 18”. This would be a good option for you if you want to have a mat for in front of the sink and one that will cushion your feet while you are chopping ingredients.
Or however you want to configure them. While the price tag might scare some away (around $40 for the 2 mats at most retailers) you get what you pay for. These kitchen mats are very well made and will last a long time.
MontVoo Kitchen Rugs and Mats
Editors’ Choice: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars
One of the reasons we included another Montvoo product on our list is because this particular mat is machine washable. That’s right, there’s no need to get down on your hands and knees to clean this mat. You can just throw it in with your laundry.
Another reason is because it is very comfortable. The top is made from a woven polypropylene material so it gives the look and feel of a normal rug. However, the bottom is made of a grippy rubber that prevents the mat from moving around.
KMAT Kitchen Mat
Editors’ Choice: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
KMAT kicked off our list and they are also the ultimate entry. This time with an extra large hardwood floor kitchen mat. This particular model is 20 inches wide and 30 inches long. It also comes in a very cool, textured, vine and floral design.
You still get the ultra-thick 0.47 inches design but with the added bonus of a textured top that adds to the non-slip factor. The top portion is made from waterproof PVC and the bottom from anti-slip rubber. The edges are also beveled to offset the tripping hazard of these ultra-thick mats.
Kitchen Mats for Hardwood Floors Buying Guide
After you’ve used a bevy of different kinds of kitchen floor mats, you learn a thing or two. In this section, we share our experience with you to help you choose the best kitchen mats for hardwood floors.
Stain-Proof
If you’re buying kitchen mats to protect hardwood floors, the purpose will be defeated if they collect stains. PVC is easy to clean even if it does feel sticky.
Cats and Dogs
For some reason, cats and dogs love to scratch their claws against twill mats so if you have pets, consider a PVC mat.
Get the Right Size
An oversized kitchen mat can easily overtake your smaller kitchen space. Carefully measure the space you intend to cover before buying a mat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What kind of mats are safe for hardwood floors?
A: Mats with rubber bottoms provide anti-slip protection and won’t damage the wood.
Q: Do anti-fatigue mats damage hardwood floors?
A: No. They are safe for hardwood floors.
Q: Do area rugs damage hardwood floors?
A: Over time, area rugs can scratch your hardwood floors if the underside is made of a coarse material.
Some Parting Thoughts
Yes, you want rugs that will compliment your kitchen. But consider other factors as well. Do you have kids? Pets? Is your kitchen prone to spills? All of these and other considerations should factor into which kitchen mat you buy.
Our list of the best kitchen mats for hardwood floors features a range of products that will surely meet the needs of different kinds of kitchens. Start your shopping with our carefully curated list!
