Technical question of a slightly esoteric nature

[Howard]

I'm thinking of using a 1/8" polycarbonate sheet as a chair mat. Is this too thin or would it be good enough to prevent cracking? Most polycarbonate mats are about 0.090", as far as I can see on Google.

Sliding is not an issue as I will be holding it in with filing cabinets and desk legs.

 

[highland145]

Is the sheet more brittle that regular chair mats? Mine's fairly pliable. Rubbermaid, iirc.

 

[jagec]

Over hardwood, or carpet? As long as you're on hardwood, you should be fine.

 

[Howard]

Over hardwood, or carpet? As long as you're on hardwood, you should be fine.

Carpet.

 

[Markbnj]

Carpet.

Eh, I don't know. 1/8" seems pretty thin for over carpet. I don't think it will fracture (at least not right away), but I think it would deform a lot.

 

[jagec]

Carpet.

Standard, home-depot grade polycarbonate sheets are pretty brittle. I'd be surprised if a 1/8" sheet over carpet WOULDN'T crack.

I have to assume that the thin polycarbonate chair mats you see on amazon, etc. must have plasticizers added to allow them to flex somewhat.

 

[herm0016]

as others said, it needs to flex a bit more than standard pc sheet stock. 1/4 high quality plywood may work better? or hardboard? not sure on those though.

 

[Howard]

Standard, home-depot grade polycarbonate sheets are pretty brittle. I'd be surprised if a 1/8" sheet over carpet WOULDN'T crack.

I have to assume that the thin polycarbonate chair mats you see on amazon, etc. must have plasticizers added to allow them to flex somewhat.

I need a mat that lasts indefinitely. 1/8" polycarbonate in the size I need is already more than $70. I could go thicker but that proportionately increases the price.

As herm0016 mentioned, what if I put down a layer of HDF underneath to reduce the flexing?

 

[Atomic Playboy]

I need a mat that lasts indefinitely. 1/8" polycarbonate in the size I need is already more than $70. I could go thicker but that proportionately increases the price.

As herm0016 mentioned, what if I put down a layer of HDF underneath to reduce the flexing?

If it's already that expensive, why not just get a traditional plastic chair mat which is designed to do exactly the job you want for cheaper than your budget?

 

[MrPickins]

If it's already that expensive, why not just get a traditional plastic chair mat which is designed to do exactly the job you want for cheaper than your budget?

This, and replace as necessary.

When used on carpet, no floor mat will last indefinitely.

 

[dank69]

You could do the right thing and rip out the carpet.

 

[boomerang]

Uh, 1/8" = .125 which is thicker that .090.

 

[ManyBeers]

.090 aluminum sheet has lasted 6 or more years so far. Buy it at scrap metal yard.

 

[Howard]

Uh, 1/8" = .125 which is thicker that .090.

kill yourself kthx