7 Best Anti-Fatigue Mats for Garage Floors
A good anti-fatigue mat should be designed for heavy use in your specific work environment. Anti fatigue mats intended for use on the concrete floors of garages and shops may not be suitable for use in a kitchen environment, as the two locations have different requirements to be met.
Features that go into the best anti fatigue mats include stain resistance and the ability to hold their shape under heavy use without wrinkling, imprinting or curling along the edges.
Some mats are better suited for conditions where equipment must be rolled over the surface of the mat, and that should be taken into consideration before choosing the best mat for your garage.
Soft mats plus heavy equipment being rolled over them isn’t a good combination. Combine with a good shop stool, and you’ll stay comfortable whether sitting or standing.
Our 7 Favorites
Product | Thickness | Smallest Size | Largest Size | Colors | Made In | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Durable Corporation | 7/8" | 2' x 3' | 3' x 5' | 1 | USA | |
Hog Heaven | 7/8" | 2' x 3' | 4.8' x 8' | 2 | USA | |
Gorilla Grip | 3/4" | 17" x 24" | 24" x 70" | 21 | China | |
Kangaroo | 3/4" | 17" x 24" | 24" x 70" | 24 | China | |
Healeg | 1" | 20" x 30" | 20" x 30" | 1 | China | |
Performance Tool | 3/8" | 12" x 12" | 24" x 24" | 1 | China | |
Amazon Basics | 5/8" | 20" x 36" | 20" x 36" | 2 | China |
Anti-Fatigue Mat Reviews
#1 – Durable Corporation Heavy Duty Mat
Since 1941, Durable Corporation has been manufacturing commercial-quality mats, wheel chocks, loading dock bumpers, and other products at their Norwalk, Ohio facility. Tough enough for industrial use, their anti-fatigue mat is perfect for the home garage.
Available in either 2′ x 3′ or 3′ x 5′ sizes, these heavy duty mats feature diamond treads and solid yellow beveled edges. The 3/4-inch thick foam backing is resistant to many types of acids and oils. Overall, the mats have a 7/8-inch thickness and provide high comfort and safety.
Like other mats, mileage with the foam backing may vary, with the majority of users loving it and few complaining it flattens out too easily. It works well as an insulator. As it’s memory foam, it may lose some of its springiness over time, but it will hold up much better than cheaper mats.
While not cheap, Durable Corporation anti-fatigue mats are arguably the best in the biz. We give them a slight edge over the Hog Heaven mats below but you really can’t go wrong with either.
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#2 – Hog Heaven Industrial-Grade Anti-Fatigue Mat
Also made in the USA, Hog Heaven mats are also top notch. These ergonomic 7/8-inch thick mats use a high-density nitrile-blended cushion for increased comfort. As the nitrile rubber surface is molded onto the cushion, it won’t curl, crack, or separate over time.
The surface is certified by the National Floor Safety Institute to be high-traction and is welding safe, slip resistant, and has a grease and oil-proof surface that can also resist chemical spills. The mat is available in either standard black or with OSHA yellow striped borders.
Sold by M+A Matting, five sizes are available from 2′ x 3′ to 4.8′ x 8′. Additional sizes (up to 5′ x 12′) are sold through American Floor Mats. With all sizes, some variation of up to 5% may occur due to temperature or age.
These tiles are surprisingly easy to clean and maintain, not to mention able to withstand some serious abuse. However, some users have complained that the rubber will stain things black. Also, note that the edges of each tile aren’t padded, and it may be difficult to get it to flatten out at first due to the way it’s packaged and shipped.
If your budget allows, either Hog Heaven or Durable Corp (above) should be at the top of you anti-fatigue mat shopping list. There’s a fairly large difference in quality and durability once you past #2 on our list.
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#3 – Gorilla Grip Cushioned Comfort Mat
The popular Gorilla Grip mat comes in a range of sizes and over 20 colors. Their 3/4-inch thick high density foam cushion retains its shape for longer periods than other foam mats, while the pebble textured surface is stain resistant and easy to hand-clean.
These mats are a lot more comfortable than many other foam-backed anti-fatigue mats. They’re also shipped flat, as opposed to many other brands which ship their mats in tubes.
However, the top surface has been known to become brittle with age and the mats aren’t slip resistant, so avoid using them in kitchens and bathrooms.
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#4 – Kangaroo Anti-Fatigue Cushion Mat
Similar to the Gorilla Grip mat above, this black anti-fatigue mat is made of rubber with a high-quality polyurethane foam cushion. At 3/4 inches thick, it may not seem like the softest item on this list but may surprise you.
It’s highly durable and is also available in a variety of sizes and colors. Note that while the mat is waterproof and stain resistant, it’s not slip-proof, so the manufacturer recommends you do not use it in the kitchen or bathroom where water spills may seep underneath.
This product has been out for a while and has undergone a few alterations over time, some of which aren’t that great. The foam is a little less sturdy than it was originally and the rubber may smell at first. You may also find some variation in shade or grip if you buy multiple mats over time.
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#5 – Healeg Extra Thick Anti-Fatigue Mat
While having a smaller surface than other mats (it measures 20 x 30 inches), the Healeg anti-fatigue mat is an impressive 1-inch thick!
This simple black floor mat is made of sturdy polyurethane foam for superior comfort. The surface is resistant to stains and abrasions and is easy to clean. Best of all, the mats are shipped flat to avoid warping.
It should be noted that this mat is designed for average use by average people. Those who are especially lightweight may find the foam is too firm, while heavier individuals may find it not firm enough.
It will stand up to some abuse but is prone to puncture from pointed objects. Also, the non-skid bottom works on some surfaces but will slide around on others.
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#6 – Performance Tool Interlocking Mat
If you have a large work area, the Performance Tool W88989 may be the best anti-fatigue mat for the money. Each mat is made with interlocking edges that allow you to combine mats for a continuous, comfortable flooring. It comes together similar as garage floor tiles but intended only for foot traffic.
To make this easier for you, the edges are created using special interlocking strips that can be removed when putting multiple mats together so that there is no discernible difference where the mats connect together.
The biggest disadvantage of these cushioned interlocking tiles is that the mats have a tendency to slip on floors which are wet or have smooth finishes.
They work great on concrete, carpet, or other semi-smooth surfaces, but may not fit your needs in a kitchen environment.
Each package contains a full 24 square feet of flooring, with 6 individual 24 inch by 24 inch tiles/mats. It’s also available in a smaller 12″ x 12″ size which covers 12 square feet.
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#7 – Amazon Basics Mat
Sometimes you just need a cushiony mat without spending a lot. Like other Amazon Basics products, this mat fits the bill.
At 5/8 inches thick, it doesn’t provide the cushioning other mats do, but it’s a big improvement over no mat for those that have trouble remaining in a standing position.
It stays put on almost all surfaces and the soft vinyl top stands up well against spills and is easy to clean.
It’s biggest negative is durability. Unless you’re only using it sparingly, don’t expect this mat to last as long as others. Also, while 5/8″ thick is better than nothing, you’ll notice a big difference when comparing to a thicker, heavier duty mat.
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Imprint Comfort Mat (No Longer Available)
Imprint Comfort Mats have just the right amount of padding for you to wear any type of shoe, or work in socks or even barefeet if you desire. While marketed more as a kitchen mat, it’s actually a fantastic 3/4″ thick anti-fatigue mat for your garage.
Available in sizes from 20×36 to 26×72 inches, you’ll appreciate the way this mat reduces discomfort due to standing in one place for long periods of time. It does a great job to relieve foot and lower back pain many people get from standing on bare floors.
Imprint Comfort Mats provide support consistent with gel mats, at a much lower price.
The Imprint Comfort Mat is not designed for use in wet environments, and may slip under such conditions. If you are going to use them in this way, it may be a good idea to use double-sided tape around the lower edges to provide additional friction.
The only real problem with the design is that the mat is not beveled down to a fine edge. Instead, it has a small seam running all the way around the border. This creates slightly raised edges which some people say creates a trip hazard, but this is not a common problem.
The mats can be placed side by side for larger coverage, but the tapered edge will create dips where mat edges touch. If your workstation keeps you in one place most of the time, a single Imprint Comfort Mat is the ideal solution.
Stanley Utility Mat (No Longer Available)
Stanley utility mats are built with the same quality standards as other Stanley products. The cushioning is designed for long lasting comfort and will not wear down after standing in one spot for long periods.
The Stanley mat is nearly an inch thick, which means additional support that is ideal if you typically have trouble remaining in a standing position. It is made from industrial grade material and does not slip on a wet floor the way some anti-fatigue mats will do.
Because it’s suitable for heavy-duty use, it is one of the best anti-fatigue mats you can find. A Stanley Utility Mat stands up to use in a kitchen environment where the floors may be wet for longer periods.
The beveled edges are ideal for situations where you have to roll items over them regularly such as when sitting on your shop stool or creeper seat, a feature that other mats do not meet as well.
Buying Guide
Floor coverings have come a long way in the past couple centuries, and the type of floor covering you buy has a major effect on what it can do. Anti-fatigue mats are specifically designed to provide a cushioned surface to reduce strain on people who have to stand for long periods of time.
You’ll likely have noticed in the above reviews just how thick these mats tend to be compared to other floor coverings. You may also have noticed that some mats are better for certain areas of the home or workshop than others.
Picking out a mat that’s perfect can be highly subjective, but it’s far from difficult once you know what to look for.
How to Choose an Anti-Fatigue Mat
There’s a lot of variation in anti-fatigue mats which can make finding the right one more complicated. Here are some basic tips on how you can find a mat that works best for your personal needs.
Size
Most of the mats on this list come in more than one size, and we’ve tried to give a good example of the range by pointing to specific sizes for each mat. But there are two factors you need to keep in mind when choosing the size of an anti-fatigue mat:
- Rubber mats will shrink and expand due to temperature shifts and can also shrink a little over time. As this variation can be as much as 5% in even a good quality mat, you should consider how these potential size changes may affect your work.
- Any decent-quality anti-fatigue mat will have beveled edges. These edges reduce the risk of tripping, but this also means you’ll have less cushioning where the mat’s beveled. As a result, you may wish to get a mat that’s slightly larger than what you need so you won’t get stuck standing on the bevel.
- Like garage size, it’s rare for someone to say they wish they purchased a smaller mat. Obviously price plays a role but if you have the means, purchase a mat size you know you’ll be happy with.
Thickness
Don’t be fooled, thicker doesn’t necessarily mean softer. You’ll want a thicker mat when purchasing one with a foam cushion, as these will compact over time in areas of heavy traffic. You may also need a thicker may if the person using it is of heavier weight.
However, rubber cores don’t compress as much as foam, so thickness likely won’t equate to softness for most people. Lighter individuals can usually use a thinner mat and not feel any difference.
Durability
This is a key factor in more ways than one. Some mats are meant for high-traffic areas of the home but aren’t so durable when you’re standing on them for hours at a time in a shop or garage. Durability and weight (below) often go hand in hand.
Weight
The weight of a may can have an impact on how skid resistant it can be. For example, Hog Heaven weighs in at a hefty 40lbs for the 4×6 foot mat. That’s a lot of heft when moving it, but it also means it won’t slide around as easily. Such mats are good for workshops and other settings where heavy items go hand-in-hand with heavy traffic.
On the flip side, a hairdresser or similar trade worker will probably benefit more from a lightweight mat (as will those wanting one for general home use). Be warned that these mats can slide around easier, so you may wish to put something under them for better grip.
Material
There are two different materials to consider in an anti-fatigue mat – the cushion and the surface. The two most common cushion types are nitrile-based rubber blends or polyurethane foam. Foam is a lot springier but may lose volume over time. Meanwhile, rubber-based cushions last longer while sacrificing some cushioning.
Surface-wise, the most popular material is rubber (usually nitrile these days to reduce allergic reactions), but some use vinyl instead. Vinyl can be easier to clean but is often less durable, while rubber will hold up to more abuse but may have an odor.
Slip-Resistance
Normally, this is a huge priority, but anti-fatigue mats can be useful in places where there’s less risk of slipping. For example, the Healeg mat may be thick but it isn’t slip resistant so placing it in front of a sink or other place where the floor tends to get wet wouldn’t be ideal.
However, it’s an excellent choice for people working in customer service (such as clerks and hotel receptionists). But if you’re using it in any area that might get wet, be sure to choose a product with good slip resistance.
Cleaning
It seems like a minor consideration, but the simple act of cleaning your mat has a huge effect on your enjoyment of it. Most anti-fatigue mats have a surface that’s easy to vacuum or wipe off, and most are also resistant to stains.
Try to aim for a product that’s easily wiped off with a little soap and water as opposed to one that may require chemicals.
Anti-Fatigue Mat vs Garage Floor Tiles
Let’s be perfectly honest here: comparing an anti-fatigue mat to garage floor tiles is like comparing apples to oranges.
Anti-fatigue mats are meant to cover a specific area of floor being used by people on a stationary position for long periods of time and may occasionally have tool chests or other objects of light to moderate weight on top of them during the course of a work day.
They won’t last long if you decide to park a car on them and some (especially those with a foam cushion) won’t hold up well to punctures. In most cases, you will either be using a single mat or laying out several along a walkway or at work stations. They’re also useful inside homes and businesses.
Conversely, garage floor tiles tend to be less comfortable if you’ve been standing on them for several hours and are designed to cover large areas of floorspace. The tiles are smaller and square and are meant to be used in groups.
Unlike anti-fatigue mats, they lack a beveled edge and require separate edge pieces to create a ramp surface up to the tile. These floor tiles also have some issues with risk of puncture, but many will be able to handle a car’s weight.
So the question is, do you need something for a small space and lots of standing? Or something that covers a large area and handles more weight at the cost of some comfort?
When it comes to a garage space that doubles as living space or a workshop, we suggest considering taking those apples and oranges and making a fruit salad, using the two flooring options in conjunction or in separate areas of the garage where the type of usage varies.