How to put a tough surface on a plywood sheet under my computer chair?

Bob Gibson
by Bob Gibson
I have carpeting in the master bedroom, which is used as my office, and I placed a 4x8 sheet of plywood, over the carpet in front of the computer desk. Now it is a smooth surface to roll around on with the chair. But the wood gets dirty and I need to either cover or seal it somehow. Any suggestions?
Plywood screwed through carpet to sub-floor. Previously coated with acrtlic sealer.
  11 answers
  • KattywhampusLOL KattywhampusLOL on Sep 30, 2017

    Hello Bob Gibson :) Cover the plyswood with linoleum. The link below is from theplywood.com and although I was thinking cover the plywood with epoxy, this link has a better suggestion (and much easier):

    http://theplywood.com/chair-mat

    Good Luck and thank you for coming toHOMETALK for a solution :)

  • 17335038 17335038 on Oct 01, 2017

    You can purchase clear heavy plastic mats specifically designed to go under roller chairs to protect the flooring underneath, and also make it easier to roll. These mats are available in different sizes, in two common styles- to go over flooring, and to go over carpet.

    In my opinion, to get one of these mats would be much faster and easier that trying to "make over" the plywood.

  • Sharon Sharon on Oct 01, 2017

    Agree with flipturn7, a visit of Office Depot ... they are a lot cheaper than plywood....I like the softer rubber ones with the teeth on bottom, they don't mat your carpet down and you don't go off rolling off at lightening speed. https://www.officedepot.com/a/browse/chair-mats/N=5+1211741/?hijack=chair%20mat&type=Search

  • Dfm Dfm on Oct 01, 2017

    iv had the mats as discribed above...they still "walk" when rolled over. I like the Lino idea.

  • Linda Sikut Linda Sikut on Oct 01, 2017

    If you want to preserve the look of the wood and make it look better in your master bedroom, I would clean it well, cover all of the nearby carpet and stain it so it looks like it was meant to be part of the room. Then seal it - at least 3 coats. There are some sealers that contain a stain so it seems like it would be 2 steps in 1, but you're still going to need extra coats of sealer and you can control the color of the stain better with a stand alone product.


    You'll need to move your computer while you do this so that the sealer can fully cure - not just dry. Look on your can to figure out how long that will take. If you're ambitious, you could also put some molding around the edge of the plywood to upgrade the look a bit. Best of luck with your project. If you do it right it will upgrade the look of the plywood so it looks like it belongs.

    • Bob Gibson Bob Gibson on Oct 01, 2017

      Your idea makes good sense. I will search the products on the market here. We have a Home Depot near bye.. I was trying to avoid toxic stuff inside the home. And staying out of that room for any time is not an option for reasons, At this time. . You must be an energetic person. All the more power to you. And thank you for this quick reply.

  • Linda Sikut Linda Sikut on Oct 01, 2017

    You may be able to find less toxic products. The world is changing and we're finding less toxic products on the shelf all the time. Ask the staff from that department. They know their products. I'm not that energetic. I just like things to look nice. It would probably take me quite a while to do that project, so if I had to do it, I'd find a way to move the computer temporarily. (Fortunately I also have a laptop that I could use if needed) I wish you the best of luck and hope you find a solution that works for you!

    • Bob Gibson Bob Gibson on Oct 02, 2017

      Many thanks Linda. We are on the same page. I also have an I Pad, so it is all quite possible. Next to check out the various surfacing products. I was also thinking of peel and stick tiles. I have seen some serviceable shades and subtle designs at the Dollar stores.

  • Linda Sikut Linda Sikut on Oct 03, 2017

    Those might work. Just remember that rolling your chair wheels over it is hard on surface. Since you don't need a lot, you could also look for broken boxes where not all of the tiles are good but they are marked way down..

    • Bob Gibson Bob Gibson on Oct 03, 2017

      Yes, thank you. I like your practical thrifty ways. Just like me ! Cheers.. B.

  • Lisa S. Lisa S. on Oct 03, 2017

    You may just want to go to an office supply store (like Staples) and buy a product made for this. They are not really expensive. AND a whole lot easier then what effort you are going thru. They are sometimes clear, so the carpet shows thru. Have had mine for years with no problems. This would way cheaper.

    • Bob Gibson Bob Gibson on Oct 03, 2017

      tried that years ago. even though it was a thicker mat it made small pocket divits and the chair got stuck in the clear plastic mat. Gave it away ! But thanks anyway.


  • Linda Sikut Linda Sikut on Oct 04, 2017

    Bob, I was thinking that if you use cheap tiles you should definitely use a sealer. I know I mentioned it above, but cheap tiles might curl up after the chair rolls over them a number of times. Rather than wait and have it happen, then have another repair job on your hands, make sure you give it at least 3 coats of sealer and check the can for how long it takes to cure. It will dry relatively quickly so that you can add another coat, but that doesn't mean it's cured so it will be hard and durable. You might even find a 'cheap' rug at Ollies Bargain Store (if you have one in your area) and dress it up even more by putting a contrasting rug on top. Of course, you'll want one that doesn't have a high nap or a design the incorporates a change of nap on the surface. Take your time picking one out, always keeping in mind how your chair will roll over it. We did that in front of my hubby's computer because we have a new beautiful manufactured floor underneath. The floor is not supposed to scratch easily, but if your knew my sweet, hubby............ :)

  • Bob Gibson Bob Gibson on Oct 04, 2017

    More Good advice and thank you again Linda. There is more research to be done on my part. I have bought 2 different carpets in past. They did not work the way I wanted and I would have to glue one of them down or anchored the other with a different method. I decided to give the carpets to a Lady friend for her back yard patio. This has been an ongoing issue. The plywood works and the chair moves on it's smooth surface. That I like. But dark staining from shoes has made it look soiled. I can use rubbing alcohol again as I have done several times, but it is not 100 %. I will continue. Thanks..

  • Cover it with stick-on vinyl tiles.