Desk Pad Materials

Linoleum, vinyl, rubber, and leather

Contrary to what you might think, not all desk pads were created equal. Traction, comfort, and appearance are just three of the things that will vary widely from one desk pad to another. Knowing the desk pad materials that are available for your home or office will help you make a quality choice for your next desk pad.

Linoleum

Linoleum is the cheapest material used in modern desk pads. The word linoleum comes from the Latin words linum, which means flax, and oleum, which means oil. Linoleum is thus an organic product, typically made from hardened linseed oil combined with wood flour or cork dust plus a coat of varnish and a suede backing.

Linoleum desk pads are anti-allergenic, durable, and glare- and static-free.

Linoleum desk pads are also easy to maintain, as minor surface scratches tend to disappear over time.

Common shapes for linoleum desk pads and other desk pads are racetrack, round, arch, boat shape, rectilinear, and curvilinear.

Vinyl

Vinyl is an organic molecule that was discovered by accident in the 1920s, though the word vinyl is traditionally used in reference to vinyl polymers and plastics.

Vinyl is made by converting hydrocarbon-based raw materials into synthetic compounds called polymers, i.e. plastics. Unlike other plastics, however, vinyl contains chlorine, which makes vinyl flame retardant and antibacterial.

Vinyl desk pads are a popular and cost-efficient alternative to leather desk pads. Vinyl desk pads are very comfortable and hygienic, and relatively easy to maintain. A weekly washing with mild soap and water followed by a fresh water rinse will keep vinyl desk pads in good condition.

Rubber

Though less common than linoleum, vinyl, or leather desk pads, rubber desk pads are another alternative for your desk. Rubber desk pads are typically made from recycled materials such as tires, which is an appealing point for the environmentally conscious.

Leather

Leather desk pads are definitely the finest desk pads available, and are unmatched for comfort, beauty, and sophistication. However, leather desk pads are more costly than the alternatives, and getting the best use out of your leather desk pad will require proper care of its leather.

Grades of leather used in desk pads will vary, and it's generally the case with leather that you'll get what you pay for. Higher quality leathers are known as top grain, indicating that the leather was taken from the outer surface of the animal hide. Split grain leathers are taken from the split, or the inner portions of the leather removed during processing.

If you choose to go with a leather desk pad, be sure to inquire about or investigate proper maintenance and cleaning procedures for your leather.

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