Laboratory Mat, Rubber

Quick Answer: The Laboratory Mat, Rubber is a flat rubber pad laid on a bench to create a cushioned, non-slip working area. A rubber laboratory mat protects both the glassware placed on it and the bench surface underneath.

A Defined Working Area on the Bench

Most breakages in teaching labs happen at bench level: a beaker set down too hard, a round object rolling, a flask knocked by an elbow. A rubber mat gives each workstation a soft, grippy surface where glass is less likely to crack on contact and apparatus stays where it is put. It also marks out the area where a practical is set up, which helps students keep their equipment together.

The mat protects the bench from scratches, dents and dilute spills, and it can be lifted off and washed at the end of the session. It is not a chemical-resistant or heat-resistant surface: organic solvents swell rubber, strong oxidisers attack it and hot objects scorch it. Keep burners, hot plates and solvent work on the bare bench or a purpose-made heat-resistant board.

For wet areas that need drainage, the ribbed corrugated rubber sheet works better; for cutting pads, washers or custom liners, a plain laboratory rubber sheet is the raw material.

Care & Handling

• Wipe spills immediately and wash the mat with detergent and water after each session.
• Dry it flat before storing, and store it flat rather than folded to avoid creases.
• Keep heat sources and solvents off the mat.
• Replace a mat that has hardened, cracked or become sticky, as it no longer cushions or grips.

Applications

• Individual student workstations for glassware practicals
• Microscope stations where slides and instruments must not slide about
• Assembly areas for fragile apparatus such as burettes and condensers
• Covering bench tops in prep rooms where glassware is sorted and packed

Specifications

Why Choose LabEquip

Schools and colleges typically order one mat per workstation when refitting practical labs. LabEquip lists them in the General Lab Products range; send your bench dimensions and number of stations via the contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a rubber mat really reduce glassware breakage?

It helps. A soft surface absorbs the shock of glass being set down firmly, and the grip stops round items rolling off. It does not protect against drops from height or careless handling.

Can I use a hot plate on the mat?

No. Rubber softens and scorches under heat, and a soft surface makes a hot plate less stable. Put heating equipment directly on the bench or on a heat-resistant board.

Which spills does the mat tolerate?

Water, most dilute aqueous solutions and dilute acids and alkalis are generally fine if rinsed off. Organic solvents, concentrated acids and oxidisers damage rubber, so wipe them up immediately.

How is a laboratory mat different from a rubber sheet?

A mat is intended to be laid on a bench as a working surface. A rubber sheet is general material that is cut into gaskets, pads or liners as needed.

Can the mat be used under a balance?

A soft mat can let a balance rock and affect readings. Balances should stand on a firm, level surface, ideally a dedicated balance table, rather than on rubber.

How do I clean a rubber lab mat?

Wash it with warm water and detergent, rinse, and let it dry flat. Avoid solvents and abrasive powders, which damage the surface.

Last Updated: September 2026