What Is a Bar Mat Used For: Home & Pro

Spills and condensation hit a bar top all shift, and the counter underneath takes the wear. A bar mat catches the drips so they never reach the wood, laminate or metal. That means fewer water rings and less staining over time, and less money spent refinishing later.

The top bar mat comparison covers which models have thick or raised edges, since edge design decides how much liquid stays on the mat instead of running off it.

Behind the bar, a wet glass or a steel shaker can slide when it is set down in a hurry. A rubber or PVC mat holds those items in place, which means a smaller chance of a crash during a rush. The same surface cushions glassware against a hard counter, so a quick set-down does less damage.

Many mats have a raised or open texture that lets water run off and air move underneath. A rinsed glass or a shaker set on that surface dries from the bottom as well as the top, instead of sitting in a puddle on a flat towel.

How the mat gets cleaned between shifts is a separate question, and it is covered under cleaning and maintaining bar mats.

The job is the same wherever drinks are poured or handled, though the placement changes with the setup. Typical spots include:

Three materials cover most of what shoppers see. Rubber is the common pick for heavy use, PVC is lighter and more budget-friendly, and silicone is the flexible option that stays flat and can go in the dishwasher when labeled as safe for it. Compare them on the points below before choosing.