The problem is that without a "non-breathable" bottom, the mat/rug will slide.

Would it matter much?

I ask b/c people lived with chindi rugs for centuries and, as far as I know, they did not have any non-skid backing.

Probably not in the kitchen. I would try one of those indoor-outdoor carpets and see what you think. If its not soft enough, you could always add one of the thicker versions of a gripper rug pad.

Another thought is try using crocs or nurse mates for kitchen shoes.

I have some decorative foam mats which came to my house before my new kitchen but were never used. I like them because they kind of define the work zones, but when I'm tired, they're uncomfortable and I push them away to stand on the tile. They don't have any of that gripper stuff that can come off on concrete, but they don't shift. I don't think they're big enough for your purpose, however.

I'm concerned about the situation where the mold built up. That shouldn't happen! It sounds like there isn't a proper moisture barrier. Given that, I would think your best bet would either be cloth backed foam, like I have, or something natural like jute or sisal. Just make sure it's heavy and stiff so it doesn't slide.

How about sisal? Natual fibers, breathable and can be very stylish and are easy to care for.

Here is a link that might be useful: Sisal rugs

I thought of sisal but was not sure how easy it was to care for. The colors on the above linked website look absolutely perfect for my kitchen!

How do I clean it? Would the food stains/spills come off?

BTW, what do you think of leather chindi rugs

TX!!!

I'm fond of cheapy throw rugs anywhere I want a rug for feet wiping (entrances), softness (kitchen), or warmth (bath). I have at least a dozen of them, and just throw the dirty one in the washer and put out a clean one every week or two depending on use/dirt. They eventually wear and fray, but they're cheap and that just gives me an excuse to buy a new color.

Here is what the website listed for care instructions. Sounds like the same type of cleaning you would do for any type of rug. Sorry not familiar with chindi rugs.

FYI, for our kitchen we actually use a persian heriz runner, which I clean pretty much the same way, only with light soap and water.

Cleaning Your Natural Sisal Material

Should you spill liquid onto your natural sisal carpet, immediately blot the liquid with a dry cloth, avoiding rubbing the liquid into the sisal carpet. You can also use a solution of detergent, vinegar, and water to blot up stains, should the need arise. Remember, however, that you do not want to soak your natural sisal carpet with liquid, so simply blotting should do the trick. If dry matter gets stuck on your natural sisal carpet, it can be easily pried off using a dull edge.

As far as routine cleaning of your natural sisal carpet, using dry carpet cleaning powder made specifically for natural sisal carpet is ideal. In addition, regular vacuuming will extend the life of your natural sisal carpet and keep it looking great.

Clarygrace,

But that it the probem I am trying to avoid:

"Should you spill liquid onto your natural sisal carpet, immediately blot the liquid with a dry cloth".

That means I'll be blotting it all the time instead of cooking, LOL.

How do you bring washed food from the sink area to the cooking are w/o dripping any water? Using a bowl every time? IDK, it still drips for some reason. -( And then there is splatter. And did I mention I have a toddler who has "accidents" sometimes? :-)

I am *in love* with the look of sisal but have never had one as I have been always afraid of it being high-maintenance.

The indoor-outdoor materials are great now-- you can certainly leave spills to deal with later, and they look good, and lots of colors and patterns are available.

if you can't find an indoor/outdoor runner, have a piece cut and bound.

my sister has these mats in her tile hallway... they look breathable.

Kohl's also has a memory foam pad for under other floor mats.

Here is a link that might be useful: kohl's

We have for years just used moderately priced indoor carpet runners, typically patterned so as to hide any stains. Our floors are hardwoods, and we use a typical non-slip carpet pad underneath: because they are "lattice" pads they certainly would breath enough to avoid mold--something like this:
{{!gwi}}

The pattern on a runner like this:

I would personally advise against sisal. We have a sisal carpet under the dining room table at the lake house, and it's a mess. Any oily or greasy food dropped on it leads to a permanent dark spot (and yes, we've tried about every "magic sisal cleaner" in creation).

Here's what they use in restaurants.

Here is a link that might be useful: Restaurant Mats

Cork!

farmgirlinky,

That was the first thing I looked at!!!

But the descriptions say to avoid wet areas and not let get wet. However, being under the feet when DH is loading the DW pretty much spells "wet area".

???

I use fabric backed bath mats (Not rubber-backed because of the hardwood) from BBB in my kitchen and throw them in the washing machine and dryer. They're not very expensive and I have 3 sets and so I can change them out when I want new colours.

I've been wondering what to put down in front of the stove and the sink. I have hardwood (still covered with cardboard and paper). We are nearly completed and know this has to come up soon.
Are rubberbacked throw rugs a no-no with hardwood?
I like the look of the oriental runners, but won't I be shampooing them all the time?

Thanks everyone!

Please keep the ideas coming. :-)

I was just looking at a 'green' catalog and saw what they called reclaimed Oriental rugs. These are made from plastic bottles and packing materials. It says you can clean with a sponge or with a hose, and won't trap water or mildew. There isn't a huge selection of colors, but thought I would share the information.

Here is a link that might be useful: Reclaimed Oriental Rugs.

Concrete on grade has moisture migrating through it. If you lift a Gel Mat each night after cleaning the kitchen after supper and put it down each morning, you would probably find it to work out okay. I have noticed that they now have a product expressly intended for plantar fasciatis. Big thing is to not leave organic matter to "cook" too long under the mat. You don't have to clean up immediately but you do need to clean up and let things dry. We've had our Gel Mats for a year now, on a wood floor, and all is fine. Gotta clean up though.

Wish I'd discovered these mats years ago when I taught school on a concrete floor--terrible for the legs and feet to stand on concrete.

I love Flor carpet tiles - they can be used on sealed concrete. Easy to clean and if they get trashed, pop out a square and replace it. Design options are endless.

Here is a link that might be useful: Flor Carpet Tiles

Wow, Michelle - those Flor dots are pretty cool -- but cooler still is the lady on the video's countertop -- check it out!

It's a good thing she can change that carpet pattern so easily ;)