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Last updated: 24 Aug 2022
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The Best Puzzle Mats

Best For Travel
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Lavievert Puzzle Mat
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For All Ages
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Becko Puzzle Mat
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Water-Resistant
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Tektalk Puzzle Mat
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Best Overall
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Newverest Puzzle Mat
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Also Consider
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Jumbo Puzzle Mat
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author-image
By Editor
Published 17 Aug 2022
Show contents
  • 1 Lavievert Puzzle Mat
  • 2 Becko Puzzle Mat
  • 3 Tektalk Puzzle Mat
  • 4 Newverest Puzzle Mat
  • 5 Jumbo Puzzle Mat

 A puzzle mat is a convenient way to store completed or incomplete jigsaw puzzles. Many feature simple designs, but some include advanced features for avid jigsaw builders. These mats are compatible with traditional flat jigsaw puzzles in round or rectangular shapes and help save counter and tabletop space. Let's dive into our team's top puzzle mats. 

1

Lavievert Puzzle Mat

– Best For Travel
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Key Features

This puzzle mat comes with written and illustrated operating instructions. The inflatable spine has a plastic airlock with an internal leak-proof valve. 

THE SCOOP

This jigsaw puzzle mat has a non-slip surface and a soft, matte side for puzzle placement. It comes with a dust-resistant storage bag with a drawstring closure and an inflatable spine for puzzle storage. This mat fits most standard desks and is compatible with jigsaw puzzles up to 42″ across. Its soft, dark felt surface serves many purposes around the home. 

Pros
  • Its matte work surface prevents puzzle pieces from sliding around. 
  • The spine deflates and inflates in minutes. 
  • It is ideal for beginner or advanced jigsaw enthusiasts.
Cons
  • You will need an inflatable hand pump for the spine.
2

Becko Puzzle Mat

– For All Ages
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Key Features

This roll-up jigsaw mat is prone to wrinkling but smooths out quickly with a low-heat iron or steamer. It is ideal for children, teens and adults and suits all puzzle piece sizes. 

THE SCOOP

This roll-up jigsaw mat comes with a non-woven storage tote with a vinyl name tag window. It is suitable for persons three years and older and comes with sturdy nylon drawstrings and a pair of elastic bands. The elastic bands stabilise wrapped puzzles and prevent completed puzzles from falling apart. 

Pros
  • This mat features a long-lasting black dye 
  • It stores well lying down or propped up against a wall. 
  • Ideal for storing unfinished jigsaw projects.
Cons
  • The mat may come with creases or wrinkles. 
3

Tektalk Puzzle Mat

– Water-Resistant
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Key Features

 This puzzle mat features rounded, weighted corners and measures approximately 30″ wide. It includes elastic-band closures and suits indoor or outdoor use in a dry location. 

THE SCOOP

This puzzle mat supports jigsaw puzzles up to 1000 pieces and features a rigid, flannelette backing. This rigid backing features a ribbed surface that suits most flat wood and stone surfaces. Its design includes a translucent, thermoplastic urethane folding top cover. Once closed, the cover protects jigsaw puzzles from moisture and dirt. 

Pros
  • Ideal for homes with curious cats.
  • The backing will not lose its shape. 
  • It provides water-resistant protection for spills and other mishaps.
Cons
  • It does not suit panorama-style jigsaw sets. 
  • Its top cover may scuff easily.
4

Newverest Puzzle Mat

– Best Overall
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Key Features

This puzzle mat features dotted perimeter diagrams for four rectangular puzzle sizes. It includes a circular guideline for round puzzles integrated into its design. 

THE SCOOP

This USA-designed puzzle mat has a rubber base and a smooth polyester top. It features a chalkboard-black tone and comes with a foam rolling tube. This mat includes three compression straps with velcro closures and plastic loops. Its sophisticated feel and stylish storage box make it suitable for immediate gifting.  

Pros
  • Opens flat without curling at the edges. 
  • Comes with a waterproof backing.
  • Rolls tightly every time without crushing puzzle pieces. 
  • Appropriate for airline travel.
Cons
  • This mat is tricky to roll up and requires learning time. 
  • Comes with a crease.
5

Jumbo Puzzle Mat

– Also Consider
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Key Features

This puzzle mat set has a velvety feel and keeps puzzle pieces in place. It features a modern design with a chic camel interior and fade-resistant outer shell. 

THE SCOOP

 

This rectangular puzzle mat set includes two removable puzzle boards and features a large interior work surface. The boards and work area come lined with a tacky finish. This set has a durable canvas outer shell with three sets of hook and loop fasteners. It suits all puzzle sizes and accommodates multiple puzzles simultaneously. 

Pros
  • It stores well horizontally or vertically behind furniture. 
  • Its work surface remains sticky for years once handled with clean hands. 
  • Advanced puzzlers recommend it.
Cons

Bulky design

Buying Guide

A puzzle mat is a convenient accessory for all jigsaw lovers. Consider your existing jigsaw collection, personal storage preferences and style tastes before choosing one. 

  • Puzzle Size/Shape: Jigsaw puzzles come in sizes reaching over three feet wide. Most puzzle mats include dimensions in inches and centimetres. Ensure it has a compatible size and shape.
  • Roll-up Mats Vs Flat/Folding Mats: Puzzle mats come in two designs with advantages and disadvantages. Rolling puzzle mats roll into a compact tube for travel or storage. However, rolling puzzles successfully takes some practice. Flat puzzle mats are great for storing puzzles in progress but need a dedicated flat area for storage. 
  • Moisture Protection: Some puzzle mats use water-resistant materials that handle limited moisture levels. Non-porous plastics offer the best protection from water damage. Keep puzzle pieces away from moisture to prevent warping and bleaching. 
  • Colour/Pattern: Jigsaw puzzle mats are available in neutral colours to enhance puzzle visibility. Black and dark grey are the most common colours available. However, colours and patterns exist for the more creative at heart. 

FAQ

Q: What are the benefits of jigsaw puzzles?

A: Jigsaw puzzles have many cognitive benefits for children, teenagers and adults. They engage both sides of the brain simultaneously. This engagement is a mental workout that improves problem-solving skills and the ability to concentrate. Figuring out placing each piece improves visual-spatial reasoning. This reasoning helps humans drive, read a map, or learn a secret handshake.  Jigsaw puzzles offer many bonding opportunities for families, friends and romantic couples. Families can converse and spend time with a medium-sized model that suits all ages. Adult bonding time is best with a 1,000-piece puzzle for hours of quiet fun. Completing an advanced puzzle gives a feeling of accomplishment and boosts self-esteem. When choosing a jigsaw puzzle, consider age appropriateness and design complexity.  

Q: How do I solve a jigsaw puzzle?

A: Putting together a jigsaw puzzle is a great way to spend a long afternoon. Many jigsaw lovers enjoy music or podcasts in the background to boost concentration and relaxation. Many jigsaw puzzle experts recommend sorting jigsaw pieces in colour groups first. Put together edge pieces when found, but do not focus on finding those first. Corner pieces should not be a high priority; these are simple to place at the end.  Jigsaw puzzles with 1000 pieces or more require a different approach. Examine a jigsaw puzzle's reference picture carefully. Note where large, singular stretches of colour are and group those pieces first. Do not worry about edge pieces when working with large puzzles; place these as they come up. Work on a smooth, level surface to make sliding around groups of puzzle pieces more convenient.

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By Editor
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