A rug is a good idea. Seems to be very thoughtfully put together. However, this mat has absolutely no anti-static properties. On the contrary, it is an ESD generator! If you hear static electricity discharges and feel the hairs on your hand and fingers tingle when you run your hand an inch across this mat, the manufacturer cannot say this mat is ESD safe. Despite advertising, there is no ESD labeling on the mat itself. This is a good and useful mat, but it only gets one star because it was purchased based on an anti-static mat ad. Sorry, as a professional there is no point in wearing an anti-static wrist strap when placing electronics on this mat. You will be amazed โ in the truest sense of the word.