Thickness
Traditional tatami mats are typically around 55mm thick (about 2.2 inches). This thickness was designed for Japanese-style rooms where the floor is built lower to accommodate the tatami, making it level with the rest of the house.
However, in modern homes—especially outside Japan—floors are often flat, with no step-down area for tatami. For these cases, thinner tatami mats (such as 15–20mm) are ideal. They are easier to install directly on top of existing floors and create less height difference between rooms.
In Japan as well, when tatami mats are placed directly on flat flooring—rather than in a recessed area—thinner tatami is often used to reduce the risk of tripping, especially for children and the elderly.
When shipping tatami overseas, thickness has a significant impact on shipping costs.
To help reduce expenses, we recommend using thinner tatami mats for international orders.
At our shop, we can produce tatami in a variety of thicknesses, from 15mm to 55mm, depending on your needs.
We also include a cushioning layer inside the mat, so even thinner mats still offer a soft, comfortable surface.