Any renovation or construction project is an exciting event in your home. You’re promised a refreshed space – or even the realization of a dream home.  

But as thrilling as these potential transformations might be, the construction process can often leave a trail of unexpected, unintended damage – especially to your flooring.  

Just imagine unveiling your brilliant new kitchen only to notice gouges in the hardwood or stubborn paint stains on your tiles. Sort of puts a damper on the mood, doesn’t it?  

Floor protection during construction is absolutely essential. Today, we’ll teach you everything you need to know so your floors come out of any renovation or remodel totally unscathed!  

Why Construction Puts Floors at Risk  

During construction, your floors tend to endure the brunt of all activities. They’ll face a number of risks, including:  

• Scratches and Dents: Ladders, paint buckets, heavy tools – any dropped construction materials can do serious damage to even the toughest surfaces in your home.
• Stains and Spills: Adhesives, paints, abrasive cleaning products – these are notorious for leaving long-lasting marks on flooring.
• Debris and Dust: These tiny particles grind into surfaces and settle into crevices to cause severe long-term issues if they aren’t promptly cleaned up.

All these risks come with their own unique dangers that can lead to expensive repairs. In some cases, you might have to completely replace flooring sections that suffer, especially if you don’t take proper precautions for floor protection during construction.  

The Best Materials for Floor Protection During Construction Projects  

Depending on the type of project going on in your home, you’ll need different protective solutions. The most effective materials for shielding your floors include:  

Corrugated Cardboard  

Cardboard is both affordable and versatile. Each individual sheet absorbs impacts and prevents scratches. It’s a great option for hardwood or tile floors during most moderate construction activities because it’s easy to cut and customize. You can cover even the most awkward corners and uneven spots with minimal effort.  

Hardboard  

Hardboard–which may be sold under a variety of common brand names–is a thin but durable material that is made of highly compressed wood fibers. It’s thin enough that it can be laid over a floor without becoming an obstacle to hand trucks or people walking through the site, but still withstand high traffic, heavy equipment, spills, and more. It’s also reusable, eco-friendly, and can easily be cut to conform to corners. All of these traits are why it’s used frequently on big construction sites.  

Plastic Sheeting  

If you have carpeted floors, plastic sheets are ideal. They’ll protect against most light debris and liquid damage – especially paint spills. These sheets are lightweight and easy to install, which makes them great for smaller scale projects. However, they aren’t especially reusable and are weak protection against heavy impacts – still, the sheets usually come in big rolls and are more affordable than other options.  

Drop Cloths  

Heavy-duty drop cloths usually have canvas or rubber-backing which makes them excellent for durability and slip resistance. They’re most commonly associated with large painting projects and can be used on carpeting, hardwood, tile, vinyl, or laminate flooring interchangeably. But, as with plastic sheeting, they don’t protect well against heavy impacts from dropped equipment or tools, so be wary.  

Custom Solutions for Different Types of Flooring  

Figuring out which solution you should use for floor protection during construction all depends on the type of flooring you have. Additionally, each type of flooring has specific concepts to consider:  

• Hardwood Floors: Ideally, you’ll want to find non-slip coverings or Hardboard to shield your hardwood floors against any scratches or dents. Plus, these materials easily protect against moisture that can potentially cause warping.
• Tile Floors: The biggest threat to tile floors in most cases is chipping and cracking. Thus, you should rely on heavily padded materials to absorb any shocks from dropped tools or heavy ladders. Use cardboard or Ram Board wherever possible.
• Carpeted Floors: Carpet’s biggest threat is usually stains from spills since it's naturally a bouncier material that can take more of a beating from dropped tools. You’ll want adhesive-backed films or sheeting that keeps those stains and spills away. Make sure to overlap edges so nothing seeps underneath your coverings.
• Luxury Vinyl or Laminate Floors: Adhesive-backed materials should usually be avoided when it comes to these flooring types because they can harm the finish. Instead, find breathable sheets that have been designed for these materials, or simply opt for something like cardboard to prevent scuffing.

What type of flooring do you have? At the Empire Today® blog, we’ve got you covered with tons of actionable advice on keeping it safe for the future. And if you’re interested in upgrading your flooring for your next big remodel or renovation project, we’d love to help. Schedule a FREE in-home estimate today!  

How to Protect Your Floors During Construction  

Your goal during any construction project should be to keep your flooring in the same state it was before you started. Here’s the best way to help ensure flooring stays flawless:  

1. Preparation: Clear the whole area of the construction project of any furniture or décor that isn’t absolutely essential. This will protect your belongings and make it easier to cover your floors. Then, vacuum or sweep to remove any dust or debris. Remember that grit underneath protective coverings can still act as an abrasive that can scuff your floor’s finish.
2. Covering: Identify the appropriate material for your flooring type and your project’s scope. As we’ve mentioned before, you’ll want lighter sheeting materials for liquids, and heavy padding for heavy-duty projects. Ensure edges are taped down to prevent any shifting.
3. Managing Traffic: Line out some clear walkways both for workers and equipment entry/exit. Place additional coverings (more than you think is necessary) for entryways and hallways that get the most foot traffic. Try to designate a single entrance and exit so workers can minimize their movement across your floors.
4. Spot Maintenance: Throughout the duration of the project, sweep or vacuum regularly. This prevents debris from accumulating that could cause unseen damage. Also, do routine checks of coverings for tears or displacements and replace them if needed.

DIY vs. Professional Floor Protection  

If your home renovation is as small scale and simple as painting a room or a single wall, you won’t have to think too hard about floor protection during construction. At most, some plastic sheeting or drop cloths should cover any concerns you might have. They’re cost-effective and easy to manage in the majority of cases.  

Still, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take every precaution during small scale projects. Accidents happen, and the last thing you want is a quick project to lead to costly repairs or replacements.  

On the other hand, large scale or heavy-duty projects must be approached with care. This is especially true if you have high-end flooring in your home that demands protection. Try to find professional-grade products or hire a professional service to get the job done that knows how to keep your floors safe. It’ll be well worth the investment for the protection and peace of mind you’ll gain.  

Covering All Your Bases  

The point of any remodel or renovation is to increase the aesthetic beauty and utility of your home. That’s why the last thing you want is for your project to end in a disaster for your floors.  

This is why floor protection during construction should never be an afterthought. Instead, it’s a huge part of safeguarding your property’s value and beauty.  

Next time you’re excited about a big new construction project in your home, make sure floor protection is your top priority. You’ll be glad you did!