Under the Benchwork

[rockislandmike]

So I have my dedicated train space - 19'7" x 13'7".

In the initial reno budget, we had included $150CDN for carpet underneath the benchwork to protect the hardwood from scuffing, scrapes, paint, et al ($0.56CDN per square foot, had the color already picked out).

However, upon review, the backing of this carpet was VERY scratchy, and probably would've done more damage to the hardwood than my benchwork. So I went and talked to a carpet guy and he recommended some stuff with felt backing - only thing is, it's $1.99CDN per square foot (i.e., we're talking $600+).

Not in the budget, no way. So I thought maybe somebody here had another idea - doesn't have to be carpet, but it should both (a) protect the hardwood; and (b) not discolor it (like rubber would in the long term).

ANY THOUGHTS ?????

 

[Sir_Prize]

What about that goo that hardens on tools to make a rubber-like shell.
When I get home I'll look up the name and US cost.

 

[jwmurrayjr]

Mike,

If you have nice hardwood floors it must be a nice room. Maybe you could use nice "furniture-style" legs on your layout.

(These are made from stair balusters and have a plastic "coaster" at the bottom.)

I don't know your plan but you might consider "shelves" mounted on the wall.

 

[SAL Comet]

Ha Mike, I build houses and yes carpet backing is very adrasive. One simple solution is to lay the carpet with the backing up, I know it sounds crazy, but I frequintly use carpet scraps turned backing up to protect new hardwood. It's just as soft to walk on and you can use a very low grade carpet and save a few modeling dollars. If you're really worried about looks, you can use standard carpet padding under it or anti-slip rubber mats that are used under area ruggs, but both are additional costs.

 

[belg]

Well I think I have the most economical of all solutions, get a piece of carpet and cut pieces just big enough to fit under each leg support (about 2"x3.5") if your using 2x4's adjust if using different wood and hot glue them to the bottom with the good side down to protect the floor. As for the spills you can just use a good qaulity dropcloth when working and then remove it when done so you can roll your storage containers back underneath if that's what you plan on putting under there.Pat

 

[Glen Haasdyk]

My Wife and I bought some self-adheisive felt pads for the table and chair legs for our kitchen. The work great and don't cost alot either.

 

[siderod]

Ohhhh....

Here i thought u wanted to see what was under my benchwork :cry:

The squares of carpet is a good idea...i got a really sh***y carpet under my layout, so i don't worry about it.

Andrew Reid

 

[NYC-BKO]

Mike,
I picked up an area rug like in Jim's photo at a flea market, still in good shape, for $5.00 it was 6' x 9' you would need two. Now that's well within the budget and if you ruin it, so what. Must save those hardwood floors.

 

[60103]

Mike, I will give you one strong suggestion: Don't put off the carpet laying until you get the layout done. You will never pick it up to put the carpet under it.
Unless, of course, you're going to make it in sections so that you can clear it out to put the carpet down.

 

[Clerk]

How about that carpet padding that they put under the carpet. They make it in various thickness so the thinner one shouldn't be very expensive. Less than
the carpet.

 

[rksstl]

heres something different. were getting ready to put hardwood floors in and my layout is around the walls so i decided to build the bench work without legs. just a thought.

 

[Pitchwife]

Rich, you are doing the same thing that I have planned, although probably for a different reason. The framework will be 2x4s and the supports will go all the way to the floor. It should support everything I want to load on it. Had some shelves built in my shop that way and they held three console TVs plus a lot of other junk piled on top.

 

[Doc Holliday]

Don't put off the carpet laying until you get the layout done. You will never pick it up to put the carpet under it.

This is really good advice. Wish I had read it before I built my 8'x11' "L" shaped benchwork in my basement. I initially planned on just leaving the concrete floor alone. I (read that as my wife) later decided to install carpet. I managed to glue down a 11' x 17' piece of carpet under the benchwork by removing one leg at a time. I do have to admit it is nicer, but what a PITA! :curse:
Doc

 

[60103]

I had my layout across one end of the basement, and we laid carpet up to the edge, where I had some panels. The fellow that bought my house said the cement floor was a good place for his workshop, but my wife was watching his wife when he said it!