So I just had all my second floor floors refinished by a local company. I think they did a fine job considering that the original material was 3/8ths of an inch, T&G. After all this time (110 years) the top layer (above the tongue) is about 1/16th. This floor won’t ever be sanded again. Now I’m going to install baseboard and I want to protect the floor really well. At the moment my sliding miter saw w/stand and a small work table are in the largest room on this level, sitting on a sheet of 4 mil plastic with 1/4” plywood under the legs. I’m thinking this isn’t enough. What material should I purchase that will keep me from ruining the newly refinished oak?
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This has worked for years of quality work and miles of trim.
First lay down good quality drop cloths, overlapping the seams.
Next get 3/16 or 1/4” Masonite and cut the sheets to 4x4’ or 32”-48” pcs. Or you can use full sheets, but I save the Masonite for the next job and find it easier to use them down a hall, inside a nook or to pull the frig over in a kitchen remodel.
Lay the Masonite over the drops edge to edge and tape the seams. You have something to sweep off of, don’t have to worry if you drop a tape or square or that chisel you have in your back pocket.
But, make sure the drops and floor are clean before you start.
Yes masonite. Cheap, light and impact resistant.
Thanks Calvin and Sawdust Steve. Sounds like a plan.