I’m trying to finish out the “dream shop” I’ve waited so long to have. At the moment it has concrete floors, durable but abusive to edge tools, an old man’s back, and human ears. I’ve considered laying Advantech over the concrete, but that is both very expensive and creates elevation complications I won’t want to deal with as I get older & older & older & …………
Bought a couple green 4×6 cushion mats for bench location, but I would like something more comprehensive.
Recently I spotted those vinyl-like lock tiles that seem manageable. According to them, they work great in a shop and the tiles stay locked together.
They claim
1) noise reduction
2) traction improvement
3) water vapor reduction (through the floor)
4) & a modest amount of cushion for knees, etc.
Obviously, it would provide edge protection.
Anybody have experience with this type of product? In particular, can you verify that the tiles stay locked together? I’m not speaking of the hard plastic tiles often used in a garage. The ones I’ve noticed are a softer, thinner product.
Thanx.
BJ
Replies
My Choice
I like the answer I saw in the Letters section of the current issue.
Take the fortune you would have spent on the floor, and buy the best pair of shoes you've ever had.
Completely comprehensive, no tripping.
I started (as everyone in the trades did) with big, steel toed boots, then came Buffalo boots, then hiking boots, and I finished my career in running boots. (Sort of a cross between a jogging shoe and a hiking boot.)
I've heard crepe soles are the way to go, but I never tried them.
These days, I wear New Balance tennis shoes that cost more than my first car.
The only thing that matters to me where footwear is concerned is comfort.
Good luck!
G-floor
BJ,
There is a company called Better Living Technologies that makes a product called G-Floor, it was designed as a floor covering for automotive garages. It comes in rolls of varying lengths and thicknesses, we used it around the benches at the course I was at, its really tough stuff, resistant to oils and provides a fair amount of cushion. I don't recall the cost but I don't think it was ridiculous. You can find a dealer by going to their site http://www.bltllc.com/g-floor_main.htm#purchase
Hope this helps,
Jim
Thanks Folks !
Yeah, I have to admit the shoe idea is pretty smart. And cheap !
And I have to admit I'm thrilled with the idea of not covering the floor. But I will buy some sheet goods for around the benches.
Dropping tools I've never before been able to afford would make me heartsick. Maybe those mats will save the day !
I just saw some of those interlocking tiles in a post from 3fingerjack in the Workshop Forum under the thread about Krenov sawhorses. Perhaps you could Email him. I have always saved carpet scraps when I recarpet in case repair is needed. I have started using long strips in front of my benches, 2 or 3 feet by 8 to 10 feet long. At first I thought I might trip on the edges, but I never do and they clean up nicely with a little battery driven vacuum cleaner. The sawdust seems to make them look better than new. Perhaps it absorbs dirt or something.
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