My workshop is located in an approximately 200 sq. ft. bedroom that I appropriated from a vacant mother-in-law apartment in our home. It has wide pine flooring that acquired some character during the years it was occupied. I assumed a little more character wouldn't hurt, but after dropping a few tools I've come to the realization that I'm going to ruin the floor for future use as living space if I don't lay something down to protect it.
My requirements for the covering material are that 1) it lay perfectly flat and stay in place without being nailed to the floor underneath. (double-sided carpet tape would be ok, if necessary); 2) it be reasonably easy to sweep; 3) it be reasonably inexpensive; 4) it be reasonably easy to lay; 5) in the future I may buy a band saw and put it on wheels so I can keep it in the corner and roll it out as needed -- so being able to roll heavy equipment is a consideration. However, this is primarily a hand-tools-only (aka neanderthal) shop. 6) It should be pretty firm. My workbench will sit on it. I don't care about depressions in the covering but I don't want it to cause the bench to bounce or absorb much energy when I'm pounding on something. I'm not going to leave an open space for the bench -- the bench has to sit on it.
I've browsed some of the threads on flooring and have gleaned a few ideas. However, most of these threads are about concrete floors so I thought a new thread would be ok. Here are the current candidates:
- T&G plywood or OSB
- Horse stall mats (I have a local Tractor Supply). I'm not a big fan of this idea due to the weight
- Utility mats sold by Tractor supply that appear to be a smaller horse stall mat (1/2" instead of 3/4")
- Tight-Lock tiles from rubberflooringinc. These look to cost $500 or so for this job and are thus at the high end of the price range. Looks like most people use these for home gyms. These would be easy to lay and I could easily take them with me when we eventually move.
- What else can you think of?
I kind of like the idea of mats but I wonder if they would be impractical in some way or would wear out.
Your thoughts? Thanks!