How do I protect my hardwood floors during a renovation?

Protecting your hardwood floors during renovation is absolutely critical — refinishing damaged floors can cost $3-8 per square foot, while replacement runs $8-15+ per square foot in New Brunswick's current market.

The most effective protection starts with heavy-duty floor protection film (6-mil plastic with adhesive backing) applied directly to clean floors, followed by 1/4" masonite or plywood sheets for high-traffic areas. This two-layer system prevents both surface scratches and impact damage from dropped tools or materials. Many New Brunswick contractors use Ram Board or similar products specifically designed for floor protection — it's breathable to prevent moisture buildup underneath while providing excellent durability.

Before any trades enter your home, ensure floors are completely clean and dry. Dirt or moisture trapped under protection becomes sandpaper that scratches your finish. For oil-based polyurethane floors common in older New Brunswick homes, avoid plastic sheeting that doesn't breathe — trapped moisture can cause white spots or cloudiness in the finish.

High-traffic zones need extra attention — doorways, hallways, and areas where materials will be stored require the full masonite treatment. Simply taping plastic sheeting in these areas isn't sufficient. Contractors moving drywall, lumber, or appliances will quickly tear through single-layer protection. Quality masonite sheets cost about $25-35 each but prevent thousands in floor damage.

Establish clear rules with all trades before work begins. No work boots with aggressive treads, no dragging materials across floors, and immediate cleanup of any spills. Professional contractors in New Brunswick understand this — if someone pushes back on floor protection requirements, that's a red flag about their attention to detail.

Remove protection carefully once work is complete. Pull tape slowly to avoid removing floor finish, and clean any adhesive residue with appropriate solvents. Check floors thoroughly before final payment — small scratches are much easier to address immediately than months later.

For major renovations lasting several weeks, inspect protection weekly and replace damaged sections immediately. The upfront cost of proper protection ($200-500 for most homes) is minimal compared to refinishing or replacement costs.

Find contractors who prioritize floor protection in our verified New Brunswick directory — experienced professionals know that protecting your existing finishes is just as important as the new work they're installing.

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Find a Flooring Contractor

New Brunswick Construction Network connects you with experienced contractors in the directory:

• FRS Flooring Solutions ✓
• Bedrock Excavation ✓
• Forever Epoxy Inc ✓