Knee Pads

If you're not used to being on the floor, knee pads should definitely be on the Flooring knee pads shopping list! Any old knee pads is not the way to go. This is especially important with prefinished flooring installations.

Products that contains hard plastic, metal, or metal clips in their construction should be avoided. With plastic, small fragments can become embedded. Any knee pads with metal can present burrs that will definitely scratch any new floor. The same is true of picking up small pieces of grit. They may not be noticeable but they are there.

Fabric, Cloth Type

Cloth type knee pads are most preferred, but they too will pick up grit. It's best to shake them out often when in doubt. Another potential problem with any type of knee pads, especially when doing direct glued downs to concrete, is smearing adhesive without knowing it. Most adhesives cure within 24 hours but some remain tacky. Our suggestion? Always make a thorough inspection prior to putting them on.

Pricing

Better quality knee pads will run 25.00 to $ 50.00 from a local flooring supply store, while the home center prices may run around ten to fifteen for basic protection. Crain Comfort Knees, a professional favorite is the cream of the crop for fabric style products.

Ergonomic

There are also ergonomic type knee pads that are incredibly comfortable. One particular interesting manufacturer Fluid Forms, offers their 1002 Patella T Wedge Knee Pads (shown above). The knee pads work with a contained fluid. If you've ever knelt on a small child's inner tube, it provides same effect magnified several times.

• Job Site Safety
• Dust Control