Construction, renovation and fit-out projects can put finished floors and other surfaces at risk of scratches, scuffs, spills and impact damage. Even when the main building work is complete, tradespeople still need to move tools, materials and equipment through the space.
At eSafety Supplies, we provide temporary surface coverings to help keep finished floors in good condition while work continues. Our Shield Board offers a more substantial barrier than lighter options such as plastic film, making it a practical choice for busy job sites.
In this guide, we explain what floor impact protection boards are, where to use them, which features to compare and how our Shield Board can help safeguard finished surfaces.
What Is a Floor Impact Protection Board?
A floor impact protection board is a temporary covering designed to help prevent scratches, scuffs and impact damage to finished floors during building, refurbishment and maintenance projects.
Unlike thin protective films, which are generally used to guard compatible surfaces against dust and paint splashes, impact boards provide a more substantial physical barrier.
Our Shield Board is a 5mm polypropylene sheet with a heat-laminated felt underlay. It provides a protective layer over finished surfaces while other work continues on site.
When Should You Use Impact Protection Boards?
Impact boards help safeguard completed surfaces in a range of commercial and residential settings. Common applications include:
Commercial fit-outs
During office, retail and commercial fit-outs, multiple trades often work in the same area at different stages. Our Shield Board covers completed flooring while painting, electrical work, joinery and other finishing tasks continue.
Home renovations
Renovation projects expose existing floors to tools, building materials and foot traffic. A floor protection board helps reduce the risk of surface damage in occupied or partially renovated properties.
Flooring and interior works
Tiles, stone, timber and vinyl finishes can be vulnerable during subsequent installation and finishing tasks. Our felt-backed Shield Board adds a layer between the sheet and the floor.
Lift interiors and access areas
Lifts, corridors and shared access areas experience frequent movement of tools, materials and equipment. Shield Board helps guard finished surfaces against scuffs and damage during refurbishment and maintenance.
Facility maintenance
Commercial buildings and operational facilities can use temporary floor coverings during repairs and maintenance, helping reduce the risk of damage without requiring every area to be closed.
See our Floor Impact Protection collection for more surface protection solutions.
What to Look for When Choosing a Protection Board
When comparing floor protection boards, consider the material, backing, slip resistance, exposure conditions, reusability and load requirements alongside thickness. These features help determine which product is appropriate for your project.
1. Thickness and material
Thickness can influence a board's rigidity and handling characteristics, but it does not independently determine impact resistance or load capacity. Compare the manufacturer's specifications and intended applications rather than relying on thickness alone.
Consider the activities taking place on site and the level of physical protection needed when comparing board materials and construction.
2. Backing and surface protection
The underside of a board affects how it contacts the finished surface. Our Shield Board features a heat-laminated felt underlay that adds a layer between the sheet and the floor.
Remove loose dirt and debris before installation to help prevent trapped particles from scratching or marking finished surfaces.
3. Slip resistance and site conditions
Our Shield Board has a P5 anti-slip rating. This rating is relevant when assessing the board for pedestrian areas, including walkways and access routes. Moisture, contamination and site conditions can still affect actual slip performance.
4. Moisture resistance and outdoor exposure
Shield Board is water-resistant and UV-stabilised. It is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. These features make it an option for areas exposed to moisture and sunlight.
5. Reusability and disposal
Our Shield Board is reusable and recyclable. Inspect sheets after each project and retain those in good condition for future use. Follow the product documentation for cleaning, storage and disposal.
6. Load requirements
Our product has a compressive-strength rating of 8.9 tonnes per 100mm². An impact board is not a structural floor or automatically a load-distribution system. Confirm the system's documented performance and ensure the underlying floor can safely support the proposed loads.
Impact Protection Board vs Plastic Film vs Cardboard
At eSafety Supplies, our Floor Protection range includes options for different site conditions. Here's how the main types compare.
|
Protection type |
Best suited to |
Key consideration |
|
Impact protection board |
Active fit-outs where trades move tools and materials across completed floors |
Provides a stronger physical barrier against surface damage |
|
Protective film |
Protecting compatible surfaces from paint splashes and dust during decorating |
Check surface compatibility and adhesion |
|
Cardboard protection |
Covering dry floors during short finishing jobs with light foot traffic |
Consider moisture exposure and durability |
For light decorating, protective film helps guard surfaces against paint and dust. Cardboard provides general coverage for short, low-traffic tasks, while an impact board offers more protection during active building and fit-out projects. Choose the material according to the work being performed and the conditions on site.
Explore our Floor Protection collection to compare available products for your project.
Tips for Installing and Using Protection Boards
Good preparation and installation help keep temporary floor coverings in place throughout a project. Follow these steps when using Shield Board.
- Prepare the surface. Remove loose dirt and debris before laying the sheets to prevent trapped particles from scratching or marking the floor.
- Check the floor and backing. Review the product documentation and prepare the surface before installation.
- Measure and cut carefully. Plan the layout and cut sheets to fit the area, following the manufacturer's instructions and appropriate site safety procedures.
- Secure the joins. Use compatible tape to join and secure sheets where required. Our recommended option is tesa 4688 Cloth Tape.
- Inspect the covering. Check for displaced sheets, loose joins, damage or debris during the project. Repair or replace damaged sheets as necessary.
- Remove and store appropriately. Follow the product documentation when cleaning, storing or disposing of used sheets.
Keep walkways and access points clear. Temporary coverings must not conceal hazards or create unsafe changes in floor level.
Protect Finished Floors with Shield Board
We're excited to introduce Shield Board, the latest addition to eSafety Supplies' Floor Protection range, designed to safeguard finished floors during fit-outs, refurbishment and maintenance.
Made from 100% polypropylene, Shield Board features a 5mm-thick construction with a heat-laminated felt underlay. Each sheet measures 2.2m × 1.2m and is water-resistant, UV-stabilised, reusable and recyclable, making it a practical solution for temporary floor protection across multiple projects.
Available now for $39.40 per sheet, including GST.
Explore our Shield Board product page for full specifications and the product data sheet, or browse our Floor Protection collection for more surface protection solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a floor impact protection board used for?
A floor impact protection board helps guard finished surfaces against scratches, scuffs and impact damage during building work, refurbishment and maintenance. It provides a temporary physical barrier while other activities continue.
What is the difference between an impact protection board and floor protection film?
Impact boards generally provide a stronger physical barrier, while floor protection films are commonly used to guard surfaces against dust, paint and spills. The main difference is the level and type of physical protection each product provides.
Can Shield Board be reused?
Yes. Our Shield Board is reusable. Inspect sheets after each project and retain those in good condition for future use.
Can a protection board support heavy equipment?
A board is not automatically a load-distribution system. Check the documented performance specifications and ensure that the underlying floor can safely support the equipment and its loads.
