Counter Top Protection: Which Type Is Best for Your Construction or Remodeling Project?

During a construction or kitchen remodeling project, expensive counter tops are often damaged by dropped tools, spilled food and liquid splatter. They can be carelessly scratched and dinged by workers or subcontractors. This not only forces builders to spend additional time replacing or fixing the damage, it also upsets customers and decreases potential referrals. To ensure counter tops stay as beautiful as the day they are installed, it is important to use temporary protection. There are several types of counter top protection available through surface protection suppliers.

When deciding which type of protection to use, the first step is to determine whether the project needs heavy duty or light duty protection. This will depend on the type and scope of the construction project, the number of workers in the area, and the actual material type of the counter top. Materials can be made from granite, synthetic stones, tile, cement and wood. Each of these materials can experience various types of surface protection damage with the most frequent issue being surface scratching.

Heavy duty adhesive bubble protection, commonly known as Tackguard, prevents damage from impact and scratches. It is perforated every 12″ so for a quick and easy installation. The professional look of the adhesive bubble protection impresses customers and provides a cushion of air between the counter top and bubble surface. This layer works well to prevent expensive dents and dings.

Adhesive film is the most common type of protection. This light duty protection is the least expensive protection option and works well to prevent scratches. It is safe for use up to 45 days of use and is available in both 24 inch and 30 inch widths to fit normal counter tops with a 6″ backsplash. The puncture resistant 3 mil film is durable and can be used not only on counter tops, but also on vinyl, tile, stone, linoleum flooring, and other sealed surfaces. One drawback of the adhesive film is that it is not impact resistant like Tackguard. As with all adhesives, using the product according to the manufacturer’s recommendation is critical so that there is no adhesive transfer.

Corrugated rolled cardboard is also sold as a counter top protection by some suppliers. Cardboard is the most labor intensive protection to use as it must be installed using tape to hold it down. In addition, cardboard is not leak proof so care must be taken to keep all liquids off the protection. Cardboard does provide impact protection and can be printed with a builder or contractors company information for advertising purposes.

Once the necessary protection is purchased, builders need simply to install it and maintain it throughout the construction process. Builders and contractors should also discourage use by workers and subcontractors. These steps will effectively prevent counter tops from being damaged thereby impressing customers and increasing lucrative job referrals.