The Framers Forum

Hi Out there, can any one suggest the best covering for a work top. I tend to mount cut and assemble and discuss work with customers art on the same work top. Currently i cover the chip board top with mount board and replace when it gets a bit scruffy. Can any one suggest a more suitable covering, one that protects the surface and stays clean.
Nick

All my benches are covered in carpet as it is kind to glass and mouldings. Take it off and hoover to clean

my main workbench is covered is 8mm safety glass, easy to keep clean, can cut on it etc etc

then have rubber play area tiles on the othe rbench that i use for assembly

I've always used kitchen carpet on all my tables. I find it's important to get some in a colour that is easy on the eye and plain if possible. I've had some with a 'jazzy' pattern and found it makes your eyes go funny under bright lights.

The other week I got a piece of patio carpet from LiDLs. Looks like grass. I put this on top of my mucky bench when I want to do something clean on it. Just the right size. £6.99.

Thanks to all who offered help, i have tried carpet but bits of fibre tend to get under mount during assembly. Rubber tiles sound good are they easily availabale. While we are on coverings what about work shop floor. mine currently has a piece of old carpet covering approx 50% of the chipboard floor, works but looks unsightly. some one suggested carpet tiles but i have a enough trouble removing tape etc from the carpet any more suggestions?

You have to get the right carpet. Good quality kitchen carpet won't shed fibres if you hoover in a few times when it's new. It's worth buying a bit off the roll to get the right stuff rather than try and find an cheap offcut. Remember you are going to spend a lot of time working on it.

I use an A0 cutting mat for working on mounts, but for face-down frame fitting you can't beat carpet. Even cardboard can be quite abrasive if you slide frames over it.