Temporary Flooring Over Carpet: My home studio's floor is covered by carpet. This is problematic if I want to extend the paper background for a full-length shot. Stepping on paper on...

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Temporary Flooring Over Carpet

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Jan 9, 2019 20:23:23 #

Dahveed Loc: Minneapolis

My home studio's floor is covered by carpet. This is problematic if I want to extend the paper background for a full-length shot. Stepping on paper on top of carpet isn't practical. Has anyone solved this problem in a relatively cheap and easy way?

Jan 9, 2019 20:28:12 #

Photog8 Loc: Morriston, FL

A sheet of 4x8 plywood (about $30-40) would work.

Jan 9, 2019 20:29:10 #

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

Dahveed wrote:

If you don’t want to remove the carpet, lay down plywood sheets over it.

Jan 9, 2019 20:41:22 #

TMurphy71

if you don't need to cover a huge area, you could try the clear carpet protector that goes under an office chair. They are pretty rigid. The ones that cover rugs have spikes on the back and are pretty inexpensive.

Jan 9, 2019 20:47:23 #

Dahveed Loc: Minneapolis

Yes it would. But I'd prefer not to handle a huge slab of wood in such close quarters with all the lighting equipment around. Perhaps sectional flooring would work better.

Jan 9, 2019 21:32:24 #

Plieku69 Loc: The Gopher State, south end

Perhaps sectional flooring would work better. No it won't, each joint will flex and eventually break. As mentioned above a full sheet of plywood is the best.

It seems you want this floor to be temporary, lay it out when needed then take it up after the shoot. It can be done using plywood cut into 4' x 2' sections. Lay a 1x4 under each joint to support the joint. You can just lay it down and use it or put a screw in each corner for extra stability.
This way you would have pieces small enough to handle in tight quarters without banging into expensive equipment.

Ken

Jan 9, 2019 22:09:48 #

Dahveed Loc: Minneapolis

I think you're on the right track, TMurphy. Getting one large enough that can be rolled up and secured when not in use could work. I have a small one in my office, I'll give it a try, thanks.

Jan 9, 2019 22:12:42 #

Bill_de Loc: US

Masonite [hardboard] in 2x4 foot panels.

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Jan 9, 2019 22:12:56 #

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Photog8 wrote:

A sheet of 4x8 plywood (about $30-40) would work.

Exactly. Search on The Slanted Lens YouTube channel for Home Studio. He recommended the same fix.

Jan 9, 2019 22:15:31 #

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

We use pressed board or 1/4 inch Masonite. It's less expensive than plywood and the Masonite is lighter weight.

Jan 9, 2019 23:04:42 #

Haydon

If you are using white seamless, a cheap fix and aesthetically appealing can be found at Home Depot called Thrifty White Tile Board. It's $13.74 for a single 4'x8' sheet. It's finished in a semi-gloss white which gives a subtle white reflection.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/EUCATILE-32-sq-ft-96-in-x-48-in-Hardboard-Thrifty-White-Tile-Board-HDDPTW48/205995949

Jan 9, 2019 23:57:03 #

Stardust Loc: Central Illinois

Having been in the building industry ask for 1/4" lauan - comes in 4x8 sheets, is lighter than plywood and has a solid face & core. It is half the weight of hardboard and won't warp like your thin plywoods will, especially if used indoors in heated areas. Lumber yard can cut in half to 48"x48" pcs or three 32"x48" per sheet.

PS - Mats for under roller chairs on carpet may work but hard to store and the nibs that embed in the carpeting also like skin (he says from much experience).

Jan 10, 2019 05:47:20 #