How to Protect Hardwood Floors (Ram-board)

[@colinblake24]

Talk about perfect timing. I did not even think about installing Blue tape first. THANK YOU!!!

[@TobiasRaphael1]

Thanks for your safety hints VC. It is paramount to always work at a steady pace and with attentiveness in our trades... (not rushed, which can cause distraction), as we are usually working with dangerous tools and it only takes a second to get seriously injured. While not being a risk taker, I still have had to learn this the hard way because of being in a rush. I have seen other trades people injure themselves too for similar reasons. A good thing to keep in mind is that losing a couple of fingers through inadvertance, can alter your method of employment and well being for the rest of your life. Just buttoning a shirt with missing fingers can be extremely difficult and frustrating. To make your taping the Ramboard down easier and quicker, try using the blue exterior tape. It is stronger and has more tack, easier to unroll, and they designed it to tear easy and straight, so no need to knife it. Corner taping is simple and quick by tearing it. It also works great for taping plastic up when removing texture ceilings or spraying ceilings. I do this like you did the floor in this video... use frog tape (delicate) or similar product, then tape plastic up with exterior tape, covering as much of the delicate tape as possible, to keep the water or paint off the delicate tape, (in order to keep it from dislodging because of the moisture, as the exterior tape is water proof). I saw it at the box store and on a whim, tried it and found it to be quite the 'cat's meow'! I have found this to work well and to be a time saver. In the States, it can be purchased at Lowe's and Home Depot... perhaps at paint stores too. I assume the same in Canada. Your sense of humor, skill, knowledge, advice and excellent gift of teaching, keeps me coming back to your channel. Thank you! BTW, hope your wife's arm is mending nicely and things are getting back to normal for her. Perhaps you would like to give us an update?

[@GarwoodNick]

You can really go nuts with this stuff and the zip walls. I've been on remodels where a couple guys spent a whole day laying ramboard on every conceivable path in, out and through the house. I've seen some pretty amazing ramboard installations. It's like art, almost.

[@RustyAndroid]

I remember watching a couple using a Japanese company to move their stuff from one Tokyo apartment to another. The moving company went nuts. They protected everything. They had different kinds of boxes and containers for everything. They protected the floor, the walls of the hallway, everything.

[@shawnchannell9689]

Thank you for this video! I'll share this with my contractors and helpers. We spend a lot of time at the end of the job cleaning floors, so this will be a big time and damage saver.

[@lateral1385]

It is a lil pricey, but often worth it, depending on the job

[@ccadama]

@Vancouver Carpenter. Thank you for the useful tips. I saw Ram Board put down at my work to protect the tile flooring during a remodeling job. That gave me the idea to use it to protect a new wood floor during a recent move. I used the wide 3M painters tape for new floors to tape the Ram Board down. Fortunately that worked for me. I can relate to your need for a coffee break. It's my performance enhancing drug of choice! Hope you and your family stay safe and healthy.

[@bsbabcock]

You Sir have helped me through a whole dining room project. Thank you!

[@jessicamichalak2147]

This video saved me! First time ramboard user and I felt completely ripped off, the stupid stuff was rolling in on itself and pulling up the blue tape with it, I never thought to lay blue tape under the stronger tape (which I was told can't be used on my floors)! What a relief, I thought I'd wasted my money buying this, all other (marketing) videos made it look so easy!

[@dylanwilliams3055]

there is a great trick called the fold back that releases the flex fibre and it then sits flat.. goodbye roll back headaches, also Ram Board have a special multi cutter knife which you can use directly on the hardwood floor and prevent scoring or damaging the floor beneath. using their edge tape also means you don't need the blue tape either.... man they think of everything!

[@Marchand848]

Great vid! Thanks for the help (and other subscribers too) for the skim of my wall advice. It all worked out and my office looks great.

[@kdes7548]

TY for this. I got an email that my kitchen cabinets are being delivered in 3 days, and the GC is nowhere to be found. I panicked at the thought of a box truck arriving, and forklifts coming through my patio door, rolling over my nice bamboo floors. So this 70 something lady had to head to the big hardware store and pick up this RamBoard. I had to purchase two 50 ft rolls because I couldn't lift the larger, less costly roll. I had to watch this twice to be brave enough to tackle this myself.

[@lateral1385]

Ooh, bamboo floors 😍

[@hawkwind769]

I love prepping. I keep my five in one (painters tool)handy for cutting tape. Works great in windows. I got the painter trade down to a science. Been painting since 2000 and really take pride in it. I've streamlined all the painting steps into this efficient machine. Is satisfying when all the little "tricks" add up and come together. Makes the job more of a performance. And I get to show off my expertise.. fun.

[@kyleb6017]

Same here! I've been at it since '05 and I absolutely love it! I love making a science out of as perfect a finish as possible! People are always stunned when they have only done it themselves. It truly is an art.

[@hawkwind769]

@@kyleb6017 yes sir. It's satisfying. Hard work though. Sometimes. Sprayed and back rolled some big condos a few years back (new construction). That shit was hell. Day after day same shit. Some days we'd spray 175 to 200 gallons. 10 hours a day. I like custom paint jobs more. If I never spray paint again, I would not mind! Cheers bro, be well

[@lateral1385]

I want to learn from you!

[@zamzammrfixit3113]

You’re a good man with outstanding qualities

[@cherihopkins3231]

You're awesome! Love your videos, I learn something everytime even if it's just slow down and have patience.

[@patmccafferty7]

If you turn it upside down it will eventually transfer the lettering onto the floor. Especially if there are any rainy days.

[@mikefasan325]

I had to come back to compliment your heroic ending!

[@mickey533]

You are probably very good at wrapping presents. Thanks for the video

[@jeffstone2585]

Good job! A lot of guys don’t like to put a lot of time and effort into preparing and protecting, viewing it as waste. But really it usually means a lot of clean up at the end, which I try to avoid. I noticed you have furniture in the room. I try to take as much stuff like that out of the room as possible but maybe there was no place to put it.

[@fgovino]

12:07 i like this trick! Thank you!

[@rcook2608]

I like to use 1/8”mdf. It’s reusuable, lays flat, cuttable, and cheaper than ram board. ~$10 a 4x8sheet. Just don’t unload it when it’s windy!

[@CustCareRep]

Vancouver Carpenter not only relaxes in his white socks, he also WORKS in his socks. 0:26 Cool.

[@tim58850]

I work in sock as well...

[@factorycut2072]

Like the use of the putty knife cutting the tape 👍🏻 keep on feathering brother

[@josephmeloni1831]

However, although I don't agree with your method of installing it phased down, I have to say the method you used to cut the tape and keeping it square I would give it a big thumbs up love the way you did that it looks professional. It looks neat you did a great job.

[@johnVidBozo]

Me: Judging you. Verdict: Great job! Even funny (at times).

[@vancouvercarpenter]

:)

[@Clacio10]

Great video, never seen ram board done and look so elegant! 😉 If you use tuck tape and get it right on the finished floor underneath will it wreck the floor? Say even if you got a 1/2” or so by accident? I’ve been using red stucco tape and it doesn’t seem to wreck floors but I never thought of or knew to put painters tape down first to create a border. Thanks!

[@brandonvagner8865]

Do you know exactly what the floor is? It look amazing.

[@ethankalicin6074]

Good job thanks for showing how to put ram board down

[@martinmathews7101]

Excellent demo--great info

[@DougFaynor]

I watched that blooper section over and over 😂😂😂 too funny

[@Daveed19]

We use cardboard underneath tyvek to protect our floors at my work. I like to make a border with tape like yourself to keep it clean, then tape it down. Fresh blade always Well done Sir, you have lots of good tips and tricks. Appreciate your videos. Keep them up ✌

[@charlesfrey660]

Well done Van, Ram board is your friend.......

[@zapadeeboom]

Van? ...Ben.

[@zagnit]

Just FYI if you microwave the tape roll for about 5-10 seconds it makes a huge difference when your roll tears like that.

[@berto316life4]

That trick you do with putty knife and tape, I do all the time with a 5 in 1 tool and tell other painters about it but they never use the technique and it drives me crazy seeing them rip the tape at corners with their fingers. It’s like they rather do it the inefficient way lol 🤪

[@konstantinusstoyanov9749]

You always have a good content

[@aaron74]

Be sure to place tape on the ramboard every two meters so you and others know the correct social distancing. lol

[@finnleykaiden467]

instaBlaster

[@kevlar1482]

No.

[@fromdheart1]

Great Video! Love your sarcasm!😁 while giving helpful tips! My question is: What type of tape do you suggest to use on cardboard on the stairway wall for protection on moving in day? ie. painter's tape (color) or packing tape? Thank you so much, New subscriber!

[@joeshmoe8912]

I love the smell of 3m painters tape too. Smells almost good enough to eat.

[@archimedez]

A bit off the subject, but those are beautiful floors. Do you know what type of floors those are, and who makes them? Thanks - love your vids!

[@lateral1385]

I wish he would respond to the comments

[@bobsacamano251]

That was amazing!!! 13:18

[@tim58850]

Looks good

[@Beandiptheredneck]

We always just use regular rosin paper and then lay cardboard boxes out across it, never had any damage doing it that way unless someone dropped something really heavy on it

[@mikefasan325]

Big fan keep up the good vids!

[@pbmc_]

Let's see the good part. Skimming the ceilings.

[@piercebennett6905]

What do you use to adhere the ram board if the floors are freshly stained and glossed

[@bethanyanderson1745]

Yes!

[@dhollm]

I think I spotted the same stairwell you did some work on a while back - a lot of mud straightening the flats of the angled handrail thing.

[@danielbickford3458]

I know this is fairly late, but do you do something similar to this with a carpeted room?

[@chrisv4640]

Thanks Ben! Hey do you have any tips for pulling off tape used for edge masking on trim while painting? I only tape off baseboard and cut in vertical lines but the tape often wants to pull off trim paint with it. I have tried different angles etc. It seems to come off best while any paint on it is still wet, but I cant always hit that time window.

[@oltedders]

Great advice. As usual. Must be an old roll of tape if it keeps tearing apart. Who's the numpty that thought putting a light at ceiling level was a good idea? A gnat turd will cast a 1" shadow. I would have thought long and hard about doing this job.

[@backtoconstitution1]

Freaking 3M tape. I quit using it. I use blue FROG now. Best ever

[@berto316life4]

backtoconstitution1 it drives me nuts when I’m trying to tape baseboard in one whole strip and it keeps ripping like it did Ben lol

[@pwhsbuild]

Ramboard makes a knife that actually works well. You can cut over surfaces without having to worry about hurting the underlaying substrate.

[@shongo2k15]

I've noticed that the blue tape tears like that recently. You didn't have a bad roll. It's like a production flaw.

[@Beandiptheredneck]

Shongo 2k I notice the same thing. It’s incredibly irritating

[@rcook2608]

Shongo 2k The glue gets hard, that’s why they wrap it in plastic. I’ve put the tape in a floor register with the heat on (during the winter) and it works like a charm. You can try it with PL, caulk and spray foams too.

[@Beandiptheredneck]

R Cook so you’re saying heat the tape up a bit and it won’t tear like that?

[@shongo2k15]

@@rcook2608 I've warmed caulk but never thought of the tape. Excellent tip, thank you!

[@tomfisher5329]

Nice tip on the blue tape first! That scrape on your left elbow looks like it hurt, skateboard accident?

[@vitocatella5244]

Another interesting video. I would subtract open knife and add scissors but I am Not a pro.

[@Pockymuncher888]

Slightly off topic but I was watching your videos about fixing gaps but there isn't anything about fixing gaps in hardwood. The previous owner didn't do a good job and between two pieces on the short side of the hardwood floor there is a 1cm gap. How can I fix this? Should I just put wood filler?

[@islandcharmed7221]

Ram Board is ALWAYS INSTALLED with the side with the printing on it facing UPWARDS !!

[@drewbush6535]

while im here i used 20 minute mix today took forever to dry on the ceiling.. thin. plus it a pain to sand. that normal?

[@afinepoint]

Can painters tape like Frog tape be used to hold the Ramboard directly to the floor? That would cut taping material and time in half.

[@dylanwilliams3055]

Ram Boards Edge tape is easy release and is guaranteed not to leave residue.... genius

[@dylanwilliams3055]

never use the brown seam tape near a finished surface... its really strong... only for bonding board to board....

[@inder-preet9875]

does this blue tape sticks to the floor at the end of the job?

[@Brynny211]

Hold up those ceilings look good ?!?! What the hell

[@zip19145]

Thank ya!!

[@berto316life4]

Hey Ben I noticed you mentioned knee pads and not having them in the video. You should check out Thriveworkwear.com they have pants that come standard with knee pads in the knee area and they’re extremely comfortable and effective. The knee pads are like a foam type material so they’re not really bulky and are perfect for when you have to take a quick knee and such. PaintlifeTv on KZbin made a video on them the other day and I bought me a pair. Best decision ever I love em.

[@proanswers]

ON finished flooring doesnt the tape need to be easy release or delicate release ?

[@mikemarino724]

Wouldn't the red rosin paper be easier to work?. Happy Easter Pastor Mike

[@thoughtlesskills]

Depends on traffic and what you plan to do on top of it. I use the red stuff for painting on occasion but its only so durable. During larger jobs where multiple crews come in or when there are ladders or equipment on top putting down ram board or equivalent is the way. For what he's doing here I think the cheap stuff would be fine, but to each his own.

[@scottbattaglia8595]

To be even sure i recommend the yellow frog tape, but still never apply anything to a newly finished floor. The finish needs to fully cure to maturity

[@danielsilva3930]

I thought I was the only one that loves the smell of blue tape

[@simonovichv]

I know this is off topic, but is the color of the hardwood? If pre finished what type is it etc.?

[@klehman4832]

So, um, I went there and my blue tape does not smell like gummy candy at all. I think you just wanted to see how many of us would actually do that. And yes, that damned tape does tear. The worst is the last 5 feet of it. Great idea with the knife cutting it.

[@williamtipton1378]

Little trick I’ve learned when your tape breaks like that when your trying to pull it run it under hot wafted

[@screaminpotato]

I like this stuff but I wouldn’t use it on every job. Sometimes I just want to protect the floor some dust a maybe a few paint splatters so I’ll use basic cardboard paper at a fraction of the price.

[@cwrowe]

Do you find yourself re using this from job to job?

[@JanetJenkins]

I love you. :-)

[@AlexAlcyone]

Ram board is the biz. If you just use the paper sheet, and someone drops a screw which then gets trodden on... or any metal tool... you got a nice dent in your (or your client's) hardwood floor..

[@stevenkipus1505]

Did you grow more gray hair?

[@scottdecoster4002]

Sure beats using 3/4 ply and my nail gun @ 16oc. 😆

[@conradcoolerfiend]

what is the purpose of the ram board here? You using stilts or scaffold?

[@thoughtlesskills]

I thought it seemed like it could be overkill but I hadn't considered stilts or a scaffold. Thought maybe it was more to appease the homeowner than for him.

[@thoughtlesskills]

@@conradcoolerfiend agreed, that's kind of why i figure he's just doing it to keep the homeowner from complaining or maybe he counts that as materials for the job and marks it up. Also, I don't really like mudding over canvas unless I plan to toss it after(because I drop so much mud) and working on top of plastic just pisses me off. Of course I've never had to skim a ceiling either.

[@tay13666]

The next video from this house shows him up on scaffolding, which makes sense considering the height of the ceiling. So the ramboard is probably to protect from the wear of that, and any tools that may drop off the scaffolding or out of hands while up high.

[@theamerican4609]

I don't understand why you tape the floor first then tape the ramboard to the tape.

[@charleyharlan979]

Man..you failed to mention Ram board doesn't hold up well against 99 du Spitfires.. I regret buying the black ones now.. My mom is definitely going to be calling you, Don't answer the call from area code 313 unless you know how to get streaks out of hardwood...😀

[@hermanchow1405]

The thumbnail should be how to eliminate the dust get into the floor boards in between !

[@rickkrieger4455]

This was good but when you said How to protect a hardwood floor, my brain went to what type of cleaner to us on it. Oh stupid me.

[@blightwulf]

If the roll of tape gets frozen it will break off in short pieces .

[@williamcreech1505]

Sure to use frogtape

[@mikefasan325]

Always camera! Never operator! Lol

[@Dev-lc4cd]

Nope, I refuse to give it more than 5 minutes of thought, to try and figure out what the blue tape is for. How is dust going to get under the ramboard if you just use tape over the top? The top tape seals the edge..... What the hell is the blue... You know what, nope.

[@robc2536]

The Ram Board tape will be a nightmare to get off the floor without the blue tape under it.

[@Dev-lc4cd]

@@robc2536 Is that why? Ram board edge tape? Is that a thing? Residue free release?

[@robc2536]

@@Dev-lc4cd - The Ram Board tape has a strong adhesive. The blue tape will release from the floor without any problem. I just did this when redoing my dining room and it worked great.

[@Majoofi]

It smells absolutely revolting to me.

[@TheTerminator1919]

Different strokes for different folks

[@JeSsE-qe5tl]

Be careful with your words before you speak out against a God that you do not know. Jesus said follow me, start with following Him and see what he does. If you’ve put him in a box I’m telling you right now you’ve already made your own version of who “you” think Christ is. That’s an idol, your own idea. The Bible says a man’s heart is so deceitfully wicked, there is a way that seems right onto man but it leads to death. Who can know their own way? So in humility put down any idea of who you think God is and admit that you know nothing of him, run to Jesus and he will run to you and show you the father. If you wish to become why is this salvation you must be fools in your own eyes. Repent and believe the simple Gospel. Become baptized and receive the Holy Spirit! I had to do this in my own life and it was hard but when I admitted I knew nothing of Him, Jesus Christ revealed the father to me and sent someone to me, they lay hands on me and I receive the infilling of the Holy Spirit. Since then it’s that spirit that leads me into all truth and the righteousness i walk in now is not my own, but righteousness of Jesus Christ. I still fall into sin but I cannot continue it. I hope this blesses someone out there

[@daniellamoureux4150]

This guy has no idea what he’s doing. Try watching the actual Ram Board video. It’s shorter and better.