canvas floor mat - looking for source

[Mindabout]

My new studio/workshop area is on a carpeted floor. I want to put coverings under my workbenches to protect the carpet. One has to be fireproof and have discussed that in the safety forum. However, the others just need to do things like catch drillings and catch anything greasy etc that might roll off the bench.

I've just had a bit of a brainwave - was going to use MDF now I'm not sure that's the best choice. I'm thinking, carpet is good underfoot - a hard floor surface will 'cause strain long before carpet would. Maybe a soft mat is the way to go to take advantage of the comfort levels provided by carpet. But, as I need to cover a lot of floor space I'm also loooking for something cheap. So my idea is a canvas mat - I'm thinking of that rugged canvas that is used for making tents. Does anyone happen to know a source for this? I know I could use primed artists canvas but would rather the heavier canvas if possible. I suppose sail canvas would be good too but I would also make a guess that it would be the most expensive.

[Wood Butcher]

Look in your yellow pages under Canvas makers. Wouldn't be a huge job for them (worked for one many years ago)

[Mindabout]

Thanks Wood Butcher.

Would you have any idea how much they might charge per square metre? Not even sure yet if this is an option I can afford.

[Wood Butcher]

Sorry no idea. I only used to make what I was told, never had anything to do with the pricing.

[SilentButDeadly]

Canvas is very expensive to just have lying around.....a cheaper alternative would be your local Vinnies or Salvos shop or even a Spotlight shop.

What you'd be looking for is queen size flat sheets - you'll need two or three layers of sheets to be as effective as canvas.

Another choice is Clark Rubber who have in the past sold sheets of 2nd grade EVA foam usually a metre or so wide and anything up to a couple of metres long - we used them to make dog beds - join them together with roadies tape.

Wool bags for a stock and station agent might also be a good option.

Carpet or vinyl offcuts or roll ends from a carpet supplier are a cheap option....as are old rugs from Vinnies or wherever

Boat shops sell two metre wide pieces of marine carpet of the roll for anything upwards from $40 per m http://www.biasboating.com.au/carpet.html

[Mindabout]

I've found a suitable floor covering so just thought I'd provide an update in case anyone else is looking to solve the same problem in the future.

At bunnings I found some lino that was 2m wide and $11 per metre length. Definately the lowed possible quality - when the guy cut the first piece for me he started to roll it then his leg got caught on one corner of the roll and when he lifted his foot the roll folded in the middle and a large crack was the result. He didn't try to sell me that piece but I considered it a warning that this lino is easy to crack. I transported it home carefully and have rolled it out on the carpet. Its not sitting ultra smooth and flat but it does actually look quite neat and is quite functional for my purposes. I only spent $33 and have covered the areas I need to cover. If cracks occur over time I'll gaffa tape them and then at some point I could probably justify tossing it out and starting again.