Working as a floor installer can be tough and physically demanding as it places a lot of strain on several parts of the body, particularly on your knees. It’s a job that typically involves long hours of kneeling on the ground just to complete a single floor installation project.
It can also be tough to maintain your balance while kneeling, which often results in uneven weight distribution that can significantly impact your joint health.
It’s for this reason why you need the best knee pad for flooring installers to prevent knee issues later on. These knee pads are designed to provide cushioning to your knees and allow you to experience overall comfort while working. They also serve as efficient shock absorbers to alleviate the pressure that your knees normally experience.
Apart from that, knee pads can help protect your knees from cuts and scrapes that you might sustain from the dirt and debris on the ground. If you work as a floor installer, you’ll need high-quality knee pads that can withstand the constant wear and tear due to daily use.
If you don’t have a pair of knee pads yet, then you’re in luck. We have compiled a list of the best knee pads for floor installers you can find on the market. We’ll also discuss everything you need to know with regard to knee pads, particularly the factors you should consider when buying one.
Buying Guide – How to Choose the Best Knee Pads for Flooring Installers
Before you can decide on which is the best knee pad for flooring installers, let‘s first have a look at the most important factors you should keep in mind when buying knee pads. They’re as follows:
Material
Knee pads are made using a variety of materials such as polyesters, nylon, and plastics. The type of material used to manufacture a knee pad will also determine its durability and longevity. It can also affect how comfortable you’ll be when working on a flooring project.
As a floor installer, comfort is key. Since the nature of your work will have you spending a lot of time on your knees getting the project done, getting a comfortable knee pad is very crucial. In this case, a knee pad with soft gel is your best option.
Lightweight
Ideally, you want to get a knee pad that is lightweight since you’ll be moving a lot while working. Also, you don’t want that extra load on your knees which can only weigh you down.
It’s also worth noting that the protection a knee pad brings is very important. It’s because there can be harmful objects in your work environment that can injure your knees at work.
Waterproof
If you’ll be working mostly outside of the house, then you should get waterproof knee pads as they’ll protect your knees from getting soaked up. Besides, they will make your work surface less messy.
Right Size & Fit
While a lot of brands produce free-size knee pads, some are specific with the size they make. In most cases, individuals with a narrow leg tend to experience problems getting the perfect size and fit. However, this can be remedied by getting knee pads that have adjustable straps.
Editors Top Picks & Comparison
| Product | Materials | |
| Best Overall | Crain 197 Comfort Knee Pads | Polymer & super-durable neoprene |
| Runners Up | Carib Gear Pro Work-Heavy Duty Knee Pads | Thermoplastic rubber, Foam, and Gel |
| Also Good | Cogurd Professional Gel Knee Pads | Polypropylene, and Thermoplastic Rubber |
| Budget Friendly | NoCry Flooring Knee Pads | Leather, Polyester, Synthetic, and Plastic |
Top 10 Best Knee Pads for Flooring Installers – Reviews
Let’s have a look at 10 of the finest knee pads you can find on the market to help you find the best knee pad for flooring installers:
1. Crain 197 Comfort Knee Pads
Crain is one of the brands that produce high-quality knee pads in the market. The 197 knee pads, in particular, are made of polymer for that superior durability. They also come with a loop and hooks closure for that extra convenience.
These knee pads feature built-in protection to keep your knees protected when knee-kicking and kneeling. Besides, you won’t experience any pinching due to its wide Velcro straps. The Crain knee pads are machine-washable, thanks to their extra-durable neoprene material. While they are a bit pricey, you will surely get good value for your money.
One thing to keep in mind is that you can actually use them in outdoor work that is not floor relative. In fact, some customers use them in building greenhouses and doghouses.
Due to their size, these knee pads actually fit women with large legs and men with medium-sized legs. While you have these pads on, they may gather other dirt on the floor which could get quite messy. However, this can be addressed by cleaning your work surface in advance.
Overall, these are high-quality knee pads that can last for a long time and offer a good value for your money.
Pros
- Feature built-in protection for better support
- Machine-washable
- Constructed from highly durable materials
- High level of versatility
Cons
- A bit expensive
- Easily gets dirty
2. Carib Gear Pro Work-Heavy Duty Knee Pads
These knee pads from Carib Gear Pro are designed for heavy-duty work like construction, gardening, tiling, and installing floors. They also protect you against slipping while doing these tasks.
One good thing about these knee pads is that they come with a lifetime warranty. They also make sure you remain comfortable when working. The best part is that they are designed to protect your tendons and knees against scrapes or cuts, regardless of how rough the surface is. If you’re a carpenter, construction worker, or gardener, you will surely love the leather gloves and safety glasses that come with the pads.
The knee pads are encased in a foam-gel double core which is designed to give you all-day comfort and protection from knee pain. They have a lightweight construction to allow free movement with effective resistance to impact.
Meanwhile, the safety glasses that are included in the package help keep the fog out and are designed to resist scratch. They’re meant to improve your visibility, and they even come with UV protection which is really useful when working during hot days.
Pros
- Ideal for heavy-duty use
- Feature anti-slip properties
- Provide the ultimate comfort and support
- Highly impact-resistant
- Lightweight and flexible
Cons
- The grip of the straps aren’t as tight as expected
3. Cogurd Professional Gel Knee Pads
These professional gel knee pads are ideal for construction, cleaning, garage work, and gardening. They feature high-density and heavy-duty foam support and were made using thermoplastic rubber and polypropylene materials.
Cogurd has fitted the pads with a loop and hooks closure which make them adjustable and allow them to fit you well. Also, the straps ensure that the pads are kept in position when you’re crawling or kneeling.
The pads basically consist of three layers with a soft gel system and are cushioned to prevent injury on your knees. This makes them good for gardening, house repairs, painting, and floor installation. They’re also waterproof which makes them suitable for both outdoor and indoor jobs during different weather conditions.
For added convenience, the pads weigh less than two pounds, so you can easily carry them around in your tool kit from one location to the other. They can also be fitted on all knee sizes since they’re adjustable. This makes them good for those with narrow legs.
Needless to say, Cogurd is one of the best knee pad brands for floor installers in the market today. Their pads provide all the necessary benefits you could ever need in a knee pad. They’re also made of thermoplastic to protect your knees from harsh temperatures.
Pros
- Offer incredible knee support
- Highly adjustable
- Lightweight yet durable
- Perfect for use in various temperatures
- Budget-friendly price point
Cons
- The design is a bit bulky
4. NoCry Flooring Knee Pads
These flooring knee pads from the NoCry brand come with adjustable and strong straps to ensure a secure fit. They’re good for roofing and flooring installation projects due to their non-slip stabilizers and foam pad. Moreover, they’re also one of the lower-priced knee pads you can find in the market.
These pads were created using leather, neoprene, plastic, and polyester. They come in a buckle closure, and they even allow you to kneel anywhere you want, thanks to their leather no-slip knee design. This makes them safe for use on most work surfaces. Also, they can easily fit into knee sizes that are below twenty-two inches.
These knee pads are no doubt one of the best knee pads for flooring installers which you can use anywhere. Besides, they’re made of durable material which is certainly a feature worth having.
Pros
- Come with non-slip stabilizers for improved safety
- Can be used on various surfaces
- Affordable price tag
- Lightweight yet heavy-duty
- Offer the utmost comfort while kneeling
Cons
- Reduced flexibility due to the plastic shield
5. Minor Miracle Carpet Installer Knee Pads
These knee pads come with buckle closure styled straps and clips which make them comfortable for everyone. The pads were made using high-density nylon and plastic for superior durability.
They’re designed to provide comfort to your knees as you focus on doing all the hard work with your hands. Meanwhile, the buckle straps are made with soft gel and durable foam padding to cushion the knee pads.
In addition to this, they feature a thick shied of polyester that is carefully designed to work perfectly with your knees on a hard surface. Design-wise, the pads are made to prevent you from slipping, thus reducing the risks of occupational hazards.
These Minor Miracle Homes Solutions knee pads are good for diverse kinds of knee work including welding, carpet installations, gardening, cleaning, and stocking shelves.
If you’re looking for durable and comfortable knee pads, then these are a solid choice due to their high-quality nylon thread and polyester mesh.
Pros
- Offer a high level of comfort
- Ideal for hard surfaces
- Help prevent injuries later on
- Can be used every day without issues
- Highly durable and easy to use
Cons
- Not ideal for those with chunkier knees
6. CLC Custom Leathercraft Pads
These knee pads are available in a single size only, measuring 11x9x7 inches. They’re designed to provide cushioning to the middle of the knees and are specifically designed so that you can enjoy maximum cushioning when wearing them.
The pads feature a high-density and super thick build with cell foam to make it more comfortable to the knees as you kneel. Meanwhile, they have a soft outer flexible shell that protects your knees and grips hard surfaces without scuffing or scratching. This allows you to crawl over most surfaces without worrying about slipping, though not much evidence exists to support this claim.
Tile contractors and plumbers often use these pads on a variety of floor surfaces. If you don’t know yet, choosing multi-surface knee pads is ideal if you’ll be working on different surfaces.
The best thing about the brand behind these knee pads is that it offers a wide range of knee pad types to choose from. Just make sure to choose the specific type you want for your job.
Pros
- Ideal for use on multiple surfaces
- Provide adequate support due to its thickness
- Offer immense comfort while working
- Have enough cushioning for optimal knee support
- Fit snugly around the knees
Cons
- The foam insert isn’t as durable as expected
7. RFG Gear Professional Construction Flooring Knee Pads
These loop and hook closure type knee pads are ideal for professional construction works. They’re suitable for heavy-duty works since they come with built-in straps designed to prevent slipping. Just like most other brands, RFG Gear inserted their knee pads with a soft gel to ensure maximum comfort.
The contoured cushioning from the gel makes your knee comfortable when you move upward, sideways, downward, and all around. Besides, the three-straps design is specifically made to guard against slipping.
One minor inconvenience with these knee pads is that they only come in one size, though it’s not really a deal-breaker since they can fit all sizes nonetheless. They’re quite easy to adjust and are fairly durable.
You can also make use of their dual belts to keep your tools. This will surely come in handy when you’re working with multiple tools and need them to be within your reach.
Due to their durable nylon construction, they can be used on a lot of tasks including gardening, mechanics, tiling, plumbing, construction, and carpentry. They’re also lightweight which makes them very easy and convenient to carry around.
Perhaps a somewhat major downside of these knee pads is that they have the tendency to pinch knees. However, the company is working on making the necessary adjustments to ensure that you won’t experience this pinching problem.
Pros
- Perfect for heavy-duty installation work
- Offer a high level of comfort
- Anti-slip properties
- Versatile and adjustable
- Lightweight for optimal portability
Cons
- Have the tendency to pinch the knees
8. CE’ CERDE Professional Knee Pads
These buckle closure type knee pads are made of nylon and polyester to provide you with excellent durability and comfort. They feature an ergonomic design to prevent straining your knees even when you use them all day long. Moreover, they can easily be put on and removed with the help of buckle clips.
The pads are designed to provide maximum safety and comfort, thanks to the durable EVA and soft gel foam padding that offer an excellent cushion to both knees. They also feature heavy and thick polyester shields to protect your knees from scrapes and cuts while working on rough terrains.
The best part about these is that you can use them at home, unlike other brands that are designed only for construction and other heavy-duty works. They’re also designed to be heavy-duty, so you don’t have to worry about them getting damaged from long and heavy use. Their durability is great, thanks to their solid construction, and the polyester mesh makes them comfortable all day long.
Pros
- Built for heavy-duty use
- Feature an ergonomic design for utmost comfort
- Perfect for indoor and outdoor installation jobs
- Highly flexible and adjustable
- Provide enough protection and support
Cons
- There’s not enough Velcro on the straps for a better grip
9. PROLOCK Impact-Absorbing Knee Pads
The impact-absorbing knee pads from PROLOCK store work perfectly for both roofing and flooring projects. They’re designed to offer a good level of adjustments, and they’re also made using plastic materials.
While a plastic material might sound like a compromise on the durability department, that’s not actually the case with these knee pads. That’s because their durability is derived from the outer polyethylene shell and inner polyester lining that allows them to withstand heavy-duty work.
These knee pads provide ample support to the thighs since they are designed to distribute pressure from your knees to other surrounding areas. This makes them very comfortable at the same time.
Another amazing feature about these knee pads is that they’re fitted with impact-absorption technology. This means that you don’t have to worry about painful knee injuries at work since they will absorb shock and impact that could have otherwise made their way to your knees.
As with most products we have talked about so far, these knee pads also come with straps that are very adjustable. This allows the pads to fit legs ranging from thirteen to twenty-nine inches in diameter. However, if your legs are too narrow, then these knee pads might be too big for you.
The combination of neoprene and elastic straps makes these pads comfortable to use – plus it also enhances your overall safety as well.
Overall, these pads are designed to be durable and long-lasting, allowing them to be used for many years without suffering too much from daily wear and tear. They’re one of the best knee pads for flooring installers who suffer from leg or thigh aches due to their supportive feature that help ease the pain.
Pros
- Highly durable and long-lasting
- Offer enough support for both your knees and thighs
- Well-constructed with high-quality materials
- Feature impact and shock absorption for better pressure alleviation
- Provide excellent comfort even while kneeling
Cons
- Might be too big for some, especially those with narrow legs
10. Custom Leathercraft 361 Non-skid Knee Pads
These ultra-flex non-skid kneepads are made of rubber and foam to ensure an excellent level of durability and comfort. They feature a non-marring grip cap surface so that you won’t have to suffer from slipping often when working on various floor surfaces. They also come with closed-cell foam to provide even better comfort.
Perhaps the most notable feature of these knee pads is their flexible outer softshell grip which offers a good degree of protection as you work on different surfaces.
Another noteworthy feature is their Ultraflex construction which offers an added level of comfort and durability. This alone makes them a worthy contender for the best knee pad for flooring installers. If you’re looking for durable yet affordable knee pads, then these knee pads are surely worth the try.
Pros
- Versatile design for better compatibility
- Offer a high level of comfort even while working
- Provide enough protection against cuts and scrapes
- Affordable and budget-friendly
- Feature an anti-slip design for enhanced safety
Cons
- The straps aren’t as durable as expected
What are the correct steps for taking care of and preserving your knee pads?
Cleaning
Clean your knee pads regularly with mild detergent and warm water. Rinse them thoroughly and let them air dry. It is advisable to refrain from utilizing bleach or strong chemicals as they can harm the materials
Storage
When not in use, store your knee pads in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight or damp areas, as this can cause the materials to degrade.
Inspecting
Inspect your knee pads regularly for signs of wear and tear, such as frayed edges, ripped fabric, or loose straps. If you notice any damage, replace the pads immediately.
Replacement
Knee pads should be replaced regularly, depending on the amount of use they get. If they show signs of wear or have been in use for several months, it’s time to replace them.
Avoiding damage
Avoid wearing your knee pads in rough or abrasive environments, as this can damage the materials. Also, avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures or chemicals, as this can cause them to degrade.
Proper fitting
Make sure your knee pads fit correctly. The pads should fit snugly, but not too tightly. The straps should be adjusted so that the pads remain securely in place without causing discomfort.
Care for the straps
Make sure the straps of your knee pads are in good condition and not frayed. If the straps are damaged, replace them.
Care for the padding
Make sure the padding of your knee pads is in good condition and not worn out. If the padding is damaged, replace the pads.
By adhering to these principles, you can guarantee that your knee pads will endure for an extended period and furnish you with the necessary defense.
Benefits of Using Knee Pads for Flooring Works
As mentioned earlier, knee pads are designed to provide cushioning to the knees so they won’t suffer from any form of injury while working. Of course, there’s the added benefit of comfort when you’re working on a flooring project.
However, those aren’t the only benefits you can get from knee pads. There are in fact a few more which are as follows:
A Good Degree of Protection
The best knee pad for flooring installers is meant to protect your knees from injuries while working. As a floor installer, your knees will normally come into contact with the surface you are working on, and these surfaces can sometimes be too abrasive, especially to those with sensitive skin.
In some cases, however, they might contain dirt and debris that can cause cuts or scratches to your knees if they’re not properly protected.
With knee pads, however, you can provide an excellent level of protection to your knees from injuries, scrapes, grazes, and cuts.
Excellent Comfort at Work
Knee pads make it easier for you to move around comfortably even if your knees are planted on rough surfaces. This is because most of them are fitted with foam padding to provide cushioning to your knees as you crawl tirelessly across different surfaces.
More Efficient Job
A comfortable worker is an efficient worker. With the best knee pad for flooring installers, you won’t have to bother about your knees being exposed to dirt and debris as you work. Since they’re well-protected from those elements, you’ll be able to focus on getting the floor installation project right instead. This allows you to enjoy better productivity and faster work completion.
Flawless Work
Knee pads not only protect your knee but also help you produce quality flooring work as you are not distracted by pain or discomfort.
Just make sure to wear one of the best knee pads for flooring installers we mentioned above so you can focus on doing your work without getting distracted.
Related FAQS
Can you wash knee pads?
You can actually wash your knee pads, though that would mostly depend on the brand and the material they’re made of.
How do you wear knee pads?
You simply have to strap them around your knees using the adjustable straps. They’re basically worn like a belt, so they won’t really interfere with your work.
Can knee pads cause knee pain?
Knee pads are designed to prevent knee pain when working, though there can be some instances that they might cause it instead. A few users have complained about experiencing knee pain after wearing their knee pads.
However, this might be due to the knee pads being worn improperly or they simply bought a low-quality product.
How do I keep my knee pads from sliding down?
You can prevent your knee pads from sliding down by simply aligning your straps and getting a size that fits your knees perfectly.
Going for a quality product from a trusted brand can also go a long way. Don’t just go for the cheapest product you see.
How tight do knee pads need to be?
There’s really no standard rule for this. You simply want to keep them tight enough so they won’t slide down when working. However, don’t make it too tight that it will cause you discomfort when wearing them.
How do I stop my knee pads from rubbing?
Just create a conscious distance between both legs when you crawl. Also, make sure that the straps are tightly held since loose straps could cause rubbing.
Conclusion
Flooring installers are often subjected to tedious flooring projects, especially if they’re not properly equipped for it. However, wearing the best knee pad for flooring installers can significantly help make their work more bearable and productive.
The good thing about these pads is that most of them can be used for different works both indoors and outdoors. Carpenters, plumbers, floorboard installers, electricians, and construction workers can all benefit from this protective gear for their respective works.
The next time you go shopping for the best knee pad for flooring installers, make sure you check this list, weigh your options, and decide which one suits your needs and preferences.
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