What Is Ram Board and Why Builders Swear by It?

Contractors regularly spend thousands fixing floor damage that could have been prevented with basic protection. One muddy boot print or paint spill can ruin a project’s profit margin faster than you’d think.

However, here’s what most builders don’t realize: there’s a floor protection solution that has been quietly saving contractors money for decades. Ram Board isn’t just thick paper; it’s a breathable, spill-resistant barrier made from recycled materials that lets floors cure properly while blocking damage.

You’re about to learn why seasoned pros choose Ram Board over cheaper alternatives, and how this simple material can protect your reputation and your bottom line. This guide covers the main Ram Board products, real cost-saving examples, and some clever uses that go way beyond basic floor protection.

Let’s get into why smart builders never start a job without it.

What is Ram Board Exactly?

• Heavy-duty floor protection – A thick, temporary surface protector that’s 5X stronger than regular builder’s paper. It rolls out to protect floors during construction and renovation projects.
• Made from 100% recycled materials – Created from recycled paper and is FSC certified. It’s eco-friendly, reusable, and can be recycled again after use.
• Breathable and spill-resistant – Utilizes special Vapor-Cure technology, allowing floors to cure properly underneath. Has Spill Guard technology that blocks water, paint, mud, and heavy foot traffic.
• Multi-surface protection – Works on a variety of surfaces, including concrete, hardwood, tile, vinyl, stone, and epoxy floors. Also protects walls and baseboards with the built-in Wall Guard feature.
• Professional-grade solution – Used by contractors for over 25 years in construction, flooring, painting, and renovation projects. Comes in 38″ x 100′ rolls that cover 317 square feet each.

What Makes Ram Board Different?

• Breathable design – Allows curing floors to breathe while staying protected.
• Made in the USA – Manufactured domestically with quality control.
• 100% recycled content – Made from recycled materials and FSC certified.
• Reusable and recyclable – Can be used multiple times and recycled after use.
• Multiple surface protection – Works on a variety of surfaces, including concrete, wood, tile, stone, linoleum, vinyl, and epoxy floors.

What Is Ram Board Used For?

A single muddy boot print on new hardwood floors can cost thousands to repair. That’s why competent contractors never start a job without proper surface protection.

Ram Board protects the surfaces that matter most to your project’s budget and timeline, such as.

1. Hardwood Floor Protection

• During installation, Protects finished sections while work continues in other areas.
• Refinishing projects – Keeps dust and debris off completed floors
• Move-in protection – Guards floors during furniture delivery and setup

Real cost savings: One contractor saved $8,000 in floor repairs by using Ram Board during a kitchen remodel.

2. Tile and Stone Surface Protection

• Natural stone floors – Prevents etching from acidic spills and scratches from grit
• Bathroom renovations – Protects existing tile during fixture installation
• Kitchen remodels – Shield countertops and backsplashes from construction damage

Real damage prevention: A hotel renovation avoided $12,000 in marble lobby repairs by using Ram Board during a six-month renovation project.

3. Construction and Remodeling Site Protection

• New construction – Protects finished floors while other trades complete work
• Whole house renovations – Maintains clean pathways between work areas
• Bathroom and kitchen remodels – Prevents damage to adjacent finished spaces

Project efficiency boost: A general contractor cut cleanup time by 40% on a whole-house remodel by using Ram Board throughout the project.

4. High-Traffic Renovation Zones

• Main hallways and entryways – Creates durable walkways for crew traffic
• Stairways – Special Stair Armor products protect steps and risers
• Loading areas – Shield the floors near material delivery zones

Durability test: One Ram Board installation survived 200+ workers walking over it daily for three months during a major office renovation without replacement.

5 Essential Ram Board Products Every Builder Should Know

Learn 5 essential Ram Board products trusted by pros for durable, reusable surface protection. Each one is built to handle tough job-site conditions with ease.

Disclaimer: The products mentioned in this blog are based solely on personal experience and are not sponsored or affiliated with any brands.

1. Ram Board Original

• Size: 38″ x 100′ (317 sq. ft. coverage)
• Thickness: ~1.1 mm
• Weight: 48 lbs per roll
• Material: 100% recycled fibers (FSC® certified)

Durability

• Withstands heavy foot traffic and equipment
• Tear- and impact-resistant

Key Features

• Spill Guard technology for liquid resistance
• Vapor-Cure technology allows floors to breathe

2. Ram Board Pro Sheets

• Size: 48″ x 96″ (32 sq. ft. per sheet)
• Thickness: ~1.5 mm (8x thicker than rosin paper)
• Weight: 7.33 lbs per sheet
• Material: FSC-certified recycled fiberboard

Durability

• Highly rigid and resistant to warping
• Excellent for vertical and edge applications

Key Features

• Flat-lay design for fast setup
• Works with Spill Guard and Vapor-Cure systems

3. Ram Board Plus

• Size: 38″ x 100′ (317 sq. ft. coverage)
• Thickness: ~1.1 mm
• Weight: Similar to Original (approx. 48 lbs)
• Material: 100% recycled, FSC® certified

Durability

• Strong and tear-resistant
• Reusable on multiple projects

Key Features

• Pre-taped edges to reduce install time by up to 40%
• Includes all the tech of Original: Spill Guard, Vapor-Cure, Wall Guard

4. Ram Board Home Edition

• Size: 36″ x 50′ (150 sq. ft. coverage)
• Thickness: ~0.9 mm (36 mil)
• Weight: 18 lbs per roll
• Material: Made from recycled materials, FSC certified

Durability

• Designed for light to medium-duty renovation needs
• Protects against minor spills, dust, and scuffs

Key Features

• Same protective tech: Spill Guard, Vapor-Cure, Wall Guard
• Easier to carry and cut—ideal for small areas and home users

5. Ram Board Stair Armor

• Size: 34″ x 19″ per tread (6 treads per pack)
• Thickness: Rigid multi-layer structure
• Weight: Approx. 9–10 lbs per pack
• Material: Recycled fiberboard with non-slip coating

Durability

• Built to handle high foot traffic on stairs
• Reinforced bullnose edge for stair nose protection

Key Features

• Grip Strip backing prevents shifting
• Adjustable sizing and reusable treads

7 Unexpected Ways to Use Ram Board

While Ram Board is best known for protecting floors during construction, its versatility also makes it useful in many creative and everyday scenarios. Here are some clever alternative uses.

Use Case	Description
Liner for truck beds or garage floors	Prevents scratches, oil stains, and wear from tools or equipment.
Temporary desk or table covers	Great for crafting, painting, or food prep areas, it keeps surfaces clean.
Weed barrier under gravel in landscaping	Acts as a durable underlayer to suppress weeds and stabilize gravel.
Wall protection during art installations/moving	Shield walls from dings, scuffs, and paint transfers.
Backdrop or insulation for painting projects	Helps contain mess and improves paint adhesion by reducing airflow.
DIY drawer liners or shelf protectors	Adds a tough, customizable layer to drawers or shelves in workshops or garages.
Craft table mat for workshops or classrooms	Ideal for messy projects, cut, glue, and paint without worrying about the table.

Ram Board isn’t just for floors, it’s a practical and reusable material for countless household, DIY, and workshop tasks. Whether you’re landscaping or crafting, a roll of Ram Board can be your go-to solution for creating a surface.

Wrapping It Up

Ram Board isn’t just another construction material; it’s your insurance policy against costly mistakes. This breathable, eco-friendly protection system has proven itself on thousands of job sites by preventing surface damage while allowing proper curing.

Competent contractors understand that the small upfront cost of Ram Board protection pays for itself many times over. Whether you’re protecting hardwood floors, natural stone, or managing high-traffic areas, having the right surface protection separates professional contractors from those who learn expensive lessons.

Your next project deserves this level of protection.

Check with your local building supply store about Ram Board products, or consult with other contractors who have experience with similar projects. Your floors, budget, and clients will thank you for taking that extra step.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Ram Board Used For In the Garden?

Ram Board works as a weed barrier under gravel in landscaping. It suppresses weeds and helps stabilize gravel pathways or garden beds.

Does Ram Board Lay Flat?

Yes, Ram Board rolls out fast and flat. You may need to use the “bend back” method to reverse curl memory from storage.

Is a Ram Board Reusable?

Yes, Ram Board is reusable on multiple projects. It can be rolled up, stored, and used again before being recycled.