Most tools get picked up and put down. Knee pads stay on for hours, on your hardest working joints. A pair that fits well makes a long install day easier, and a pair that pinches or slides makes it miserable. Here is how to think through the choice.
Know what you do all day
Start with the work. A carpet installer who is on and off the floor and walking between rooms has different needs from a tile setter who stays down for long stretches in wet mortar. Think about how often you stand up, what you kneel on, and whether you work around finished floors. The answers point you to different pads.
Padding type
Knee pad padding comes in a few common forms. Foam is light and common. Gel is a softer feel that many installers like for long stretches. Leather faces are a long-time favorite with some installers. None of these is right for everyone, so pick based on how it feels at the end of a long day, not just in the first ten minutes.
Some examples from our lineup, based on their listings:
- The Alta Cloud Xtra Soft Gel Knee Pads use a thick gel memory foam insert with a neoprene strap and are described as non-marring on delicate and finish work surfaces.
- The Troxell Super Soft Leather Knee Pad has a leather face that will not mar finished floors, with soft neoprene padding.
Strap design
Straps are where many knee pads go wrong. A strap that sits tight behind the knee can pinch and bind. Some designs use a wide neoprene strap, and some use a single front strap. The Troxell Super Soft listing says its front strap is built to avoid the pinching and binding that some straps cause behind the knee. Try different styles if you have had trouble in the past, and make sure the strap can be adjusted to your legs.
Fit and size
Fit is personal. Some pads come in one adjustable size, and others come in a range of lengths. The ProKnee Standard Width pad is offered in 18 lengths, according to its listing, so you can match the pad to your leg. The ProKnee AP16 All Purpose Knee Pad is a one-size-fits-all pad with adjustable straps, if you want a single size that adjusts. If you are between sizes or not sure, ask us.
Stability and base
Look at the bottom of the pad. A wide, flat base is more stable to work on than a rounded one, because it does not rock when you shift your weight. The Traxx 200 Pro is described with a wide, flat base for stability on the floor, a waterproof outer layer, and washable, replaceable components.
Wet work and rough jobsites
If you work on tile, around adhesive, or on a messy demolition job, a waterproof cover is worth having. Debris matters too. The Bihui TKPT TPR Waterproof Knee Pads have a waterproof PVC and TPR outer cover and, per the listing, are worn to protect against nails, screws, glass and debris.
Protect the floor too
Hard caps can scratch or mark a finished surface. If you work on hardwood or other finished floors, pick a pad with a non-marring face and check the surface before you start. Keep the pad clean as well, since grit stuck to it can scratch the floor.
Replaceable parts extend life
Liners, straps, boots and inserts wear out long before the shell. Rebuildable pads let you replace those parts instead of buying new pads. For ProKnee pads, replacement parts and rebuild kits are available. For example, ProKnee 07 No Wrinkle Liners are sold by the pair and line the pad so it sits flat against your knee. Check the parts available for any pad you are thinking of buying, since a pad you can rebuild is usually cheaper over time.
Break them in and take care of them
Give a new pair a short test day before you commit to a full shift. Adjust the straps until the pad stays put but does not cut off circulation. Wipe the pads clean after wet or dirty jobs, and check straps and buckles regularly so a failing strap does not catch you in the middle of a job.
Quick checklist
- Choose padding you can wear all day, not just for ten minutes.
- Look for a strap style that does not pinch behind your knee.
- Get the right length or an adjustable fit.
- Pick a waterproof cover for wet work and a non-marring face for finished floors.
- Check that liners, straps and inserts can be replaced.
Browse the full range in Knee Pads for Flooring Installers.