The Top 5 Overlooked Surfaces That Get Damaged During Construction

Sep 19, 2025/, , , , , , , , ,

 

The Top 5 Overlooked Surfaces That Get Damaged During Construction

When people think about protecting surfaces on a construction site, the first things that come to mind are usually floors and countertops. And while those areas do take a beating, there are plenty of other surfaces that often go overlooked until it’s too late.

Repairing or replacing these “forgotten” surfaces can add time, cost, and frustration to any project.

Here are the top five that deserve just as much attention:

1. Bathtubs & Shower Pans

A single dropped tool or splash of paint can turn a brand-new tub into a costly headache. Chips, scratches, and stains are standard during bathroom renovations. Since tubs and showers are usually installed early in the project, they sit exposed while trades move in and out. A protective coating or liner can save thousands in replacement costs.

(L) A bathroom undergoing renovation, leaving the shower and flooring exposed to damage, vs. a bathtub protected with Skudo Tub Protect (R).

2. Stair Treads & Railings

Stairs are high-traffic zones during construction. Workers carrying tools, materials, or equipment often scuff and dent wooden stair treads, and railings get scratched or dented as items brush past. Because they’re harder to replace than flat flooring, damage here can delay final walkthroughs.

dirty, unprotected stairs on a jobsite next to stairs protected from construction site damage

(L) Unprotected stairs vs. stairs protected with Skudo Stair Guard and HT Commercial System (R)

3. Cabinetry & Millwork

Cabinets, trim, and custom millwork add beauty and craftsmanship to a project, but they’re also magnets for nicks and scratches. Once damaged, touch-ups are difficult to disguise, especially on stained or high-gloss finishes. Temporary, stationary covers for such surfaces are small investments compared to refinishing.

Kitchen surfaces and countertops with damage due to renovation and repair next to a a kitchen with countertops, cabinets, and fixtures protected by a grey adhesive mat

(L) An unprotected kitchen with damage due to ongoing repair and renovation vs. a kitchen protected with Skudo Light Traffic (LT) Tack-Mat.

4. Windows & Framing

Glass might seem durable, but it’s surprisingly vulnerable during construction. Overspray, grinding sparks, and dropped tools can chip or crack the surface. Framing (especially metal) are just as susceptible to dents and scratches while crews move heavy equipment through openings.

a window covered in dirt and mud splatter next to a curtain wall with a blue protective coating over the glass and frames

(L) An unprotected window covered in muddy splatter and debris vs. residential windows and framing protected with Skudo Glass Advanced during a custom home build. (R)

5. Finished Concrete & Specialty Floors

Polished concrete and other specialty floor finishes are popular in modern builds, but they’re prone to staining, cracking, or chipping before the project wraps. Once damaged, repairs usually stand out against the original finish. Covering these areas during the messy end-stages of construction ensures they look flawless on move-in day.

a dirty, damaged, red-stained unprotected concrete floor with fluid pooled on top of it next to a finished polished concrete floor protected with a green mat

(L) Stained concrete damage from fluids, dust, and debris vs. finished polished concrete protected by Skudo General Purpose (GP) Mat (R).

Final Thoughts

Every construction project comes with its own set of challenges, but surface damage doesn’t have to be one of them. By giving a little extra protection to these often-overlooked areas, you’ll not only save time and money, you’ll also hand over a project that looks flawless on completion.

Contact Skudo today for more information on how we can help you protect your next project!