How Do You Protect Brand-New Floors and Finishes?

How Do You Protect Brand-New Floors and Finishes?

Last updated: October 2026

Floor runners go down first, with ram board where needed. Jambs get padded. Shoes stay clean. Protection goes down before furniture moves.

New-build move-ins are an Elmhurst specialty for us. And a brand-new house is the place where people worry most. The floors have never been walked on. The paint is a week old. The trim is perfect. The last thing anyone wants is a scratch on the hardwood before the first night in the house, especially after months of choosing finishes, waiting on contractors, and watching the budget stretch further than anyone planned.

Protection goes down first

The rule is simple. No exceptions. Nothing moves until the protection is in place. The crew lays it down along the path from the door to every room the furniture is going to.

Floor runners. Laid along the walking path to protect floors from foot traffic.

Ram board where needed. A heavy protective board for areas that take the most traffic or the heaviest pieces.

Padded jambs. Door frames get padding, so a corner of a dresser can't chip the trim.

Shoe discipline. The crew is careful about what comes in on their feet.

Floors, door frames, and stairs get protected on every move, at no charge. Read how we protect floors and homes.

Protecting the furniture too

New floors aren't the only thing worth protecting. Moving blankets pad your furniture for free during every move. Shrink wrap keeps fabric and finishes clean. Taking furniture apart and putting it back together is included in our hourly rate, which means big pieces don't have to be forced through doorways.

New-build tips

Ask your builder. Some builders have their own requirements for move-in day, especially if they're still finishing work.

Let the floors cure. If the floors were just refinished, ask how long they need before heavy furniture goes on them.

Mark the rooms. Put a label on every door so boxes go to the right place on the first trip.

Leave a clear path. Ladders, paint cans, and leftover materials should be out of the way.

Teardown rebuilds

Many Elmhurst new builds are rebuilds on the same lot. If you moved out for construction, read can you move us out and back in around an Elmhurst teardown or rebuild.

Condos

New condo buildings have their own rules. Read do downtown Elmhurst condos have move-in rules.

Historic homes

The opposite of a brand-new house is a century-old one, and those need just as much care. Read are there architecturally significant homes in Elmhurst.

If something does happen

Every move includes our standard coverage, which is based on weight. You can buy full coverage insurance through us or through your own insurer. Read are you licensed and insured.

Pricing

Elmhurst moves are hourly, with a 2-hour minimum. Moving companies in the Chicago area charge at least one hour for travel. Floor protection is free.

New-build move-ins are covered on our Elmhurst movers page, alongside our moving services.

Call (773) 275-4100 or email info@wcmoving.com, and tell us about the new house.