Non Expendable Alternative to Layout Board

[Rick L Shepardson]

Greetings All,

 Any suggestions on a non expendable alternative to layout board? The university I teach at has a policy against using lighting stands without wheels on our soundstage floor. A new vinyl(?) flooring was laid out over the summer and it needs to last. I prefer sticking with mambo, junior, baby stands ect. simply to keep students fresh with the equipment for when they're working beyond the studio.

Layout board leaps to mind first, but that'll likely last a matter of weeks at best. I've also thought of cup blocks and using our pancakes. The cup blocks are a bit pricey (film equipment--it is what it is) and we're a little short on pancakes.

As I'm typing this, I'm realizing that a trip to Home Depot might be just as effective as asking here. At the same time, I imagine someone may have already found a workable material. Whatever I need has to be slip proof, reasonably priced (a vague parameter) and durable enough that it can last two or so years.

Any suggestions?

Thanks so much,

Rick