Abstract: The present invention provides a series of protective covers and a method for attaching the protective covers to a structural substrate. The series of covers includes a temporary cover that is made from a relatively inexpensive material, and a permanent protective cover that has finished surfaces. The temporary cover has a base, removable fasteners coupled to the base, and anchors coupled to the fasteners. The permanent cover has a permanent base element and fasteners attached to the element. The temporary cover is removably attached to the structural substrate during construction of the subject building. When the structural substrate is cement, the temporary cover forms a contoured region in the cement that matches the profile of the temporary cover. After the construction of the facility is finished, the temporary cover is removed from the structural substrate, leaving the contoured region and the anchors in the structural substrate.

Abstract: An improved surface covering includes a base having a plurality of receiving grooves on one side and a plurality of working grooves on the other side. Each receiving groove includes gripping projections and is constructed to receive and grip a filler material. To assemble the surface material, the base material is flexed so that the size of the receiving grooves is enlarged thereby making insertion of the filler material easy.