Currently the garage is not heated. Working on it. But it won't be done until next winter.

I have a finished basement with newer carpeting. The area is not used currently, except for misc storage. Normal nylon carpet about 1/2" thick with padding. Newer and in good shape.

The main room, about 13'x17', is large enough to use as a smaller temporary workshop during the winter months,

What can I use for temporary flooring to preserve the carpeting? I don't need wall to wall coverage. Just mostly where I would be placing the workbenches and standing typically.

I would be using 2 or 3 wood workbenches, currently on casters. Probably 160lbs or so for each work bench.

I thought maybe some heavy canvas painters drop cloth put down first and then 5-6 sheets of 1/2 inch plywood over it.

Any other inexpensive suggestions?