I am moving into a new apartment and I have carpet phobia (fear of damaging carpet and having them take it out of my deposit). Obviously I cannot tear the carpet out, so I want to cover it from wall to wall. Only in the living room. So I am thinking of some sort of carpet protector that will last at least a year or 2 and doesn't have to be somehow taped to the rug - like an over sized plastic runner. ANy ideas? I was then thinking because the plastic will probably be a wee bit ugly, putting vinyl or laminate flooring on top for a better finish or even maybe some carpet tiles. I know it sounds a little convoluted, but I want to save the landlords carpet. Forgot to mention, there is a messy cat involved (really want to avoid any waste staining the carpet as well as getting litter trapped in the rug). Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you

A friend of mine is a painter. In his pristine new apartment, he put down a tape-like substance. It looked like saran wrap but was noiseless. It was about two feet across. There was a strip down the hall and the living room was completely covered.

I asked if he liked it, if it left residue. He loves it and has replaced it in places where after a few months it was getting worn. No residue. He bought it at a painter's supply.

I don't understand this. Why have the carpet if you are going t o cover it. Living in an apartment for two years the carpet will be worn and dirty. All you have too do is rent or buy a steam cleaner. I can't believe you are or your friend is willing to live with plastic completely covering your floor.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by danielnoahsmommy

i dont understand this. why have the carpet if you are going t o cover it. living in an apartment for two years the carpet will be worn and dirty. all you have too do is rent or buy a steam cleaner. i can't beleive you are or your friend is willing to live with plastic completely covering your floor.

---

Well daniel... UNFORTUNATELY, when you move into an apartment and almost always an apartment COMPLEX it will be covered with carpet. I myself HATE carpet but have no choice to live with it in my apartment. If you do not have a pet I'd say sure.. carpet is lovely... but I have a dog and two messy birds. Any *accidents* are a real pain in the butt on carpet. I myself am trying to think up an alternative to cover up most of the carpet in my apartment as
I don't want to have to have the carpet replaced when I move out. Even steam cleaners aren't that wonderful when it comes to having a pet!! Carpets are an annoyance!! I'm wondering how particularly spaced rugs would turn out... hmm... :rolleyes: