10 Temporary Flooring Options that Won't Ruin Your Floors

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Flooring upgrade options for renters

Flooring can make or break a space, but it can also make or break the budget!

Property owners often want to do everything they can to ensure that the flooring they install is protected and cared for. On the other hand, renters may want to customize the rental space with additions like rugs or peel-and-stick flooring.

But is this type of temporary flooring renter-friendly…

… or is it best to look for something else? Check out this flooring solution in more detail to see if these products will make your home life more suited to your tastes.

Is peel-and-stick flooring renter-friendly?

As a renter, you want to be sure that the adhesives used on any temporary flooring product will not damage the floors underneath. Hardwood, for example, can be easily damaged by many adhesives. Damaged floors equal a lost security deposit, so you need to be careful when choosing flooring for renters.

Using removable flooring is a great way to spruce up a rental. These temporary flooring options come in tons of different colors and styles, so you can make changes without them being permanent or expensive.

Consider the floor type and how it will interact with peel-and-stick flooring options before proceeding. When in doubt, you can always contact either the flooring manufacturer for guidance or your landlord for pre-approved options.

10 temporary flooring ideas for renters

There are lots of different methods to make real estate more welcoming and beautiful using temporary floor covering for renters, and these flooring ideas go far beyond laminate flooring! From stick-on tattoos to rugs that cover the entire room, check out these temporary flooring ideas to spruce up your rental apartment.

1. Carpet tiles

Carpet tiles for temporary flooring for renters

Home improvement stores sell carpet tiles that are large squares of carpeting. When installed with a low-tack adhesive, these are great ways to put in temporary flooring without damaging the flooring underneath.

If your rental has hardwood products when you prefer carpeting, these tiles can be a great solution! Brands offer these things in many color options as well. Installed from wall to wall, you can create the illusion of a fully carpeted room at home by choosing a carpet tile that you love.

2. Vinyl floor decals

Installing vinyl tiles to protect floor for renters

Did you know that some companies offer vinyl peel-and-stick decals that you can apply to nearly any surface? Many people will think of laminate flooring when they see this type of tile, and there are some major similarities.

Adding vinyl floor decals to apartment floors is a fun method to install super unique patterns. If you’ve always dreamed of having a crazy tile pattern on your kitchen floor, you can create the illusion of that look with floor decals.

When installing floor decals, it’s important to look for products that use a removable design. Additionally, test the decals in an inconspicuous area before installing them everywhere to ensure they will not damage wood floors. After all, you don't want to have to tell your landlord a story about how your design ideas led to damages at the rental apartment!

3. Rugs with rug pads

RugPro Rug pad for nonslip padding that won't damage hardwood floors

Another great way to completely change how a room looks is to add a rug. If you can’t stand the apartment floors or you find specific areas to be an eyesore, adding a rug can do wonders for your home life.

In fact, adding a rug to a room is one of the most basic design tips given by home interior decorators. The rug opens up an apartment so that it seems larger while also allowing you to add a flair of color or a personal touch you couldn’t add otherwise.

One thing that many people find frustrating about rugs is that they can slide around, be challenging to clean, and still allow dirt and grime to get trapped underneath. One easy solution is adding a high-quality non-slip rug pad to add cushioning while protecting both the floor and rug from unnecessary damages. 

4. Vinyl tattoos

Do you wish the floors in the kitchen or bathrooms at your apartment were a bit more interesting? Many rentals have plain white squares everywhere, and this can get boring.

While vinyl decals can be used as faux tile on the flooring, vinyl tile tattoo products can also spruce up existing tile in your rental home.

A simple solution for renters is to get some vinyl tattoos and then apply them in a tile pattern. The removable decals won’t damage the flooring as their adhesive is very light, but they will allow you to introduce a fun new style to your space.

5. Foam floor tiles

If you’ve ever seen a gym or children’s playroom lined in foam floor squares, you’ve probably never imagined these foam tiles in your bedroom!

Try foam tiles for temporary floor coverage in rental units

Unlike the brightly-colored, heavily-textured foam of the past, there are many modern-looking foam floor tiles on the market today. These tiles easily lock into each other without any type of adhesive touching the existing floors.

Foam floor tiles are a straightforward way to change the floors. The hardest part is finding foam tiles that look clean and sophisticated.

6. Peel-and-stick tiles

Peel-and-stick tiles are most commonly used as a backsplash in the kitchen or spruce up a bathroom, but they're also a great flooring option. Peel-and-stick options can be placed directly over existing floors to give a fresh, updated look to your space. From peel-and-stick vinyl flooring to fake wood, you can find options to fit any type of real estate.

Remember to review the directions for any peel-and-stick products that you are considering very carefully, as not all options are easily removable. Check the reviews and find out what will be the safest option for your floor type.

7. Click-in wood flooring plank

Faux wood flooring panels come in a click-together variety from nearly all big box home improvement shops. Some of the best are laminate flooring wood blanks built for temporary rental floors. This means that you can easily cover some spaces in your rental with faux hardwood floors without damaging the existing floors.

While the process is relatively straightforward, sometimes a bit of padding and other services are needed to install this wood flooring type properly. You will also need to choose from vinyl planks and flooring company services when doing this DIY project, which can make it a bit time-consuming.

Though it is removable, it’s a good idea to involve your landlord in the installation process to prevent any miscommunications. In most cases, the property owner will love the idea of installing faux plank hardwoods or wood vinyl planks instead of the current style as it could improve their real estate value.

8. Carpet tape

Rolls of tape for carpets to stop bunching and sliding

When shopping at a home improvement store or rug shop, you can easily find something called double-sided carpet tape. This tape allows you to hold down temporary flooring on top of the existing flooring, and it removes cleanly.

Whether you want to hold down an area rug, a large carpet piece, or carpet tiles as your flooring, carpet tape helps update your spaces. Choose the right type of tape depending on the floor types you are working with, and you’ll find your inspiration for revamping your living space in no time.

Just be mindful that some cheaper types of carpet tape may cause damage to your floors, depending on the flooring material.

9. Vinyl sheets

Vinyl rolls have been around for a long-time, but they have thankfully been updated to vinyl sheets in recent years! These vinyl sheets not only have updated styles, but they also are less damaging to the floors underneath. This makes them one of the best ideas for renters seeking temporary flooring.

Vinyl sheets can be a more friendly option to some renters because they require less installation time. Rather than needing to place vinyl tiles individually, you can simply roll out what is required.

That being said, there is no way to easily replace just part of the vinyl sheet if it is damaged. Choosing between vinyl sheets and stick-on vinyl tiles depends on what type of wear-and-tear you expect to see in the space.

10. Composite decking

Some renters want to renovate the outside of their rental as well as the inside! If you have a tired-looking concrete patio or deck, composite decking can give it an updated look.

Composite decking tiles easily clip together on top of your patio or deck. They are mold- and mildew-resistant as they have appropriate drainage abilities. This means that you don’t need to worry about anything building up and needing to be cleaned beyond the routine upkeep.

Plus, composite decking is very durable. Because it stands up to the elements so well, your landlord might even ask if you can leave it behind when you move out!

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