Help me with my hell hallway
January 1, 2024 11:53 AM Subscribe
Looking for fixes and improvements I can implement for my crappy apartment hallway floor - a wood floor with splintery bumps and crevices.
I live in an apartment that is not in amazing shape. We have a little hallway with 2 closets in it. The floor in the hallway is a freaking disaster area (pictures at this link: https://imgur.com/a/dlI4hQo) and I’m hoping to get some ideas on how I can improve it.
the floor is crappy wood paneling that is riddled with rough cracks and splinters between planks in the wood floor that catch on our socks (argh) and catch tracked cat litter between the boards. after messing up my millionth sock I added a runner rug on top. i feel like it was a slight improvement but it is bothersome to clean since the rug is too narrow to cover the whole floor - it’s narrower than the hallway width plus the shape of the hallway isn’t perfectly rectangular since it has doorways and baseboards, so dust and crud accumulates on the floor between the rug and the wall and is generally gross. I got a cordless hand vac to try to assist with this but it hasn’t been the game changer I was hoping for, partly since the rug is a little too plush and thick. Plus the dang rug slides around the wood floor in every direction even though I got a decent no-slip backing for it.
On top of that, there was a leak in our hallway ceiling recently. the water caused the floor paneling to buckle and split down the center of one of the planks, which is causing a big 1/2”-1” bump under the (already pretty thick) runner rug. I just removed the rug to sweep up and i’m not sure I want to put it back but the sock splinter problem is now even more extreme and there’s this additional bumpy tripping hazard.
our property management is extremely hands off and I have definitely …stretched what i’m supposed to do as a renter - installed wall shelving, drilled stuff in, hammered down nails that have been sticking up from the wood floor, etc. I’ve been here like 10 years, I’m not expecting to get my security deposit back, and they’re probably going to renovate as soon as we leave, so I feel pretty free to do (almost) whatever. but I don’t want to rent any power tools or pry up any floorboards or totally ruin the existing flooring.
so - do you have any ideas of what I can do as a renter to improve the floor in this hell hallway? like, how could I do minimally invasive/cheap apartment-dweller level repairs for a crappy bumpy wood floor? or do you have any good suggestions for an updated rug/covering that could be nice and cleanable but smooth over a long bump? Would love some product or repair suggestions if you have any. Thanks!
I live in an apartment that is not in amazing shape. We have a little hallway with 2 closets in it. The floor in the hallway is a freaking disaster area (pictures at this link: https://imgur.com/a/dlI4hQo) and I’m hoping to get some ideas on how I can improve it.
the floor is crappy wood paneling that is riddled with rough cracks and splinters between planks in the wood floor that catch on our socks (argh) and catch tracked cat litter between the boards. after messing up my millionth sock I added a runner rug on top. i feel like it was a slight improvement but it is bothersome to clean since the rug is too narrow to cover the whole floor - it’s narrower than the hallway width plus the shape of the hallway isn’t perfectly rectangular since it has doorways and baseboards, so dust and crud accumulates on the floor between the rug and the wall and is generally gross. I got a cordless hand vac to try to assist with this but it hasn’t been the game changer I was hoping for, partly since the rug is a little too plush and thick. Plus the dang rug slides around the wood floor in every direction even though I got a decent no-slip backing for it.
On top of that, there was a leak in our hallway ceiling recently. the water caused the floor paneling to buckle and split down the center of one of the planks, which is causing a big 1/2”-1” bump under the (already pretty thick) runner rug. I just removed the rug to sweep up and i’m not sure I want to put it back but the sock splinter problem is now even more extreme and there’s this additional bumpy tripping hazard.
our property management is extremely hands off and I have definitely …stretched what i’m supposed to do as a renter - installed wall shelving, drilled stuff in, hammered down nails that have been sticking up from the wood floor, etc. I’ve been here like 10 years, I’m not expecting to get my security deposit back, and they’re probably going to renovate as soon as we leave, so I feel pretty free to do (almost) whatever. but I don’t want to rent any power tools or pry up any floorboards or totally ruin the existing flooring.
so - do you have any ideas of what I can do as a renter to improve the floor in this hell hallway? like, how could I do minimally invasive/cheap apartment-dweller level repairs for a crappy bumpy wood floor? or do you have any good suggestions for an updated rug/covering that could be nice and cleanable but smooth over a long bump? Would love some product or repair suggestions if you have any. Thanks!
Yes, seconding sheet vinyl cut to size, with a washable runner rug on top. I haven't bought anything from them, but have heard good things about ruggable.com.
posted by sleepingwithcats at 12:36 PM on January 1
posted by sleepingwithcats at 12:36 PM on January 1
A half inch bump will immediately damage the sheet vinyl as soon as anyone steps on it, if you go in that direction. At least that's what it did in my downstairs bathroom.
I think your best bet would be to get some thick carpet under padding, cut it to fit under your rug, putting a slit in it where the floor has buckled upwards, and then to nail your rug down with carpet tacks.
But this will still leave you with the problem of cleaning and the expense of the under padding. Back in the day carpets were almost always tacked down and taken up once or twice a year so they could be beaten and cleaned, so the carpet takes won't make it impossible to clean, but they will turn it into a much harder job.
posted by Jane the Brown at 1:09 PM on January 1
I think your best bet would be to get some thick carpet under padding, cut it to fit under your rug, putting a slit in it where the floor has buckled upwards, and then to nail your rug down with carpet tacks.
But this will still leave you with the problem of cleaning and the expense of the under padding. Back in the day carpets were almost always tacked down and taken up once or twice a year so they could be beaten and cleaned, so the carpet takes won't make it impossible to clean, but they will turn it into a much harder job.
posted by Jane the Brown at 1:09 PM on January 1
I'm afraid I don't have a solution to offer, but just a caution that if you add something on top of the flooring, keep in mind that you could then have trouble opening the closet doors, depending on how thick the additional flooring layer is. Just something to think about when figuring out a best solution.
posted by happy_cat at 1:20 PM on January 1 [1 favorite]
posted by happy_cat at 1:20 PM on January 1 [1 favorite]
If your landlord really doesn't care about you doing minor work on the property, I would:
1.) Sand down that split board with a piece of sandpaper to the point that it's no longer a serious trip hazard, and fill the split with cheap wood filler so there's not a giant hole in the floor, and then
2.) Get some floating vinyl plank flooring (look for a kind that is meant to be cut with tools you already have-- some kinds can be cut with a utility knife) and pair it with a really good, thick, flexible underlayment (something like this maybe?) that can help smooth over the unevenness of the floor, and I'd also be sure to get some baseboard trim for the wall/floor transition and good threshold pieces for the doorway to help hold the vinyl plank in place since it's floating.
The nice thing about floating vinyl plank vs. typical adhesive-backed vinyl sheet flooring is that it doesn't stick to the floor, so IF your landlord hates it, you can just take it out when you move and it will be pretty easy to remove. If you put vinyl sheet flooring in, trying to get it up again will be the worst, let me tell you.
This is assuming of course that you have enough clearance to still open the closet doors after adding underlayment and flooring. But if your closet doors open now without difficulty over a thick rug, hopefully you do.
posted by BlueJae at 1:31 PM on January 1 [1 favorite]
1.) Sand down that split board with a piece of sandpaper to the point that it's no longer a serious trip hazard, and fill the split with cheap wood filler so there's not a giant hole in the floor, and then
2.) Get some floating vinyl plank flooring (look for a kind that is meant to be cut with tools you already have-- some kinds can be cut with a utility knife) and pair it with a really good, thick, flexible underlayment (something like this maybe?) that can help smooth over the unevenness of the floor, and I'd also be sure to get some baseboard trim for the wall/floor transition and good threshold pieces for the doorway to help hold the vinyl plank in place since it's floating.
The nice thing about floating vinyl plank vs. typical adhesive-backed vinyl sheet flooring is that it doesn't stick to the floor, so IF your landlord hates it, you can just take it out when you move and it will be pretty easy to remove. If you put vinyl sheet flooring in, trying to get it up again will be the worst, let me tell you.
This is assuming of course that you have enough clearance to still open the closet doors after adding underlayment and flooring. But if your closet doors open now without difficulty over a thick rug, hopefully you do.
posted by BlueJae at 1:31 PM on January 1 [1 favorite]
This youtube video uses Ram Board to create a renter friendly flooring in an entryway. The Ram Board (or similar floor protection product) could be painted (and sealed) or covered with vinyl. (Paper bag and construction paper "floors" are a thing).
Carpet tiles may be of interest.
You can also make DIY rugs from drop cloths.
It's possibly worth checking if your local Restore has any suitable materials.
posted by oceano at 1:53 PM on January 1 [1 favorite]
Carpet tiles may be of interest.
You can also make DIY rugs from drop cloths.
It's possibly worth checking if your local Restore has any suitable materials.
posted by oceano at 1:53 PM on January 1 [1 favorite]
Maybe a floor cloth? Usually canvas, painted and sealed. They hold up amazingly well, you can size it as you please and can put a felt pad or similar underneath to avoid damage from your current floor boards.
posted by mmf at 2:14 PM on January 1 [2 favorites]
posted by mmf at 2:14 PM on January 1 [2 favorites]
I had success using foam puzzle piece tiles, like you might see in a home gym or kids’ play area, in a similar situation. They’re typically 2 ft x 2 ft but are really easy to cut. Depending on how long/wide the bump is, you should be able to center a tile on top to smooth it out. Then, put the runner back on if you’re not into the playpen look.
The best part is that you can easily replace a single tile if it gets worn or punctured by a floor nail that suddenly pops up (ask me how I know).
You can vacuum or use a broom on top of the tiles, but we just accepted that there’d be inevitable crumbs accumulated underneath. Surprisingly, though, it really wasn’t bad and we had the tiles down for almost two years.
posted by perpetual color at 2:45 PM on January 1 [3 favorites]
The best part is that you can easily replace a single tile if it gets worn or punctured by a floor nail that suddenly pops up (ask me how I know).
You can vacuum or use a broom on top of the tiles, but we just accepted that there’d be inevitable crumbs accumulated underneath. Surprisingly, though, it really wasn’t bad and we had the tiles down for almost two years.
posted by perpetual color at 2:45 PM on January 1 [3 favorites]
I agree with sanding and filling first, and Flor carpet tiles after. You can cut them to fit odd situations, they won’t slip, and they come in tons of styles. I’ve used them for so many weird situations in my annoying house. All you’ll need is as good utility knife.
posted by kitten kaboodle at 3:45 PM on January 1
posted by kitten kaboodle at 3:45 PM on January 1
Take off the closet doors and store them with their hardware somewhere else (under a bed or couch?), hang curtains in the doorways for concealment with a holdback on the wall next to each one to keep the fabric out of the way when rummaging. No more concerns about door clearance and it will keep the hallway less cluttered because you can’t forget to close doors that aren’t there.
If you truly don’t care about aesthetics you could go for the jigsaw puzzle foam floor mats and trim them to fit. They are pretty easy to cut with a good blade. For a thin carpet I have a couple from My Magic Carpet and they are great for the price and really do fit into the washing machine, though their backing claims to be nonslip and that is a lie. You could tack it to thicker padding that fits edge to edge though.
Ultimately anything is going to suck compared to filing and sanding down the floor and resealing it, though. Because adding anything on top will mean a raised section and you will need to add some kind of transition strip and even then it’s a trip hazard. Lower profile carpet tiles or vinyl will be great for cleanliness and lack of splinters but until that big bump is taken care of none of those things will stay intact.
posted by Mizu at 4:19 PM on January 1
If you truly don’t care about aesthetics you could go for the jigsaw puzzle foam floor mats and trim them to fit. They are pretty easy to cut with a good blade. For a thin carpet I have a couple from My Magic Carpet and they are great for the price and really do fit into the washing machine, though their backing claims to be nonslip and that is a lie. You could tack it to thicker padding that fits edge to edge though.
Ultimately anything is going to suck compared to filing and sanding down the floor and resealing it, though. Because adding anything on top will mean a raised section and you will need to add some kind of transition strip and even then it’s a trip hazard. Lower profile carpet tiles or vinyl will be great for cleanliness and lack of splinters but until that big bump is taken care of none of those things will stay intact.
posted by Mizu at 4:19 PM on January 1
Also came to say sheet vinyl but if that's too much to manage, you can get really good peel-and-stick floor tiles, or inexpensive carpet, or if you fancy acquiring a useful and simple skill, click lock laminate.
But of those options, only the sheet vinyl and carpet will require you to do no prep on the existing floor and allow you to just... solve the problem.
posted by DarlingBri at 7:39 PM on January 1
But of those options, only the sheet vinyl and carpet will require you to do no prep on the existing floor and allow you to just... solve the problem.
posted by DarlingBri at 7:39 PM on January 1
« Older What is this melodic progression and why does it... | How to reduce pain and swelling in my elderly... Newer »
You are not logged in, either login or create an account to post comments
posted by metasarah at 12:32 PM on January 1 [2 favorites]