Old linoleum. AT reader Dean had a bad case of it in the bathroom. You know the kind, the old stuff that can't be cleaned, is discolored, stained, doesn't come up easily and is just generally gross. Plus since her place is a rental she didn't have the option of just tearing it out and starting over. Her economical DIY solution? Installing a black, mod rubber floor right over it! You can see the whole process which she describes as 'incredibly easy' on her flickr set.
Dean was able to cut the rubber to the proper size and lay it in over the tile. The rubber is heavy enough and flat enough to not even need to be glued or secured down, it simply fits snuggly in it's place. We love that she used black rubber in the bathroom--so modern.
About the process she writes:
"As you can see from the sets and descriptions, the whole process was incredibly easy. I was super nervous at first and even considered hiring someone to install it for me, but I had a great time doing the work myself. It took about 4 hours, including several breaks ;)
The company I ordered from is called RubberCal. They are all super nice and helpful, more than willing to send samples and offer advice. They're located in SoCal, but will ship anywhere...I ordered the Elephant Bark floor tile in black with white flecks."
Thanks Dean and great work!
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Wow!!! I am sooo inspired. This gives an apartment dweller like myself a low cost, removable option that still allows me to get my deposit back.
view JinSanFran's profile
im so excited to be on AT!
the before and after photos are especially inspiring...
before:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/49538177@N00/1353391449/in/set-72157601934870166/
and after:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/49538177@N00/1354282464/in/set-72157601934870166/
view goodnightdean's profile
what an awesome idea! this gives hope to so many :) good for you, Clever.
view kdkaboom's profile
Brillant ans simple! How elegant....
view Cate's profile
I love this!
Does the water from getting out of the shower soak through at all? I just want to make sure I'm not asking for a mold problem.
view Laura's profile
What a transformation! Fantastic job!!!
view Scout's profile
Hi Laura-
nope, water hasnt been a problem at all! it just sortof...sits there in little droplets and then evaporates. but it doesnt stand in puddles, it just kinda...i dont know how to describe it. its sooo nice to walk on...its not bouncy, but its nicer than regular floor and it always stays cool.
view goodnightdean's profile
Sounds great!
I'm going to get some. My bathroom is so tiny that I'd only need one sheet. What a perfect, inexpensive, renter safe solution!
view Laura's profile
I think this is fabulous! Good Job! I've been looking for a way to cover my ugly linoleum in my kitchen! Brilliant!!
view MeredithM.'s profile
Yay! Thank you for giving all us renters-with-yucky-vinyl-flooring hope!
view perejil's profile
great idea. I have to ask...how does it smell and for how long?
view shari's profile
haha, funny you ask, shari! it definitely has a smell to it, but...i kinda like it. its not chemically or tire-y, its...i dont know how to describe it. its not offensive...i've had it in there for a couple of weeks now and its about gone. i think it helps to leave it outside in the sun for several hours, at least thats what im thinking...
view goodnightdean's profile
I am inspired, too!! Where did you get the rubber sheet?
view LolaDanger's profile
i got it from RubberCal, it's linked a couple of times in the post.
you can check out more of my how-tos on my blog: www.mylittleapartment.blogspot.com
view goodnightdean's profile