Hometalk is where people share and help with everything home & garden

Oakland, CA on Oct 12, 2011

I need to replace the worn carpet on our first-floor master bedroom.

Problem is, the bedroom lies between a door to the back yard to the garage. So the man of the house leaves dirty footprints on the carpet while going back & forth getting tools from the garage while he's working in the yard. The obvious solution is for him to take off his muddy shoes each time, but good luck with that!

I'm wondering if there is an especially dirt-resistant and/or cleanable carpet choice out there. Alternatively, can anyone recommend a hard-surface covering that is attractive, easy to clean, non-slip and affordable?

Thanks, everyone!

9 Comments

Dan's of Central Florida,... Clermont, FL

Lindy, I take it from your reply that you want to keep carpet in there and not go with something more durable/cleanable like wood/laminate or tile flooring? It might be possible to just put down a cheap throw rug/runner when he is doing things in the garage, then roll it up and stuff it away when he's all done. Then its his job to place it down and pick it back up in the end.

on Oct 12, 2011 · Like 0
Lindy Oakland, CA

Actually, I am open to hard surfacing, but tile is so slippery. We are getting older so that's a consideration. Is there a hard surface that's easy-clean but not slippery? The underlying surface is a concrete slab, BTW.

on Oct 12, 2011 · Like 0
JL Spring & Associates Richmond, VA

Clear runners or non slip linoleum type sheet goods most economical and maintenance free! Just don't back the truck up and do a brake job in the foyer! Might scratch a bit! Best 2 U..JL

on Oct 12, 2011 · Like 0
Steve G Fort Collins, CO

I would look into laminates. Cheap, easy to clean and pretty durable. It's fairly easy to DIY a floating floor laminate installation. Now he can't go dropping a bunch of tools on it, but wiping up footprints is sure easier than with carpet.

on Oct 12, 2011 · Like 0
Woodbridge Environmental ... Colonia, NJ

Do you have room to build a mini mud room on the outside in which he can remove his dirty shoes? If not perhaps using a small tile or wood section just by the door where he can kick them off can help in protecting the carpeted floor.

on Oct 12, 2011 · Like 0
KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

A good quality porcelain tile would be my first choice. These can be had with "molded" texture to reduce the slippery nature.
You mentioned this is a bedroom that opens to a Garage?...If that is so...then that is a big Code NO NO....Sleeping rooms adjacent to garages. If it connects directly to "outside" then that is ok.
That door also needs to be a fire rated door.

on Oct 13, 2011 · Like 1
Bob H Apopka, FL

The Smartstrand Fiber is the most stain resistant carpet available today, but I would opt for hard surface, preferably tile, in that area.

on Oct 13, 2011 · Like 0
Hewitt Remodeling Service... Virginia Beach, VA

Lindy,
I'd get a whuppin' for tracking thru the master bedroom routinely with lawn tools.... Tell the man of the house to change his behavior before he becomes the "gelded-one" of the house.... :)
Seriously, how about installing another door out of the garage.... or a shed in the backyard for his lawn tools. Changing the floor covering only assists with the clean-up...doesn't solve the problem...Tim

on Oct 13, 2011 · Like 1
Inspection Connection, LLC Mcdonough, GA

Me too Hewitt. I've been called some strange names by my better half. It's better to get forgiveness than permission. "Yes Honey" - How High"

on Oct 16, 2011 · Like 0