Best floor protection solution for attic with occasional dragging of heavy items (PVC/vinyl floor)?

Hey all, I'm installing vinyl (PVC roll) flooring in an unfinished attic, mostly to keep the space clean and make it easier to slide boxes around. To access the two main storage areas, I have to crawl on the left side and crouch on the right — so I’m often on my knees, and stuff occasionally drags across the floor (hands, objects, etc.). The central path gets the most friction, but it’s not used for heavy storage — just frequent access. I’m using discounted offcuts (chutes) of vinyl flooring — total cost so far is 178 € (~$190), and each piece matches its area. I’ve got 5–10% room for trimming, but I can’t rearrange the zones — the most durable piece is going in a side section, not the middle. I don’t care about looks — just want a cheap, clean, effective way to protect or reinforce the vinyl in the central area. Would a transparent chair mat or brushed aluminum adhesive strip hold up? Any better low-budget ideas for this kind of wear zone? I’ll add some photos of the floor. The attic is dry, no moisture issues, and the subfloor is made of particle board panels with small gaps and some patched joints. Also: Should I glue the vinyl down, or let it float? (Dry attic, not climate-controlled) Any other ideas for functional, cheap attic flooring I may have missed? Thanks ! submitted by /u/izi92iclastreetici [link] [comments]

May 2, 2025 - 12:25

Hey all,

I'm installing vinyl (PVC roll) flooring in an unfinished attic, mostly to keep the space clean and make it easier to slide boxes around.

To access the two main storage areas, I have to crawl on the left side and crouch on the right — so I’m often on my knees, and stuff occasionally drags across the floor (hands, objects, etc.).
The central path gets the most friction, but it’s not used for heavy storage — just frequent access.

I’m using discounted offcuts (chutes) of vinyl flooring — total cost so far is 178 € (~$190), and each piece matches its area. I’ve got 5–10% room for trimming, but I can’t rearrange the zones — the most durable piece is going in a side section, not the middle.

I don’t care about looks — just want a cheap, clean, effective way to protect or reinforce the vinyl in the central area.
Would a transparent chair mat or brushed aluminum adhesive strip hold up?
Any better low-budget ideas for this kind of wear zone?

I’ll add some photos of the floor. The attic is dry, no moisture issues, and the subfloor is made of particle board panels with small gaps and some patched joints.

Also:

Should I glue the vinyl down, or let it float? (Dry attic, not climate-controlled)
Any other ideas for functional, cheap attic flooring I may have missed?

Thanks !

submitted by /u/izi92iclastreetici
[link] [comments]