Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - Flooring over Carpet

I live in an apartment and the dining room area is carpeted. I would much rather have flooring in that area, because of kids and messy husband. Is there some type of floor covering that can be layed on top of the carpet? In an apartment you are very limited to what you can do and pulling up the carpet is not an option.

Help! I want to save my carpet.

I don't know of any flooring that can be installed over the top of carpet.
Too much flex from the cushy carpet.

This is just an option which may or may not work based on what you like and want for a look.
The commercial world has to deal with traffic and wear too.
One option would be the kind of plastic floor mats like they put under desk chairs so they roll on carpet. They are non-permanent and quite cheap (approx $20) at office supply companies like Staples and Office max.
Since they are basic, they can be cut and shaped at will.
And you can move them out for formal occasions.

Just a thought. I sure would not mind one under a high-chair for a messy baby.

PS Got the idea from an old post By LisaCea and put one under a high traffic area at the dining room table/computer table.

Been there, done that, messy kids at the diningroom table. Ick.

Try getting a cheap area rug and putting it under the table and chairs. Walmart sells cheap area rugs and the rubber matting to keep them flat on top of w2w carpet You can clean it with a commercial spray on rug cleaner (like Resolve) and when it get too icky, toss it and get another.

I don't think the plastic desk area thingies would be big enough
for a dining table.

I used to put a vinyl table cloth under the high chair duing the food fights in my place and toss them in the washing machine after the battle.

Aren't kids great!