Landlord's Flooring Guide For Rental Properties
Choosing flooring for an owner-occupied home is different than choosing flooring for a rental property. The reason for this is simple: rental properties generally endure more wear and tear.
In addition, as bighamassociates.com points out, a tenant is less likely to take care of the home in the same way the owner would.
As a landlord, your goal is to maximize your income as much as possible, meaning you have to justify the cost of new flooring. Your goal should be to find a flooring that is safe, aesthetically pleasing, durable, maintainable, affordable, and above all, practical.
5 Flooring Options for Landlords To Consider
Vinyl
Vinyl tiles come in a variety of styles and can be a very effective flooring option for rental properties. Vinyl tiles (LVT) can be installed as a floating floor by clicking the planks together.
Much like tile, vinyl is part of the resilient flooring group. It’s ideal for kitchens, laundry areas, bathrooms, or entire homes.
Pros: It comes in a wide variety of patterns and colors. It absorbs noise better than other materials and is softer for the feet than other options like wood, stone, or tile. It’s also water-proof and easy to clean.
Cons: If adhesive is used during installation, vinyl can be difficult to remove. Low grade sheet vinyl (not LVT) may contain VOC's, check to make sure your product is Carb 2 Compliant.
Laminate
Laminate is another synthetic flooring option. It’s typically manufactured in planks similar to vinyl. It’s usually installed over a sub-floor by clicking the planks locking mechanisms together. Laminate flooring is best for the office, bedrooms, and living and dining rooms.
Pros: For budget-conscious landlords who want the appeal of wood floors, laminate floors are a great hardwood alternative. Its tough layer also makes it durable and maintainable, even in units with pets and young families. Newer laminates may come with water-resistant qualities.
Cons: Although it’s more durable, it’s not as visually appealing. It cannot be sanded or refinished like solid hardwood if heavily grooved, deep scratched, or worn. Unlike tile or vinyl, laminate is not a fully waterproof product.
Hardwood
Hardwood floors complete any room, and let’s be honest, they are hands down gorgeous.
Hardwood flooring is made from different species of wood. The wood is cut into planks of desired width and length and glued or nailed down over a subfloor. Hardwood flooring is best for offices, bedrooms, and living and dining rooms.
Pros: Hardwood flooring is available in several types of woods, such as walnut, cherry, and oak. It also works with all styles of decorating, from traditional to modern. Hardwood floors are also durable. With proper care, they can last the lifetime of the property.
Cons: Some finishes on hardwood scratch easily. It may also not be suitable for every room. This is because of its vulnerability to moisture and humidity. And for many landlords, the biggest drawback to a hardwood floor is the higher material & installation price.