With so many flooring options for rental properties on the market, it can be difficult to choose which one is the best and most durable. Which flooring options are suitable for rental properties? What are the best durable flooring options for rental properties? Let's take a closer look at everything you need to know about selecting the right flooring material for your rental property.
What Are The Qualities of Flooring For Rental Property?
What are the best and ideal qualities of flooring you should look for in a rental property? There are four qualities that are important for any floor for rental property.
1. Water, Scratch, and Scuff - Resistance
In a rental property, the flooring often needs to withstand numerous tenants over the course of its life. In some cases, the floor may need to be redone after several tenants have vacated a property. It is also important to note that you do not have any control over how any tenant maintains the rental property.
Therefore, it is imperative to ensure that your flooring for rental property can withstand all types of tenants as well as the regular wear and tear that they may cause. Choose flooring that is scratch-, scuff-, and water-resistant so that it can withstand multiple tenants and a variety of scenarios, spills, damages, etc., throughout its lifespan. When it comes to flooring for rental properties, durability is of the utmost importance.
2. Cost-Effective
Cost-effectiveness is also an important consideration when selecting flooring for rental properties. If there are any damages to your property, you do not want to have to pay a fortune for repairs every time. It is important to find a flooring material that meets your budget so that you may replace floors or damaged areas without incurring excessive overhead costs.
The importance of this is even greater if you own multiple properties, such as an apartment complex or a coworking space. In general, the more units you have, the more cost-effective your flooring should be.
3. Simple to Install
Once a tenant has vacated, you may need to get a new one in as soon as possible especially if they severely damaged the floor. The reason for this is that you don’t want to fail the new tenant with their expectations. Therefore, it is essential to have flooring for rental properties that can be easily installed. You do not want your property to remain vacant while you perform floor repairs.
So it's better to choose flooring that's easy to install from the beginning. If you do so, you will have the ability to make repairs quickly when a tenant vacates and have a new tenant move in as soon as possible, regardless of the condition of the flooring.
4. Attractive Style and Design
As a final consideration, it is important to choose flooring for rental properties that is both attractive and stylish. It is important to attract and keep top tenants, and an unattractive floor will not achieve this. Choose a style that complements your existing design, and consider choosing a neutral and universal style that will not turn away potential tenants.
The 3 Most Ideal Flooring Options for Rental Properties
Knowing these qualities, you already have an idea of what to look for in flooring for rental properties. What are the best types of flooring to use? The following are the three most ideal and durable flooring for your rental properties.
1. Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is a cost-effective and easy-to-install flooring that is ideal for rental properties. Laminate flooring is water-resistant, durable, and can endure scratches, pets, and a considerable amount of foot traffic without any problems. It is possible to find laminate in a wide range of designs and styles - it can even appear to be hardwood at times! A laminate floor can last up to ten years, making it an excellent choice of flooring for rental property owners with a limited budget.
2. Vinyl Plank
It is also a good idea to consider vinyl planks for rental properties. Vinyl flooring is highly durable and water-resistant. It is for this reason that many rental property owners select vinyl planks as their preferred flooring material. Similarly to laminate, vinyl can be crafted to resemble any type of flooring, including hardwood and stone. Additionally, it is relatively easy to install (especially the click-lock varieties), and it is also reasonably priced. Most common vinyl plank style used in rentals are SPC vinyl, WPC vinyl and Loose lay (5mm) vinyl. If your subfloor is level, the nice benefit of the Looselay vinyl style with a glue assist install is that full repair (of a single plank) is very easy.
3. Engineered Hardwood Flooring
The most expensive of the three options is engineered hardwood flooring. This type of flooring is a good alternative if you're set on hardwood flooring, but do not want to worry about moisture or temperature damaging it. The engineered hardwood flooring has a composite material crafted from natural wood, but it is designed to withstand a good amount of humidity. It is not waterproof, though, and you have to avoid water to sit there for a long time. Compared to hardwood flooring, engineered hardwood flooring has a slightly lower price point and is a good choice for properties with a high standard of living. Hardwood (engineered hardwood) are beautiful and we love nature... they just are not as durable as other flooring types, so be aware that if your rental tenants are hard on floors, this may not be the best choice for you.
Final Thoughts on The Best Flooring for Rental Properties
Choosing the right flooring for rental property will ultimately depend on the type of your property, budget, goals, and preferences. The best option, however, is laminate flooring, vinyl plank, or engineered hardwood flooring if you are looking for durable, cost-effective, and attractive flooring. It is important to keep in mind that all flooring materials are not created equal so you should know their advantages and disadvantages to help you find the best fit for your needs.
Other flooring blog articles you may want to read:
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF LAMINATE FLOORING
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TWELVE OAKS FLOORING
THE BEST FLOORING FOR EXTREME TEMPERATURES
WORD OF MOUTH FLOORS: LEADING PROVIDERS OF VINYL FLOORING IN VANCOUVER