As a landlord, you’ve seen it all — and so has your flooring.
From footprints big and small to accidents from pets and children, even just everyday wear and tear — and you’re constantly looking for ways to not only make your life easier as a landlord, but also improve the value of your property.
The right flooring can help you do both — but what’s the best flooring for rentals?
The answer depends on your needs.
To help you decide, we’re discussing the different types of flooring options and tips on how to decide which is the best flooring for your rental properties — and your wallet.
Table of Contents
- Finding the Best Flooring for Rentals: Challenges Landlords Face
- What Is the Best Flooring for Rental Properties?
- The Best Flooring For Rental Properties: Our Review of the 7 Most Common Picks
- Interior Motives Flooring: Let Us Help You Pick the Best Flooring for Your Rental Properties
Finding the Best Flooring for Rentals: Challenges Landlords Face
Finding suitable flooring materials for a rental property often requires meeting requirements that seem to contradict themselves. For instance, landlords want flooring that is affordable and durable.
The problem? Most flooring that is inexpensive may not last long. Flooring that lasts may not be affordable. Another example is the flooring must be beautiful but require very little care.
What these contradictions mean is that when choosing to floor for a rental property you cannot do it hastily. When choosing flooring for your rentals, it’s best not to approach it the same way you approach flooring your own home.
Landlords must understand:
- The capabilities of each material
- The conditions that will surround its use; and
- Where each type of flooring should be used in the home.
Landlords also do not want to lose sight of their business objectives. It’s important to find the flooring that will draw quality renters to your space, add value to the space, and let you charge rent that is above the average rate, all without increasing your maintenance costs.
These are only a few of the considerations that must go into choosing the best flooring for a rental property.
What Is the Best Flooring for Rental Properties?
Before you choose flooring for your rental, you’ll want to consider things like:
- What makes certain flooring materials the best?
- Can you install them across the entire home or are there specific areas in the rental where each material works best?
Finding the right answers to these questions can make the difference between a rental property that is profitable and one that is constant pain.
To help you wade through the sometimes confusing assortment of flooring options in the market, we have selected the ones that will help your rental home perform better. Read on to find out what they are.
The Best Flooring For Rental Properties: Our Review of the 7 Most Common Picks
#1: Hardwood and Bamboo
The natural façade of bamboo and hardwood flooring appeals to many renters and will increase the value of any property, making it one of the best flooring options for rentals.
Best for living rooms, bamboo and hardwood floors can be sealed to make them water and stain-resistant. Both products last a very long time, can be refinished to fix any damages, and have low noise-absorbing qualities.
Cured bamboo is even more resistant to dents and scratches. However, these flooring options are expensive and require regular maintenance.
#2: Carpet
Carpet is easy to install and comes in a range of designs. It is soothing to the feet and has excellent noise absorption qualities — making it ideal for apartment rentals where tenants prefer not to hear the movements of those living above them.
Carpet provides a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere, enhancing the overall appeal of rental properties. Its softness and warmth create a homely ambiance that tenants often desire
It is relatively affordable compared to other flooring options, and, depending on the twist of yarn per square inch, is generally a durable option, allowing landlords to cover larger areas within their budget.
Its wide range of …
- Colors
- Pattern; and
- Textures
… allows landlords to choose designs that are appealing and versatile, complementing various interior styles and making it easier to attract potential tenants.
While we consider carpet to be one of the best floorings for rentals, it’s important to consider the drawbacks. Carpet may stain and tear more easily compared to other flooring options and is prone to hold odors. It often requires a more thorough, sometimes professional cleaning. It is recommended that carpet flooring be replaced at least every seven years.
#3: Vinyl
Another flooring option that is often considered one of the best for rentals is vinyl.
Its affordability and resilience make it a practical choice for landlords. Vinyl flooring is particularly suitable for areas with high moisture exposure, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens, due to its water-resistant properties. This feature provides peace of mind for both tenants and landlords, as it helps prevent water damage and mold growth.
Vinyl flooring offers a wide range of design options, including patterns that mimic the appearance of wood or stone. This versatility allows landlords to achieve the desired aesthetic for their rental properties without the high cost associated with genuine materials.
Vinyl absorbs noise better than harder surfaces like tile, stone, or hardwood, creating a quieter living environment for tenants. Its softer feel underfoot adds to the overall comfort and coziness of the space.
However, it’s important to note that vinyl flooring is susceptible to specific damages like gouges and rips, which can occur with sharp objects or heavy furniture. Additionally, prolonged exposure to UV rays and rubber materials can cause discoloration, requiring proper care and maintenance to retain its original appearance — if appearance is important to you, consider installing vinyl in rooms that don’t get an overabundance of sunlight.
#4: Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is a popular flooring option that offers the benefits of vinyl with added thickness and waterproof properties. With its ability to mimic the appearance of hardwood and ceramic floors, LVT provides a high-end aesthetic at a more affordable price point.
Its versatility allows it to be used in various areas of a rental property, including kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms, where moisture exposure may be a concern.
LVT is relatively inexpensive and easy to install, making it a convenient choice for landlords looking to update their rental properties. In case of wear or damage, LVT can be resealed to restore its original appearance, prolonging its lifespan.
However, it’s worth noting that LVT is harder than traditional vinyl, which can result in increased noise transmission when walked on. When compared directly to genuine wood flooring, the discerning eye may still be able to distinguish LVT from the real thing, despite its realistic appearance.
Nonetheless, LVT remains a durable and cost-effective flooring option for rentals.
#5: Tile
Tile flooring is known for its exceptional durability, making it one of the best floorings for rentals if landlords are opting for a long-lasting choice. With proper care and maintenance, tile can withstand heavy foot traffic and retain its pristine appearance for many years, minimizing the need for frequent replacements.
Tile offers a vast array of design options, allowing landlords to create unique and visually appealing spaces. It is easy to clean and highly resistant to moisture, wear, and tear. Its non-porous surface makes it impervious to spills, stains, and water damage, reducing the risk of costly repairs or replacements.
However, tile installation can be labor-intensive and time-consuming, often requiring professional assistance — which is where the professionals at Interior Motives Flooring come in. We have the experience and the know-how to make installing your tile flooring feel effortless.
Things landlords should consider before installing tile: It is prone to chipping or cracking if heavy objects are dropped on it, necessitating caution and careful handling. Due to its hard and reflective surface, tile has poor noise absorption qualities, which can lead to increased sound transmission and potential echoing in rental properties.
#6: Laminate
Not convinced that you’ve found the best flooring for your rental property?
Laminate flooring is a cost-effective alternative that provides the aesthetic appeal of natural wood without the hefty price tag. It offers the versatility to imitate the look of tile or stone as well, making it a versatile choice for rental properties.
With its scratch-resistant properties, laminate can withstand the wear and tear associated with high foot traffic, ensuring its longevity. Its click-lock installation system makes it a user-friendly option, allowing for easy installation without the need for adhesives or professional assistance.
The durable surface coating of laminate flooring contributes to its longevity, providing protection against stains, fading, and general wear. Laminate flooring can be installed directly over existing floors, saving on renovation costs and minimizing disruption during installation.
However, it’s important to note that laminate flooring can produce noise when walked upon, which may be a consideration for tenants seeking a quieter living environment. Additionally, if individual floor planks become damaged, they will need to be replaced, which can require some effort and expense.
Laminate flooring can susceptible to moisture damage, so proper precautions should be taken to prevent water seepage and spills, as excessive moisture can cause the planks to warp or swell over time.
#7: Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered hardwood flooring combines the natural beauty and authenticity of real wood with the affordability and practicality of alternative flooring options.
The upper layer of engineered hardwood is composed of genuine wood veneer, providing the same rich textures and grain patterns found in traditional hardwood flooring. This allows tenants to enjoy the elegance and warmth of wood without the higher price tag.
Engineered hardwood is designed to be highly durable, capable of withstanding the demands of everyday use in rental properties. Its easy-to-clean surface makes maintenance a breeze, requiring only regular sweeping and occasional damp mopping to keep it looking its best. It has superior sound-handling properties compared to solid hardwood, reducing noise transmission between floors and rooms.
Before purchasing and installing engineered hardwoods, landlords should consider that this type of flooring cannot be resealed or sanded like solid wood, which limits its ability to be restored or refinished. Engineered hardwood is not scratch-resistant and can be susceptible to scratches and dents from heavy furniture or sharp objects.
As with many types of flooring, prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to discoloration and fading of the wood veneer, necessitating the use of window coverings or protective coatings to minimize this effect.
Interior Motives Flooring: Let Us Help You Pick the Best Flooring for Your Rental Properties
As a landlord or property manager looking to upgrade the flooring in your rental properties, you need to pick an option that provides the most bang for your buck — but how do you know you’re choosing the best flooring?
Look no further than Interior Motives Flooring in Auburn, Washington! Our team of experts is here to assist you in choosing the perfect flooring solutions tailored to your specific needs.
From carpet and vinyl to tile and laminate, we have a wide range of options to suit every style and budget. Let us help you enhance the appeal and functionality of your rental properties with our quality flooring products.
Contact Interior Motives Flooring today and take the first step towards creating inviting and durable spaces that will attract and satisfy your tenants — and your investment — for years to come.
