A Guide to the Best Flooring for a Rental Property

This classic flooring for rental properties is durable, long-lasting and easy to clean. Tiles also offer a wide range of choices in terms of colors and patterns. It’s especially useful in hot climates since tiles remain cold and can make your home less stuffy. Tiles are common in bathrooms and kitchens due to their ability to resist moisture and dirt. Ceramic tiling, porcelain tiles and natural stone tiles are some of the popular floorings for rental properties.

Some of the benefits of this flooring include its longevity, ease of cleaning, and ability to prevent odors, stains and spills. It’s also good for allergy-sensitive tenants, making it an appealing choice.

Also, consider some of the drawbacks, like its heavy and cold surface, making it difficult to install. Consider professional installation and avoid wall-to-wall tiling in rooms upstairs since this might compromise the structural integrity of your home. Despite being resistant to spills and stains, tiles aren’t immune to chips and cracks, especially if something falls on them. They can also be more of an investment, especially if you prefer natural stone tiles.

Laminate flooring is an affordable choice compared to hardwood flooring, making it one of the best flooring for a rental property. It’s created by printing a high-resolution photo of hardwood or any flooring type onto a fiberboard backing and covering it with a scratch-resistant coating.

Some benefits of laminate flooring include easy installation with click-lock options, durability and an attractive appearance. It can also be installed over your existing floors to reduce renovation costs. It’s ideal for high-traffic areas of your home and is pet-friendly. Laminate is also easy to clean and scratch-resistant.

Laminate flooring might not be ideal if noise is a concern since it can amplify the noise between floors. Laminate planks cannot be repaired and must be replaced if they get damaged. Also, keep in mind that laminate is susceptible to moisture damage and must be avoided in laundry rooms or bathrooms.

Hardwood flooring is one of the best flooring for a rental property and attracts many renters. Often made with natural wood species like oak, maple or cherry, it offers a timeless appeal. It’s a tough material that can sealed for stain or water resistance. Despite this, it’s easy to scratch and susceptible to wear and tear. Professional installation is suggested for the best finish and look.

Among the benefits of hardwood flooring is that it can be refurbished or repaired if damaged. It can increase the value of your rental property due to its appearance and variety of style options.

Without underlayment, hardwood flooring might increase the noise between floors. It’s also quite an investment when considering its upfront and maintenance costs. Polished hardwood flooring also clearly shows grits and dents. Be mindful of moisture damage even after you apply a sealant; this can lead to swelling, mold and buckling.

Carpeting as a flooring option is a popular choice, especially for bedrooms and living rooms. While the upfront cost of carpets is affordable, their care and maintenance might make it an expensive deal. Consider carpet tiles instead of overall carpeting since they can be replaced even if one tile is damaged or stained.

A definite benefit of carpeting is that it insulates against noise and is ideal for cold climates. It’s soft, easy to install and available in a wide variety of styles and colors.

Carpeting should be replaced every seven years to maintain hygiene in your rental property. It also holds stains and odors and requires replacement entirely if damaged. It can also trap allergens, making it less appealing for some renters. Routine cleaning is essential to prevent odors and maintain its look.