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what is the best floor for rental property

by Carmine Wilderman Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Is laminate flooring good for rental properties?

Laminate flooring is “floating” which means it is not attached to the flooring below and has been known to pop or have a more hollow sound when walking. Also, this type of flooring for a rental property, while long-lasting, isn’t as durable as stone or hardwood. Pros: Unlike laminate, engineered hardwood flooring is created with a real wood veneer.

What is the best carpeting for rental properties?

What is the Best Carpet for Rental Properties?

  • The Most Durable Carpets. Carpets certainly to endure a lot throughout their life. ...
  • Fiber Material. If you are looking at carpets, you will most likely encounter four different fibers: nylon, polypropylene (olefin), polyester, and wool.
  • The Most Stain-Resistant Carpets. ...
  • Other Factors to Consider. ...
  • Alternatives to Carpet Flooring. ...

What is the Best Flooring for rental?

Which Is Best for a Rental: Carpet, Hardwood, Vinyl, or Engineered Flooring?

  1. Carpet. Carpet is one of the softest flooring materials, made from synthetic and natural fibers such as wool, nylon, polyester, and polypropylene.
  2. Hardwood. Hardwood is a popular choice, having earned a classic reputation as a high-quality flooring option. ...
  3. Vinyl. ...
  4. Engineered flooring. ...

How to buy the Best Flooring?

  • Laminate flooring is resistant to dents and scratches.
  • Some laminate flooring is waterproof, making it a good pick for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.
  • Laminate floors are easy to clean.
  • Laminate flooring is significantly cheaper than hardwood flooring.

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What type of flooring is best for tenants?

Luxury vinyl plank flooringLuxury vinyl plank flooring is the best choice for rental properties, because it is durable, waterproof and cost-effective. Vinyl planks and tiles can also look like wood or natural stone for a high-end look on a reasonable budget.

What type of flooring is the best return on investment?

HardwoodHard surface flooring will give you the best return on investment, or ROI. Hardwood will be your best bet with the highest ROI since it's the long-standing preferred flooring choice.

What are the disadvantages of vinyl plank flooring?

Some disadvantages of vinyl flooring include:Cannot be repaired.Can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs)Shorter lifespan than wood floors.No impact, or negative impact, on home resale value.Difficult to remove, especially if adhesive is used during installation.Not eco-friendly; difficult to recycle.

What kind of floor is most durable?

8 Most Durable Flooring Options for Heavy Foot TrafficBamboo.Resiliency.Ceramic and Porcelain.Laminate.Solid Hardwood.Engineered Wood.Concrete.Natural Stone.

Does vinyl flooring devalue a home?

Even though it's not true hardwood, buyers will still appreciate the aesthetics and feel of these durable floors. This is what buyers really care about at the end of the day. So yes, installing new vinyl flooring in your home will raise your property value.

Does luxury vinyl plank add value to your home?

Its durability and water resistance makes it a great material to increase value in rental properties, kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms, but we don't always choose luxury vinyl for our properties. While the material is durable and stands up to water well, it's softer than hardwood and tile.

Which is better laminate or vinyl?

Neither type of flooring is better than the other across all categories. Vinyl flooring is best in high-moisture areas and it's easy to keep clean. Yet laminate flooring offers a wider variety of style choices and has a higher resale value.

Is there a difference between vinyl plank and luxury vinyl plank?

The only difference between the two is the form. Luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) can be cut in either plank (LVP) to mimic hardwood or into groutable squares for stone and tile looks, called luxury vinyl tile.

What are the negatives of luxury vinyl flooring?

While LVT is extremely durable, it isn't totally indestructible. Luxury vinyl flooring can dent and even scratch or scuff, especially from heavy appliances, furniture, or other weighty objects. Just because it's resistant to something doesn't mean it's impervious to it.

What is the most scratch resistant flooring?

CERAMIC AND PORCELAIN TILE Tile made from ceramic or porcelain is the most scratch-resistant flooring. Ceramic tile is made of fired clay, and it's a hard and durable substance. Porcelain tile is a type of ceramic, but they make it from a more cultivated clay and bake it at higher temperatures.

What is the most popular flooring in homes today?

Tile. Tile is the most obvious choice for kitchens and bathrooms, as it is naturally waterproof and fairly indestructible. Some tile trends include realistic stone or wood looks. New homes tend to include timeless looks like marble, limestone, or slate.

What is the best waterproof and durable flooring?

The 4 Best Waterproof Flooring Options for Your Home1 Option #1: Tile.2 Option #2: Vinyl Plank (Luxury Vinyl)3 Option #3: Sheet Vinyl.4 Option #4: Laminate.5 Conclusion.

Is tile or laminate better for resale?

laminate resale value. While tile might be more expensive to install, it does have a much higher long-term value. Laminate can't be refinished, meaning that when it's worn out, you'll need to replace it (every 10–25 years or so on average). And it doesn't add a huge amount of value to your home.

Does new flooring add value to home?

New flooring can increase the value of a home by nearly 10 to 54 percent. Potential homebuyers say that they will put in a higher offer if a home has new flooring. Potential buyers also said they would reconsider putting in an offer if the flooring is outdated, dirty, or worn.

Do tile floors increase home value?

Tile can add value to your home if it's an on-trend style that's installed correctly and there aren't outdated materials in other rooms. While experts agree that hard surfaces improve your home's appeal and add more value than carpets, room-to-room consistency rates just as high, according to HomeLight.

Which is better luxury vinyl or engineered hardwood?

Engineered wood flooring fares better than solid wood in high moisture rooms (e.g. bathroom) BUT LVT is completely water-resistant so it is a better choice in rooms that are high in humidity and moisture. LVT is far less expensive than engineered wood for both the product and installation.

How to Choose the Best Flooring for a Rental Property

When you’re trying to figure out what type of flooring to install in a rental, there are a few factors you need to keep in mind:

FAQ About Choosing the Best Flooring for a Rental Property

A: Installing flooring in your rental property is a capital expense that landlords must make. However, instead of deducting it from your taxes the year that it is installed, you can only claim its depreciated value.

Final thoughts about the best flooring for a rental property

When you’re trying to decide which flooring is the best to install for your rental property, it really depends on your budget, the type of tenant you’re hoping to rent to, and your location. But, you’ll also need to think about whether you’re going to install it yourself or if you’re going to hire a contractor to do it for you.

Important Factors When Choosing The Best Flooring For Your Rental Property

As with any property renovation, there are many factors to take into consideration when selecting new flooring for your rental. The three main ones can be summarised as follows:

Is replacing flooring in your rental a capital expense or a repair?

Updating the flooring in your rental property is considered an improvement by the IRS that should be categorized as a capital expense. A capital expense is for an improvement if it results in a betterment to your property, restores your property, or adapts your property to a new or different use.

The Best Flooring For Your Rental: Final words

There is a wide range of options out there when it comes to choosing the best flooring for your rental property. Consider budget, longevity, and aesthetics to ensure you are adding value to your property while creating a comfortable and easy-to-maintain environment for your tenants to live in.

Why is it important to find a flooring material that fits your budget?

You don’t want to have to pay a fortune every time you have to repair damages. You want to be able to replace floors or problem spots with minimal overhead, so it’s important to find a flooring material that fits your budget.

How long does laminate flooring last?

Laminate comes in a variety of prints and styles — it can even look like hardwood! Laminate floors can last up to ten years and are the top pick for property owners on a tight budget.

Can you install flooring when a tenant moves out?

Instead, choose a flooring type that’s easy to install from the start. That way, no matter what condition the flooring is in when a tenant moves out, you can make the repairs quickly and have a new tenant moved in right away.

Is vinyl plank flooring waterproof?

Vinyl plank is another excellent option for rental properties. It’s incredibly durable and water-resistant. In fact, in many cases, it’s actually waterproof. That’s why many rental property owners choose vinyl plank as their go-to flooring material. Like laminate, vinyl can be made to look like any type of flooring, including hardwood and stone. It’s also relatively easy to install (especially the click-lock varieties), and it’s friendly on the budget, too.

Ceramic Wood Tile

Pros: Durable, looks great and it has a high ended look than the LVT. This is a great choice for rental properties in the south and in areas with high moisture.

Luxury Vinyl Plank LVP and Luxury Vinyl Tile LVT

Pros: Moisture-resistant and durable. It looks great. Floating LVP can be installed over almost any surface. Less expensive than tile and wood and easier to install. Less maintenance than tile. Good quality LVP Flooring can have wear layers with 30 plus years of life.

Stained, Sealed Concrete

Pros: Low maintenance, waterproof. It’s inexpensive only if you know how to do it yourself.

Engineered Wood

Pros: Looks like real wood because it has a tin layer of wood on top. It is less expensive than wood and it’s more stable than wood. The floating planks are easy to install over any floor. It can be refinished once. It’s more scratch-resistant than wood.

Wood

Pros: The Look. Nothing looks and feels better than a well-maintained wood floor. This may be the perfect floor for a high-end rental.

Laminate

Pros: Price and ease of installation. Laminate also looks pretty good and tenants seem to like it overall.

What is the best flooring for a beach house?

Beach houses are always in demand, and the summer months can see an endless number of renters if you’re lucky enough to own a seaside home. Having extra-durable (and sweep-able) floors then becomes key. With all that exposure to sand and salt water, great options for beach house flooring include long-lasting, family-friendly laminate and, as always, luxury vinyl. On the other hand, if you’re renting out a ski cottage, carpet will definitely appeal to your renters, who’ll be looking for a cozy home to return to after a day on the slopes. To avoid any potential headaches from those possible hot cocoa spills, and, of course, road salt and snow, it’d be a good bet to install spill-proof Stainmaster carpet.

What is luxury vinyl flooring?

More affordable and durable than real hardwood, luxury vinyl flooring now comes in designs that look almost exactly like real wood or stone, and even feel like them, too. Discerning renters will love the aesthetics, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your rental floors are easy to clean, more scratch-resistant than real hardwood and tile, and can withstand the spills and stains that renters often bring.

Is vinyl tile good for a kitchen?

Floors that are waterproof are crucial, and, especially for kitchens, the more stain-proof and durable, the better. Luxury vinyl tile is a great, affordable option for both bathrooms and kitchens. Brands like Downs H2O, available at your local Flooring America, are 100% waterproof and scuff-resistant, and offer the look of real ceramic tile but at a much better price point.

What is the best flooring for a landlord?

For floors that will last several decades despite having multiple tenants, hardwood maybe one of the best. However, the expense can cause some landlords to look in a different direction. For this reason, the most ideal material might be engineered wood; this type of flooring material is also one of the best if there is a lot of moisture involved in a business that wants a tenancy in your rented property.

What does it mean when you choose the right flooring for your tenant?

In the end, choosing the right flooring will mean your tenants are happier and they will continue to renew the lease year after year.

What is laminate flooring?

There is also laminate flooring that can be made to look like hardwood or ceramic tile. The look often suits the tenants, but the price keeps the landlord happy. What other main advantage of this type of flooring is the ability to make repairs or completely replaced it between tenants.

What to do when lease ends?

When you know the lease will end soon, getting your rental property ready to lure the next tenant is our priority. A professional in your area can help you figure out which type of flooring suits the needs of your budget, the unique angles of your building and the purposes of the tenant. Flooring centers offer flooring installation as well as repairs and maintenance. To get started with services, call your local flooring store today.

Is hardwood flooring expensive?

A classic look that instantly makes any place look more expensive is hardwood flooring. Along with being easy to repair, hardwood floors are not difficult for tenants to keep clean. One other advantage is that tenants who ruin the floors can easily have this damage repaired by a professional contractor without the task costing too much money.

Can tenants rent a carpet?

For example, tenants may not want to pay for any minor damage to carpet, and carpet is fairly easy to stain or damage. Also, tenants with respiratory issues are less likely to rent a property that has carpet. Finally, tenants with pets may find a carpeted space is less than ideal since this type of flooring will absorb animal fur and odors.

Is cork flooring high maintenance?

Cork is also easy to knick or tatter by using the wrong kind of chairs. In other words, unless you specifically need this type of flooring for health reasons, it can be too high-maintenance for regular tenants.

What is the best flooring for a rental property?

The following are the best flooring options for a rental property available right now.

How to choose the best flooring for a rental property?

Now that you know the best flooring options for a rental property, it’s time to choose the best one for your property. To do this, you need to consider the climate of your rental property, the type of tenants you have, and your budget.

Should flooring be the same throughout the house?

While you can choose to have the same flooring throughout your rental property, it is not required. In fact, in some instances, it may be best to have different types of flooring in different areas.

Summary

There are many different flooring options to choose from when selecting the best flooring for a rental property. The best option for you will depend on the climate of your rental property, the type of tenants you have, and your budget. In most cases, luxury vinyl, carpet, or a mix of both is a great choice for a rental property.

7 Options to Consider

What Type of Flooring Is Best for a Rental?. Zero Creatives/Image Source/Getty Images

4 Important Factors When Choosing Rental Flooring

You do not want to constantly be replacing the flooring in your rental. When choosing a flooring material, you want to select something that is attractive to tenants, but will also withstand a lot ofwear and tear. Durable materials are essential because you do not want to waste time and money constantly replacing the flooring.

Carpet

Carpet is a type of floor covering made of thick fibers. It is cut to fit the size of the space. A carpet pad is usually placed under the carpet and the carpet is then stapled into place.

Tile (Ceramic, Porcelain, Stone)

Tile is a hard material such as porcelain, ceramic or stone. It is cut into pieces and installed over cement board using mastic or thin set. The spaces between the tiles are filled using grout.

Hardwood (Solid and Engineered)

Hardwood is a type of flooring made from different species of wood. The wood is cut into planks and nailed over a sub-floor.

Laminate

Laminate is a synthetic flooring material that is typically manufactured in planks or squares. It is typically installed over a sub-floor by clicking or gluing the planks together.

Vinyl

Vinyl is another synthetic flooring option. It can be seen in large sheet, tile size pieces or planks. It can be glued down to the existing floor or installed as a floating floor by clicking the planks together.

What is the best flooring for a kitchen?from listwithclever.com

Best Flooring For Kitchens. When it comes to kitchens, my preferred flooring is square or rectangular tile, with the actual tile size depending on the size of the kitchen. I love tile for the kitchen because it's waterproof. Kitchen floors get spilled on constantly, which can make hardwood a bad choice.

How much does it cost to refinish hardwood floors?from listwithclever.com

In addition to looking great, refinishing hardwood usually costs around $2 per square foot, making it a cheaper and more durable option than most other new products. I've also found hardwood floors that show well will help apartments rent quickly.

Can you refinish hardwood floors in a rental property?from listwithclever.com

If you have old hardwood floors in a rental property, odds are you can refinish them by sanding and then coating in polyurethane. Even floors that have been painted or deeply scratched can usually be saved.

Is vinyl flooring waterproof?from listwithclever.com

Some of the newer vinyl flooring is made out of a stone polymer composite, which means it’s 100% waterproof and won' t expand or contract much like other vinyl flooring. Most vinyl flooring will also come with a 15-30-year warranty and is surprisingly affordable.

Is ceramic tile good for flooring?from listwithclever.com

Tile (Ceramic or Mosaic) Tile flooring is one of my favorite products, assuming you have a solid contractor that can do a good job installing it at a cost-effective rate. Once installed, tile lasts a long time, looks great, and is incredibly easy to clean.

Do carpets work better in rental properties?from listwithclever.com

Generally speaking, carpets work better in properties with higher rent, as tenants will take better care of the carpet — and you have a larger security deposit if they don't. You can learn more about the best carpet for rental properties here.

Is replacing flooring in your rental a capital expense or a repair?from landlordstudio.com

Updating the flooring in your rental property is considered an improvement by the IRS that should be categorized as a capital expense. A capital expense is for an improvement if it results in a betterment to your property, restores your property, or adapts your property to a new or different use.

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