Choosing the right flooring for a rental property is a crucial decision that can have a significant impact on its appeal, durability, and maintenance. As a landlord or property owner, you want to invest in flooring that not only attracts tenants but also withstands the wear and tear of frequent use. In this blog post, we will explore the best types of flooring for rental properties, considering factors such as cost, durability, and ease of maintenance.
FACTORS TO CONSIDER:
Before we examine each flooring type, it is important to take into account when choosing a floor for your rental property what is important to you?
Are you looking to rent out the property short term with a view to sell or move in yourself?
In this case you can be a bit more personal with your choice.
Is it a high end rental or middle of the road?
For more luxurious rentals it will be worth investing in a hardwood floor to attract top end renters.
Or if opting for a carpet, going for a well produced wool or tencel carpet.
What do neighbouring properties have?
A quick search on sites like Rightmove or Prime Location will have properties listed in your area.
Seeing what flooring others have gone for will help you get an idea of the type of renters that you are appealing too.
Regardless of the amount you have to spend, you want to ensure you get a product that performs and give you bang for your buck.
Broadloom Carpet:
Carpet can be a difficult flooring product to get right, because there is such a wide variety available in terms of price and composition.
It’s worth reading my article on Choosing the Best Wall to Wall Carpet as I dive into the benefits of different carpet compositions.
Wool is always a good investment as it will last a long time, durable and copes well with stains. Personally I prefer wool carpets that are looped or have a mix of loops and cut loops.
Having a wool carpet as a cut velvet design (so all looped are cut to create a flat pile) can result in the carpet looking a bit flat.
This is because wool doesn’t have a natural sheen to it.
If you would like a cut velvet design, try looking for wool mixes that have 20% viscose in them to add a level of sheen to the carpet, but still making it durable.
Natural fibre carpet such as sisal and jute are hardwearing but don’t do well with water, so having them in an entrance, where you have wet shoes and umbrellas is not the best space for these types of carpets.
Softer fibres such as viscose are not good with traffic or water, so either use them as suggested above in a wool mix or reserve them for the bedrooms.
Tencel is a relatively new product on the market. It’s made from solvents used to convert wood pulp, making it recyclable and eco-friendly.
This creates a reflective material with s silky feel.
It is also very durable when it comes to traffic and water and can be easily cleaned.
However, it is not the most cost effective option.
Synthetic fibres such as polypropylene as cost effect and durable.
These types of carpets are often used in commercial areas such as big office buildings.
The drawback with synthetic carpets in a residential environment is that they don’t feel great underfoot, but more importantly is that the carpet will start to look flat and worn in short space of time.
Synthetic fibres just don’t have the longevity in them the same as natural material, such as wool does.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) Flooring:
Luxury vinyl plank flooring is another excellent option for rental properties. It offers the look of hardwood with added benefits.
Consider these advantages:
Affordability: LVP is more cost-effective than hardwood flooring while providing a similar aesthetic appeal. It offers a wide range of designs and patterns to suit various interior styles.
Durability: LVP is highly durable, resistant to scratches, water, and stains. It can withstand heavy foot traffic and is suitable for areas prone to moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Easy maintenance: LVP is easy to clean, requiring simple sweeping and occasional mopping. It is also resistant to mould and mildew, making it a hygienic choice for rental properties.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring:
If you want to invest in a more upscale and classic flooring option for your rental property, engineered hardwood can be an excellent choice.
Consider its benefits:
Aesthetic appeal: Engineered hardwood offers the timeless beauty and warmth of real wood. It adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space, attracting potential tenants seeking a high-end look.
Durability: Engineered hardwood is designed to withstand fluctuations in temperature and humidity, making it more resistant to warping and shrinking compared to solid hardwood. It can handle moderate foot traffic in rental properties.
Easy maintenance: Engineered hardwood requires regular sweeping and occasional mopping to keep it looking its best. It may require refinishing over time, depending on the wear and tear it experiences.
A decent hardwood floor is always going to be an investment, there is simply no way around that. However, if you shop around and negotiate, usually a flooring supplier will not only work with you to find the best product to suit your budget but should be open to cutting you a deal too.
Don’t go for anything too trendy or too dark.
Trends, like doing a white plank and then a blank plank next to each other will date...quickly.
Dark floors tend to show up scratches and dents more than a lighter floor.
Consider going for a brushed surface over a smooth one as this will mask surface scratches, but remember once you sand the floor you will loose the brushed surface.
I would recommend a lacquered finish over a hard wax oiled finish as lacquered requires less ongoing maintenance and it usually takes several years before you need to sand and re-finish.
Hard wax oils can look ‘flat’ quite quickly and need an annual maintenance oil buff to keep them looking pristine.
The good thing about hardwood is that you could put it down and not bother with maintaining it for years, once you sand it you give the floor a new lease of life.
This is ideal for when you want to put the property on the market as a simply sand and finish will freshen up the interior.
Installing a hardwood floor will also add value to your property when you come to sell - look at this option as a long term but worth while investment.
For further reading on hardwood floors try my article on Selecting Hardwood Flooring for a Luxurious Kitchen.
POSTS RELATED TO RENTAL FLOORING:
Laminate Flooring:
Laminate flooring is an excellent choice for rental properties due to its affordability, durability, and ease of installation.
Here's why it's a popular option:
Cost-effective: Laminate flooring is more budget-friendly compared to solid hardwood or engineered wood. This makes it a practical choice for rental properties, especially when you need to cover a large area.
Durability: Laminate is resistant to scratches, stains, and fading, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. It can withstand the demands of tenants and is less prone to damage from pets or accidental spills.
Easy maintenance: Laminate flooring is easy to clean and maintain. Regular sweeping and occasional mopping are usually sufficient to keep it looking great for years.
Laminates are not great with water, so I would not recommend them for kitchens and bathrooms, but they are extremely scratch resistant so ideal for entrances, stairs and living rooms.
Boards are available in wide widths of 200mm and above, making them feel contemporary.
Porcelain or Ceramic Tile:
Porcelain or ceramic tile flooring is a popular choice for rental properties, especially in areas with high humidity or potential water exposure.
Here's why it's a reliable option:
Durability: Tile flooring is known for its exceptional durability and longevity. It can withstand heavy use, resist scratches, and is highly resistant to moisture. It is an ideal choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways.
Low maintenance: Tile floors are easy to maintain, requiring regular sweeping and occasional mopping. They are also stain-resistant and do not require sealing, making them convenient for rental properties.
Aesthetic appeal: Porcelain or ceramic tiles come in a wide variety of colours, patterns, and sizes, allowing you to create a visually appealing and versatile flooring option for your rental property.
Be sure to select the correct tile for the space.
Slip resistant tiles are best for wet areas such as the shower and bathroom.
For high traffic areas such as the kitchen, look for tiles that are easy to clean.
Polished tiles tend to show up dirt more than matte or textured surfaces.
When it comes to choosing a colour, look for a tile that you can use throughout different areas to keep the look cohesive.
Choosing the best type of flooring for your rental property requires careful consideration of factors such as cost, durability, and ease of maintenance. Carpet and laminate flooring are cost-effective options that offer durability and easy maintenance. Porcelain or ceramic tile provides excellent durability and moisture resistance. Engineered hardwood offers a timeless and upscale look. Ultimately, the choice depends on your budget, the location of the rental property, and your target tenant market. By selecting the right flooring, you can enhance the appeal, longevity, and value of your rental property, attracting and retaining tenants for years to come.
