Rental properties undergo more wear and tear than your own home. That’s because tenants come and go - or current tenants may not take care of the property the same way you would. With that being said, it’s essential that a landlord picks the right type of flooring. You need to strike a balance between durability, cost, and design. Before you make a final choice, consider these different floor types.

1. Carpet

One of the reasons to choose carpet flooring is that it provides warmth and comfort to tenants. In colder months, carpet retains warmth longer. Also, people can sit on it to play and work. In addition, it also serves as a sound barrier. Carpets are cheap to install too. But its biggest drawback is staining. Within 5-7 years (average), carpets wear out. It also needs to be cleaned each time a tenant moves out! 

2. Ceramic wood tile

What you’ll like about ceramic flooring is that it’s easy to maintain. You can easily mop or wipe away stains. Stubborn stains can be cleaned using a heavy-duty cleaner, and you wouldn’t even have to worry about damaging the tile. Today’s technology allows manufacturers to produce ceramic flooring that looks like hardwood - thus ceramic wood tiles. A downside is that they can be tricky to install. They also get cold in cold weather. 

3. Luxury vinyl plank

Luxury vinyl planks can be installed over any type of flooring, such as wood, laminate, concrete, and ceramic tile. This means you don’t have to remove old flooring. These planks are very realistic in appearance since the molds that are used to make them come from stone or real wood. Take note that luxury vinyl plank cannot be refinished if it becomes discolored.

4. Laminate flooring

If you’re looking for a beautiful alternative to solid hardwood, you might want to consider laminate flooring. It has the advantage of being easy to install - you can complete it in one weekend. When it comes to maintenance, they’re easy to clean using a broom or vacuum. However, take note that this flooring type isn’t water-resistant. If one piece is damaged, you'll have to disassemble everything.

5. Hardwood flooring

Hardwood offers more value than laminate flooring. This is especially true if you’re planning to sell your rental property in the future. No matter the style of your rental, hardwood floors complement it. It’s also easy to clean - vacuuming and sweeping will do. Be sure to use a wood floor cleaner. When it comes to cost, hardwood is expensive.

6. Luxury vinyl tile

As the name implies, luxury vinyl tile resembles tiles. It’s a type of hard flooring that combines aesthetic appeal and practicality. Most luxury vinyl tiles are water-resistant. If one tile gets damaged, it can be replaced easily.

Final Thoughts

Which flooring is right for you? You decide. Don’t limit yourself to appearance; also consider factors like cost and durability. With proper research, surely, you can make the best choice for your rental!

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