Rental properties see a lot of occupants. As the owner, you aren’t always privy to the accidents that occur, which is why it’s essential to install the ideal flooring to withstand said mishaps.
However, for rental property owners, it’s also about finding the balance between durability and affordability, which can sometimes be a challenge. To replace the entire floor, or even update a single room, can be a huge expense. So, whether you are considering a yearly tenant lease or weekly vacation rentals, consider these top flooring options for your property so you can be a worry-free landlord.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring has many advantages while still being budget-friendly, and is capable of resembling anything from stone tile to hardwoods. It’s also quite durable, allowing it to withstand everyday wear and tear of renters without your supervision. At the end of the day, this means you can worry less about all the dings and nicks happening as they roll their luggage through the door or rearrange the furniture.
It’s the more affordable option and is easy to install over the subflooring by clicking or gluing the laminate. In addition, laminate makes great flooring for rental properties that allow pets. All laminate flooring found at Twenty & Oak meets strict compliance certifications for indoor air quality.
A disadvantage to laminate is that it’s not ideal for moisture-prone areas like steamy bathrooms. While modern laminates are more water-resistant, this only means it’s able to withstand a light surface puddle–not a leaking pipe.
Beauflor Vinyl Sheet, BlackTex HD Abstract Mocha
Vinyl Sheet Flooring
Vinyl sheet makes a wonderfully durable, resilient flooring for rental properties. It’s affordable and can be easily installed without sealing or grout on uneven surfaces such as basements or older properties. It’s also waterproof, which gives an excellent advantage for rental properties located near beaches or lakes, or climates that see high levels of moisture and humidity.
Unfortunately, vinyl also has a reputation for looking outdated and cheap. While this is no longer the case, it’s essential to install a more aesthetically-pleasing vinyl that’s sure to attract renters. Twenty & Oak offers many vinyl sheet options, such as BlackTex HD in beautiful, incredibly realistic plank, stone and tile visuals.
Luxury Vinyl Tile and Plank (LVTs and LVPs)
LVT and LVP flooring are most popular among renters and are available in both glue down and click style floating construction. And just as durable and easy to install, they come in both a glue-down version as well as clickable-style floating floors.
A step up from vinyl sheet, some collections of LVT and LVP also offer a rigid core that is waterproof, meaning they work amazingly in a rental property’s kitchen and bathrooms. Should renters return from their day at the beach a bit sandy and wet, granules and moisture will not scuff or penetrate the surface and cause damage.
While LVT and LVP vary in price, it is more costly by comparison, something property managers and owners must weigh in their decision for a new flooring option. When sound absorption is a concern, choose an LVT or LVP with an attached pad for a quiet, more comfortable solution underfoot.
Engineered Hardwoods
While every homeowner desires the natural beauty of real hardwoods, it comes with a lot of responsibility and maintenance. With a rental property, this is quite an inconvenience since you are not the one overseeing floor care. Engineered hardwoods, however, are a nice alternative to solid hardwoods with some extra benefits.
Engineered hardwoods absorb noise better and do not react to changes in humidity. Engineered hardwood can be installed on all levels of the home due to the stability of the cross construction of the core.
The disadvantage of engineered hardwoods is that they’re still susceptible to water damage and can become scratched and scuffed. And if you have renters who do their own cleaning, it’s important to note that improper cleaning can lead to more severe problems.
Waterproof Hardwoods
If you truly want a worry-free rental property, consider investing in waterproof hardwoods. They look absolutely gorgeous and can withstand whatever a renter throws at them. In fact, Twenty & Oak highly recommends waterproof flooring for vacation rentals near the beach, lake or mountains, easily repelling water and snow.
Waterproof hardwoods have many advantages and look as stunning as the real deal–because they are the real deal! Plus, they have the functionality of vinyl and rigid core floorings. As a bonus, since they classify as true hardwoods, they increase your rental property’s value should you ever wish to sell.
Check out Raintree waterproof flooring for the absolute best waterproof hardwood.