Replacing flooring in a rental property is a large expense. Therefore you want to make sure you choose the best option for your property in terms of both cost and durability. Here are seven flooring options to consider.

4 Important Factors When Choosing Rental Flooring

Durability:

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.

Cost:

Your goal as a rental property owner is to make money. Unless you are renting out a two million dollar condo, putting the most exotic marble in the rental is not going to be cost effective. You want to put in an attractive floor that will get your property rented quickly, but keep in mind, every dollar you save is an extra dollar in your pocket.

Keep It Neutral

You are not living in the rental property, so do not design it to your specific taste. Pick neutral materials and colors that will appeal to the most people possible.

Function of the Room

Different types of flooring work best in different areas of the rental property. Carpet should be avoided in areas of the property that get moisture and humidity, such as bathrooms and basements. Tile can be a great choice in these areas, as well as in entries which also require durable flooring.

7 Flooring Choices to Consider in Rentals
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.

Carpet Pros:

Good Insulator- Can Help Cut Down on Energy Bills. Reduces Noise- Can Help Cut Down on Noise Complaints Between Apartments

Carpet Cons:

Traps Odors and Allergens Stains Difficult to Clean Can’t Patch In- Will Have to Replace Entire Section for Bad Rips or Stains.

Best For:

Bedrooms Seconds Floors

Avoid:

Basements Bathrooms Common Areas Entryways Hallways Kitchen

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.

Tile Pros:Tile Surface Easy To CleanDurableWater ResistantAvailable in All Price RangesTile Cons:Not a Good InsulatorTiles Can Crack or Come UpNeed to Clean GroutMay Need to Be Sealed or PolishedTakes Some Skill to InstallBest For:BasementsBathroomsCommon AreasHumid ClimatesKitchensAvoid;Using Throughout the Home in Colder Climates.Not Usually Seen in Bedrooms.

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.

Hardwood Pros:Can Last a LifetimeAble to Refinish Solid Hardwood.Engineered Hardwood Does Not React to Changes in MoistureEasy to CleanHardwood Cons:ExpensiveTakes Some Skill to InstallCan Only Be Refinished a Certain Number of Times Based on Thickness of Wood.Cannot Refinish Engineered HardwoodScratches and Dents More Easily- You Can Consult the Janka Hardness Test to Determine How Dense a Certain Type of Wood Is.Susceptible to Water DamageSunlight Can Cause Color to LightenBest For:BedroomsDining RoomLiving RoomModerate ClimatesOfficeAvoid:BathroomsPotentially Kitchens and Basements.Not Ideal for Humid Climates.

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.

Laminate Pros:Can Be a More Affordable Option Than Real HardwoodEasier to Install Than Real HardwoodResistant to ScratchesLaminate Cons:Cannot Be RefinishedCan ChipMuch Shorter Lifespan Than Real HardwoodDoes Not Add As Much Value as Real HardwoodBest For:BedroomsDining RoomLiving RoomOfficeAvoid:BathroomsPotentially Kitchens and Basements.

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.

Vinyl Pros:InexpensiveEasy to CleanEasy to InstallWater ResistantVinyl Cons:Not Very Durable- Can Rip and Tear.Subject to Mold and Mildew- If Moisture Gets Underneath.Best For:BathroomsKitchensAvoid:Not Usually Seen in Bedrooms, Living Rooms or Dining Rooms.

Cork:

Cork is a type of flooring made from the bark of cork oak tree.Cork tiles are either glued to the sub-floor or glued to each other.

Cork Pros:It Is a Green ProductEasy to InstallAffordable Alternative to Real HardwoodReduces NoiseCork Cons:Durability IssuesSusceptible to Water DamageMust Be SealedBest For:KitchensAvoid:High Trafficked AreasRooms With Heavy Furniture Such as Living Rooms, Dining Rooms and Bedrooms.

Linoleum:

Linoleum is made of a mixture of natural materials such as linseed oil and calcium carbonate. Linoleum typically comes in sheets and must be glued down to the sub-floor.

Linoleum Pros:It Is a Green ProductAffordableEasily cleanedEasier to InstallLinoleum Cons:Prone to Tears and DentsBest For:Dining RoomsKitchensAvoid:Not Usually Seen in Living Rooms or Bedrooms.

Replacing flooring in a rental property is a large expense. Therefore you want to make sure you choose the best option for your property in terms of both cost and durability. Here are seven flooring options to consider.

4 Important Factors When Choosing Rental Flooring

Durability:

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.

Cost:

Your goal as a rental property owner is to make money. Unless you are renting out a two million dollar condo, putting the most exotic marble in the rental is not going to be cost effective. You want to put in an attractive floor that will get your property rented quickly, but keep in mind, every dollar you save is an extra dollar in your pocket.

Keep It Neutral

You are not living in the rental property, so do not design it to your specific taste. Pick neutral materials and colors that will appeal to the most people possible.

Function of the Room

Different types of flooring work best in different areas of the rental property. Carpet should be avoided in areas of the property that get moisture and humidity, such as bathrooms and basements. Tile can be a great choice in these areas, as well as in entries which also require durable flooring.

7 Flooring Choices to Consider in Rentals
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.

Carpet Pros:

Good Insulator- Can Help Cut Down on Energy Bills. Reduces Noise- Can Help Cut Down on Noise Complaints Between Apartments

Carpet Cons:

Traps Odors and Allergens Stains Difficult to Clean Can’t Patch In- Will Have to Replace Entire Section for Bad Rips or Stains.

Best For:

Bedrooms Seconds Floors

Avoid:

Basements Bathrooms Common Areas Entryways Hallways Kitchen

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.

Tile Pros:Tile Surface Easy To CleanDurableWater ResistantAvailable in All Price RangesTile Cons:Not a Good InsulatorTiles Can Crack or Come UpNeed to Clean GroutMay Need to Be Sealed or PolishedTakes Some Skill to InstallBest For:BasementsBathroomsCommon AreasHumid ClimatesKitchensAvoid;Using Throughout the Home in Colder Climates.Not Usually Seen in Bedrooms.

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.

Hardwood Pros:Can Last a LifetimeAble to Refinish Solid Hardwood.Engineered Hardwood Does Not React to Changes in MoistureEasy to CleanHardwood Cons:ExpensiveTakes Some Skill to InstallCan Only Be Refinished a Certain Number of Times Based on Thickness of Wood.Cannot Refinish Engineered HardwoodScratches and Dents More Easily- You Can Consult the Janka Hardness Test to Determine How Dense a Certain Type of Wood Is.Susceptible to Water DamageSunlight Can Cause Color to LightenBest For:BedroomsDining RoomLiving RoomModerate ClimatesOfficeAvoid:BathroomsPotentially Kitchens and Basements.Not Ideal for Humid Climates.

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.

Laminate Pros:Can Be a More Affordable Option Than Real HardwoodEasier to Install Than Real HardwoodResistant to ScratchesLaminate Cons:Cannot Be RefinishedCan ChipMuch Shorter Lifespan Than Real HardwoodDoes Not Add As Much Value as Real HardwoodBest For:BedroomsDining RoomLiving RoomOfficeAvoid:BathroomsPotentially Kitchens and Basements.

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.

Vinyl Pros:InexpensiveEasy to CleanEasy to InstallWater ResistantVinyl Cons:Not Very Durable- Can Rip and Tear.Subject to Mold and Mildew- If Moisture Gets Underneath.Best For:BathroomsKitchensAvoid:Not Usually Seen in Bedrooms, Living Rooms or Dining Rooms.

Cork:

Cork is a type of flooring made from the bark of cork oak tree.Cork tiles are either glued to the sub-floor or glued to each other.

Cork Pros:It Is a Green ProductEasy to InstallAffordable Alternative to Real HardwoodReduces NoiseCork Cons:Durability IssuesSusceptible to Water DamageMust Be SealedBest For:KitchensAvoid:High Trafficked AreasRooms With Heavy Furniture Such as Living Rooms, Dining Rooms and Bedrooms.

Linoleum:

Linoleum is made of a mixture of natural materials such as linseed oil and calcium carbonate. Linoleum typically comes in sheets and must be glued down to the sub-floor.

Linoleum Pros:It Is a Green ProductAffordableEasily cleanedEasier to InstallLinoleum Cons:Prone to Tears and DentsBest For:Dining RoomsKitchensAvoid:Not Usually Seen in Living Rooms or Bedrooms.

Replacing flooring in a rental property is a large expense. Therefore you want to make sure you choose the best option for your property in terms of both cost and durability. Here are seven flooring options to consider.

4 Important Factors When Choosing Rental Flooring

Durability:

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.

Cost:

Your goal as a rental property owner is to make money. Unless you are renting out a two million dollar condo, putting the most exotic marble in the rental is not going to be cost effective. You want to put in an attractive floor that will get your property rented quickly, but keep in mind, every dollar you save is an extra dollar in your pocket.

Keep It Neutral

You are not living in the rental property, so do not design it to your specific taste. Pick neutral materials and colors that will appeal to the most people possible.

Function of the Room

Different types of flooring work best in different areas of the rental property. Carpet should be avoided in areas of the property that get moisture and humidity, such as bathrooms and basements. Tile can be a great choice in these areas, as well as in entries which also require durable flooring.

7 Flooring Choices to Consider in Rentals
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.

Carpet Pros:

Good Insulator- Can Help Cut Down on Energy Bills. Reduces Noise- Can Help Cut Down on Noise Complaints Between Apartments

Carpet Cons:

Traps Odors and Allergens Stains Difficult to Clean Can’t Patch In- Will Have to Replace Entire Section for Bad Rips or Stains.

Best For:

Bedrooms Seconds Floors

Avoid:

Basements Bathrooms Common Areas Entryways Hallways Kitchen

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.

Tile Pros:Tile Surface Easy To CleanDurableWater ResistantAvailable in All Price RangesTile Cons:Not a Good InsulatorTiles Can Crack or Come UpNeed to Clean GroutMay Need to Be Sealed or PolishedTakes Some Skill to InstallBest For:BasementsBathroomsCommon AreasHumid ClimatesKitchensAvoid;Using Throughout the Home in Colder Climates.Not Usually Seen in Bedrooms.

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.

Hardwood Pros:Can Last a LifetimeAble to Refinish Solid Hardwood.Engineered Hardwood Does Not React to Changes in MoistureEasy to CleanHardwood Cons:ExpensiveTakes Some Skill to InstallCan Only Be Refinished a Certain Number of Times Based on Thickness of Wood.Cannot Refinish Engineered HardwoodScratches and Dents More Easily- You Can Consult the Janka Hardness Test to Determine How Dense a Certain Type of Wood Is.Susceptible to Water DamageSunlight Can Cause Color to LightenBest For:BedroomsDining RoomLiving RoomModerate ClimatesOfficeAvoid:BathroomsPotentially Kitchens and Basements.Not Ideal for Humid Climates.

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.

Laminate Pros:Can Be a More Affordable Option Than Real HardwoodEasier to Install Than Real HardwoodResistant to ScratchesLaminate Cons:Cannot Be RefinishedCan ChipMuch Shorter Lifespan Than Real HardwoodDoes Not Add As Much Value as Real HardwoodBest For:BedroomsDining RoomLiving RoomOfficeAvoid:BathroomsPotentially Kitchens and Basements.

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.

Vinyl Pros:InexpensiveEasy to CleanEasy to InstallWater ResistantVinyl Cons:Not Very Durable- Can Rip and Tear.Subject to Mold and Mildew- If Moisture Gets Underneath.Best For:BathroomsKitchensAvoid:Not Usually Seen in Bedrooms, Living Rooms or Dining Rooms.

Cork:

Cork is a type of flooring made from the bark of cork oak tree.Cork tiles are either glued to the sub-floor or glued to each other.

Cork Pros:It Is a Green ProductEasy to InstallAffordable Alternative to Real HardwoodReduces NoiseCork Cons:Durability IssuesSusceptible to Water DamageMust Be SealedBest For:KitchensAvoid:High Trafficked AreasRooms With Heavy Furniture Such as Living Rooms, Dining Rooms and Bedrooms.

Linoleum:

Linoleum is made of a mixture of natural materials such as linseed oil and calcium carbonate. Linoleum typically comes in sheets and must be glued down to the sub-floor.

Linoleum Pros:It Is a Green ProductAffordableEasily cleanedEasier to InstallLinoleum Cons:Prone to Tears and DentsBest For:Dining RoomsKitchensAvoid:Not Usually Seen in Living Rooms or Bedrooms.

Replacing flooring in a rental property is a large expense. Therefore you want to make sure you choose the best option for your property in terms of both cost and durability. Here are seven flooring options to consider.

4 Important Factors When Choosing Rental Flooring

  • Durability:
  • 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.
  • Cost:
  • Your goal as a rental property owner is to make money. Unless you are renting out a two million dollar condo, putting the most exotic marble in the rental is not going to be cost effective. You want to put in an attractive floor that will get your property rented quickly, but keep in mind, every dollar you save is an extra dollar in your pocket.
  • Keep It Neutral
  • You are not living in the rental property, so do not design it to your specific taste. Pick neutral materials and colors that will appeal to the most people possible.
  • Function of the Room
  • Different types of flooring work best in different areas of the rental property. Carpet should be avoided in areas of the property that get moisture and humidity, such as bathrooms and basements. Tile can be a great choice in these areas, as well as in entries which also require durable flooring.

7 Flooring Choices to Consider in Rentals

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.

  • 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.

  • Your goal as a rental property owner is to make money. Unless you are renting out a two million dollar condo, putting the most exotic marble in the rental is not going to be cost effective. You want to put in an attractive floor that will get your property rented quickly, but keep in mind, every dollar you save is an extra dollar in your pocket.

  • You are not living in the rental property, so do not design it to your specific taste. Pick neutral materials and colors that will appeal to the most people possible.

  • Different types of flooring work best in different areas of the rental property. Carpet should be avoided in areas of the property that get moisture and humidity, such as bathrooms and basements. Tile can be a great choice in these areas, as well as in entries which also require durable flooring.

  • Carpet Pros:

  • Good Insulator- Can Help Cut Down on Energy Bills.

  • Reduces Noise- Can Help Cut Down on Noise Complaints Between Apartments

  • Carpet Cons:

  • Traps Odors and Allergens

  • Stains

  • Difficult to Clean

  • Can’t Patch In- Will Have to Replace Entire Section for Bad Rips or Stains.

  • Best For:

  • Bedrooms

  • Seconds Floors

  • Avoid:

  • Basements

  • Bathrooms

  • Common Areas

  • Entryways

  • Hallways

  • Kitchen

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.

  • Good Insulator- Can Help Cut Down on Energy Bills.

  • Reduces Noise- Can Help Cut Down on Noise Complaints Between Apartments

  • Traps Odors and Allergens

  • Stains

  • Difficult to Clean

  • Can’t Patch In- Will Have to Replace Entire Section for Bad Rips or Stains.

  • Bedrooms

  • Seconds Floors

  • Basements

  • Bathrooms

  • Common Areas

  • Entryways

  • Hallways

  • Kitchen

  • Tile Pros:Tile Surface Easy To CleanDurableWater ResistantAvailable in All Price RangesTile Cons:Not a Good InsulatorTiles Can Crack or Come UpNeed to Clean GroutMay Need to Be Sealed or PolishedTakes Some Skill to InstallBest For:BasementsBathroomsCommon AreasHumid ClimatesKitchensAvoid;Using Throughout the Home in Colder Climates.Not Usually Seen in Bedrooms.

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.

  • Tile Surface Easy To CleanDurableWater ResistantAvailable in All Price Ranges

  • Not a Good InsulatorTiles Can Crack or Come UpNeed to Clean GroutMay Need to Be Sealed or PolishedTakes Some Skill to Install

  • BasementsBathroomsCommon AreasHumid ClimatesKitchens

  • Using Throughout the Home in Colder Climates.Not Usually Seen in Bedrooms.

  • Hardwood Pros:Can Last a LifetimeAble to Refinish Solid Hardwood.Engineered Hardwood Does Not React to Changes in MoistureEasy to CleanHardwood Cons:ExpensiveTakes Some Skill to InstallCan Only Be Refinished a Certain Number of Times Based on Thickness of Wood.Cannot Refinish Engineered HardwoodScratches and Dents More Easily- You Can Consult the Janka Hardness Test to Determine How Dense a Certain Type of Wood Is.Susceptible to Water DamageSunlight Can Cause Color to LightenBest For:BedroomsDining RoomLiving RoomModerate ClimatesOfficeAvoid:BathroomsPotentially Kitchens and Basements.Not Ideal for Humid Climates.

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.

  • Can Last a LifetimeAble to Refinish Solid Hardwood.Engineered Hardwood Does Not React to Changes in MoistureEasy to Clean

  • ExpensiveTakes Some Skill to InstallCan Only Be Refinished a Certain Number of Times Based on Thickness of Wood.Cannot Refinish Engineered HardwoodScratches and Dents More Easily- You Can Consult the Janka Hardness Test to Determine How Dense a Certain Type of Wood Is.Susceptible to Water DamageSunlight Can Cause Color to Lighten

  • BedroomsDining RoomLiving RoomModerate ClimatesOffice

  • BathroomsPotentially Kitchens and Basements.Not Ideal for Humid Climates.

  • Laminate Pros:Can Be a More Affordable Option Than Real HardwoodEasier to Install Than Real HardwoodResistant to ScratchesLaminate Cons:Cannot Be RefinishedCan ChipMuch Shorter Lifespan Than Real HardwoodDoes Not Add As Much Value as Real HardwoodBest For:BedroomsDining RoomLiving RoomOfficeAvoid:BathroomsPotentially Kitchens and Basements.

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.

  • Can Be a More Affordable Option Than Real HardwoodEasier to Install Than Real HardwoodResistant to Scratches

  • Cannot Be RefinishedCan ChipMuch Shorter Lifespan Than Real HardwoodDoes Not Add As Much Value as Real Hardwood

  • BedroomsDining RoomLiving RoomOffice

  • BathroomsPotentially Kitchens and Basements.

  • Vinyl Pros:InexpensiveEasy to CleanEasy to InstallWater ResistantVinyl Cons:Not Very Durable- Can Rip and Tear.Subject to Mold and Mildew- If Moisture Gets Underneath.Best For:BathroomsKitchensAvoid:Not Usually Seen in Bedrooms, Living Rooms or Dining Rooms.

Cork:

Cork is a type of flooring made from the bark of cork oak tree.Cork tiles are either glued to the sub-floor or glued to each other.

  • InexpensiveEasy to CleanEasy to InstallWater Resistant

  • Not Very Durable- Can Rip and Tear.Subject to Mold and Mildew- If Moisture Gets Underneath.

  • BathroomsKitchens

  • Not Usually Seen in Bedrooms, Living Rooms or Dining Rooms.

  • Cork Pros:It Is a Green ProductEasy to InstallAffordable Alternative to Real HardwoodReduces NoiseCork Cons:Durability IssuesSusceptible to Water DamageMust Be SealedBest For:KitchensAvoid:High Trafficked AreasRooms With Heavy Furniture Such as Living Rooms, Dining Rooms and Bedrooms.

Linoleum:

Linoleum is made of a mixture of natural materials such as linseed oil and calcium carbonate. Linoleum typically comes in sheets and must be glued down to the sub-floor.

  • It Is a Green ProductEasy to InstallAffordable Alternative to Real HardwoodReduces Noise

  • Durability IssuesSusceptible to Water DamageMust Be Sealed

  • Kitchens

  • High Trafficked AreasRooms With Heavy Furniture Such as Living Rooms, Dining Rooms and Bedrooms.

  • Linoleum Pros:It Is a Green ProductAffordableEasily cleanedEasier to InstallLinoleum Cons:Prone to Tears and DentsBest For:Dining RoomsKitchensAvoid:Not Usually Seen in Living Rooms or Bedrooms.

  • It Is a Green ProductAffordableEasily cleanedEasier to Install

  • Prone to Tears and Dents

  • Dining RoomsKitchens

  • Not Usually Seen in Living Rooms or Bedrooms.