As a rental property owner, it's important to choose the right flooring to not only enhance the aesthetics of your property but also withstand the wear and tear of multiple tenants.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the best flooring options for your rental property.
How to Choose the Best Flooring for Rental Property
Choosing the right flooring for your rental property is a big decision. There are many factors to consider. Let’s break them down so you know what to look for to best fit your rental.
Flooring Cost
Flooring is a big investment. You want to buy at a good price and maximize the value added to your rental property.
However, you don’t want to focus solely on price and ignore quality. A low price up front may cost you more in maintenance and replacements over the lifespan of the flooring.
Your budget for floors will be based on many factors, such as comparable rental prices in the property’s location and the property itself. As well as your potential tenant audience.
The cost per square foot typically decreases when you buy more flooring at once, making it a cost-effective option for larger rental projects.
Flooring Durability
You want to reduce the amount of times you have to replace the flooring in your rental property.
Rental units typically see higher foot traffic due to tenants moving in and out. A durable flooring material will hold up to the increased wear and tear.
Understanding the AC rating on flooring will help you find a product that meets your property's needs.
Higher durability will help reduce the need for flooring replacements in the future. This will save you money in the long term.
Maintenance
Certain types of flooring require more maintenance than others.
Since regular maintenance is handled by your tenants, choosing low-maintenance flooring will help keep your floors in better condition longer.
Keeping the flooring in good condition will reduce the need to spend money on professional maintenance and replacements.
Check out our flooring care guide for tips on maximizing the lifespan of your flooring.
Installation
The cost of installation can vary greatly across different types of flooring.
Some flooring is very DIY friendly and this can save you a lot of money on installation.
However, you might not have the time or skills to install the flooring yourself. Professional installation will cost more but guarantees a higher finished aesthetic.
Comparison of Each Flooring Type
Each type of flooring has its benefits. Your particular situation will determine which are most beneficial to your rental property.
Let’s break down the pros and cons of each flooring type so that you can decide which will be the best fit for your property.
Laminate Flooring Details
Laminate flooring is a popular option for rental properties. It has a lower price point than other flooring options and is durable.
Cost
With an average cost of $2 - $5 per square foot in the US, laminate flooring is one of the most budget-friendly options available.
This makes it an attractive choice for rental property owners looking to minimize upfront expenses.
Durability
Laminate flooring is known for its durability, making it ideal for high-traffic areas in rental properties.
It resists scratches, dents, and stains, maintaining its appearance even with multiple tenants.
Maintenance
Laminate flooring is easy to maintain, requiring simple cleaning with a mop and mild detergent to keep it looking its best.
Unlike hardwood, laminate does not need refinishing, saving both time and money on maintenance.
Installation
Laminate flooring is relatively easy to install, especially for those with basic DIY skills. You can use our laminate installation guide to get started.
While the cost of professional installation averages $2 - $8 sq ft.
Luxury Vinyl Flooring Details
Cost
With an average cost of $2 - $5 per square foot, luxury vinyl offers a balance between affordability and quality.
It provides excellent value for rental property owners seeking durable flooring that won't break the bank.
Durability
Luxury vinyl flooring is highly durable, making it resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture.
This durability makes it well-suited for rental properties where tenants may have children or pets.
Maintenance
Luxury vinyl is easy to maintain, requiring only regular sweeping and occasional mopping to keep it clean.
Its waterproof properties make it particularly suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, and other high-moisture areas.
Installation
Professional installation averages between $2 - $8 sq ft. Additionally, luxury vinyl flooring is accessible to DIY enthusiasts.
Here's out luxury vinyl installation guide to help you if you choose a DIY install.
With a range of installation methods available, including click-and-lock systems, installation costs can be kept to a minimum.
Hardwood Flooring Details
Cost
Hardwood flooring typically ranges from $4 - $18 per square foot, making it a higher-end option compared to laminate and luxury vinyl.
While the initial investment may be higher, hardwood can add significant value to a rental property.
Durability
Hardwood flooring is renowned for its durability and timeless appeal.
With proper care, hardwood floors can last for decades, making them a long-term investment for rental property owners.
Maintenance
Hardwood floors require regular maintenance, including sweeping, vacuuming, and occasional refinishing to keep them looking their best.
While hardwood is more susceptible to scratches and water damage than laminate or luxury vinyl, its natural beauty and durability make it a popular choice for rental properties.
Installation
Professional installation of hardwood flooring typically ranges from $6 - $21 per square foot, depending on factors such as the type of wood, subfloor preparation, and labor costs.
While hardwood installation can be more expensive upfront, the finished result is often worth the investment.
If you are confident in your DIY skills, you can use our hardwood installation guide to get started.
Tile Flooring Details
Cost
Tile flooring can range from $8 - $48 per square foot, depending on factors such as material, design, and quality.
While tile can be a significant investment, its durability and versatility make it a popular choice for rental properties.
Durability
Tile flooring is exceptionally durable, making it resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture.
This durability makes it well-suited for high-traffic areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways.
Maintenance
Tile flooring is relatively low-maintenance, requiring regular sweeping and mopping to keep it clean.
Grout lines may require occasional sealing to prevent staining and moisture penetration.
Installation
Professional installation of tile flooring typically ranges from $12 - $50 per square foot, depending on factors such as tile size, pattern complexity, and substrate preparation.
While tile installation can be labor-intensive and costly, the result is a durable and long-lasting flooring solution.
Carpet Flooring Details
Cost
Carpet is one of the most budget-friendly flooring options, with prices ranging from $1 - $5 per square foot.
This affordability makes it an attractive choice for rental property owners looking to minimize upfront costs.
Durability
While carpet is comfortable underfoot, it is more susceptible to wear and staining compared to hard surface flooring options such as laminate, luxury vinyl, and tile.
For rental properties, consider durable carpet materials such as nylon or polyester blends.
Maintenance
Carpet requires regular vacuuming and periodic professional cleaning to remove dirt, stains, and allergens.
Stain-resistant treatments can help prolong the life of carpeting in rental properties.
Installation
Professional installation of carpet typically ranges from $2 - $8 per square foot. The price depends on factors such as carpet type, padding thickness, and room layout.
While carpet installation is relatively straightforward, professional installation ensures a professional finish and optimal performance over time.
Short Term Costs of Rental Property Flooring
When considering the short-term costs of flooring for your rental property, it's essential to weigh the initial investment against ongoing maintenance and replacement expenses.
Here's a breakdown of the short-term costs for each flooring type:
- Laminate: Affordable upfront cost of $2 - $5 per square foot with moderate installation costs ranging from $2 - $5 per square foot.
- Luxury Vinyl: Slightly higher initial investment of $3 - $8 per square foot, but with comparable installation costs averaging $3 - $6 per square foot.
- Hardwood: Mid-range initial cost of $5 - $15 per square foot, with potentially higher installation expenses ranging from $4 - $8 per square foot when factoring in labor.
- Tile: Higher upfront investment ranging from $2 - $10 per square foot, along with installation costs averaging $2 - $7 per square foot.
- Carpet: The most budget-friendly option with an initial cost of $1 - $5 per square foot and moderate installation expenses ranging from $1 - $4 per square foot.
Not sure how much flooring you'll need? Here's an easy to use flooring calculator.
Long Term Costs of Rental Property Flooring
While upfront costs are crucial, it's equally important to consider the long-term expenses associated with maintaining and replacing flooring in your rental property.
Here's how each flooring type stacks up in terms of long-term costs:
- Laminate: With minimal maintenance requirements and moderate durability, laminate flooring offers relatively low long-term costs compared to other options.
- Luxury Vinyl: Known for its durability and resistance to wear and tear, luxury vinyl flooring boasts low long-term costs due to reduced maintenance and fewer replacement needs.
- Hardwood: While hardwood flooring can be more expensive initially, its long-term durability and timeless appeal may result in lower maintenance and replacement costs over time.
- Tile: Despite its higher upfront investment, tile flooring tends to have lower long-term costs thanks to its exceptional durability and resistance to damage.
- Carpet: While carpet is the most budget-friendly option in the short term, its higher maintenance requirements and susceptibility to wear and stains may result in higher long-term costs.
Conclusion
When choosing flooring for your rental property, it's essential to strike a balance between upfront costs and long-term expenses.
Consider factors such as durability, maintenance requirements, and installation costs to determine which option offers the best value for your investment.
If you plan on renting the property to tenants who have pets, you will want to check out pet-friendly flooring options.
By carefully weighing these factors, you can select a flooring solution that enhances the appeal of your property while minimizing ongoing maintenance and replacement costs.