Whether building, renovating, or remodeling a property for rental, choosing the right flooring is one of the most important decisions you can make. You want to find the right balance between price, durability, and style while also considering functional factors depending on how the space is used. Obviously, you’re not going to put carpet in the bathroom, and you probably don’t want linoleum in a living room, but there are still many different types of flooring to choose from for any room in the property. Additionally, choosing the right flooring can have an impact on your budget and even surrounding suites. If you have questions about the best flooring for rentals, you should consider speaking with one of our specialists at Floor Coverings International; but, this flooring guide for rental properties will give you a great overview of how to choose the right flooring for any rental space.
Living Areas
Living rooms, bedrooms, and even dining rooms often feature similar floor coverings. Carpet, hardwood, and laminate are among some of the most popular choices for homes. That being said, the flooring you would choose for your home may not always be the same as you would choose for a rental property. Ultimately, you want to select a floor covering that is affordable, durable, and stylish.
Among the benefits of carpet is its affordability. Not only are carpets budget-friendly, but they are installed easily while offering some distinct advantages for rental spaces. Carpet is comfortable and warm, and particularly in multi-unit properties it makes an excellent choice for insulating noise. On the other hand, carpet requires frequent cleaning and may wear out more quickly than other floor coverings, especially in high traffic areas. Still, with advances in carpet technology, there are many durable and stain resistant options that are the perfect choice for living rooms and bedrooms in rental properties.
Hardwood is an attractive floor covering that tenants love. It’s also durable and easy to clean and since it can be refinished to restore its appearance, hardwood is a popular choice for many homes. Many landlords also like hardwood because it usually adds to a home’s resale value. Unfortunately, hardwood floors are on the more expensive side and it may not stand up well for homes with pets. As an alternative, laminate flooring can give the appearance of luxury flooring such as stone or wood without the excess cost. It is among the most durable flooring options for all living areas (and even kitchens and bathrooms) making it a great choice for rental properties. However, laminate doesn’t provide the sound insulation you would achieve with carpet.
Kitchens and Bathrooms
Luxury vinyl tile, vinyl, and tile floor coverings are popular for kitchens and bathrooms in rental properties. Luxury vinyl tile is durable, easy to install, and provides great moisture resistance. Though this is a hard-surface flooring that doesn’t insulate noise, it still makes an exceptional choice for kitchens and bathrooms.
The next floor covering that we recommend highly for kitchens and bathrooms is vinyl. Affordable, versatile, and moisture, you can install this flooring in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. You can find vinyl in a wide variety of colours and patterns including faux wood and stone finishes. Unfortunately, vinyl tile is not the most durable option as it is susceptible to rips or nicks, but its low cost makes it affordable to replace.
Finally, tile is one of the most durable floor coverings and a great choice for kitchens and bathrooms because it is waterproof and easy to clean. It survives well in high-traffic areas and offers many colours and patterns to suit your style needs. Keep in mind, tile may contribute to increased sound and it can be slippery when wet.
As you can see, there are many excellent flooring options for different rooms in a rental property. Indeed, these are just a few of the options available, and our team of flooring professionals at Floor Coverings International is always available to answer your questions so you get the right product for your budget and space.