Are you a landlord or will be soon? If so, flooring is probably one of your concerns regarding your rental property. The flooring you choose will affect your rental yield and the level of care required to maintain its condition.
Let’s be honest, even the best tenants probably won’t care for your property in the same way you would so this needs to be considered when selecting your flooring options.
Your rental property is unique
Broadly speaking, flooring comes in two different varieties, hard flooring or soft flooring. Hard flooring is, as the name suggests, hard and durable. It’s easy to clean and doesn’t show dirt or footprints very easily if you select a suitable color and texture. Soft flooring, on the other hand, is generally carpet that can be made with a variety of materials. Soft flooring is quite comfortable underfoot but it can often show dirt more easily, may stain easily and can wear out quickly, needing replacing making it a big expense for your rental property.
The style of your property and the lifestyle of your tenants should play a big role in your flooring selection. For example, coastal homes near the beach may be prone to sand and wet feet so selecting hard flooring options that are suited to this lifestyle is important. Other homes will have different needs, for example high-density housing in urban areas may be prone to noise so you may choose soft flooring to help minimize that noise.
Generally, a mix of hard flooring and soft flooring is used in most rental properties. For a room that will have heavy foot traffic or a room that’s prone to spills, such as the dining room, hard flooring might be best. For bedrooms or lounge rooms that you wish to be more comfortable, carpets may be more appropriate.
Read on as we explore these options further.
Hardwood flooring
Hardwood flooring can be very expensive to install however, if you’ve already got it in your property, you should make the most of it. Often hardwood flooring is hidden under carpet or other flooring in older properties so it can be a great option to consider. It is durable, easy to clean and looks great.
The only downside with hardwood flooring is that it can dent or scratch easily so it will need refinishing from time to time. Don’t worry too much about dents and scratches in an older home, it all adds to the character and authenticity of the genuine hardwood. The look of aged hardwood floors will attract many potential tenants who love the rustic style and will likely use their own suitable rugs to match their sense of style and home décor.
Laminate flooring
Laminate flooring is a great option for rental properties because it has many of the same benefits as hardwood but is more resistant to stains and scratches. Laminate flooring can also be easier to clean than carpeted rental properties because it does not trap dirt or dust like carpets do, making it a great option for rental property with pets.
To ensure that your tenants will enjoy their laminated floors for years ahead, ensure that you choose a style and color that will not show dirt or dust too easily. You’ll also need to use waterproof laminate in the wet areas of your property such as the kitchen, bathroom and laundry. In fact, it might be wise to install waterproof laminate throughout the home so you can minimize the risk of damage. If cheap laminate flooring is not waterproof and it suffers a spill the laminate will swell and warp. If this occurs, you’ll need to replace the flooring, making it an expensive exercise.
Tile flooring
Tile is another great option for rental properties because it is durable, easy to clean, and can be installed in any room of the house. One potential downside of tile flooring is that it can be quite cold in winter months, so tenants may not like to walk on it with bare feet, making the home less appealing. Tiles can also be chipped if heavy items are dropped on them, so be sure to choose a style and color that won’t look too bad if a minor chip occurs.
Floor tiles are typically ceramic and often glazed and are common for internal and external use. They can also be made from a variety of materials including porcelain, quarry, terracotta and concrete. One thing to consider when installing tile flooring is that it needs to be sealed properly after installation or it will absorb dirt and water and will become dirty and worn very quickly.
Carpet rental properties
If you are looking for flooring options that will make your tenants feel more at home, carpet might be right for you. Carpet is prone to wear, tear and stains so it will need replacing from time to time however it can be reasonably inexpensive so it’s a great way to freshen up a rental property and attract new tenants. There are many carpet styles to consider and you can choose a color and pattern that will suit your property.
Carpet is perfect for properties in colder climates. It’s a great way to add some extra warmth to a room. It also helps to muffle noise from footsteps, making it a good option if you have tenants who have young children or even noisy teenagers.
Hybrid flooring
If you’re looking for something that is both stylish and practical, hybrid flooring is an option that’s becoming more popular every year. Hybrid flooring is a great choice for landlords for many reasons. It can be installed to suit any room and you don’t need to worry about replacing it as frequently as you would with carpeting since hybrid flooring is much more durable than carpets.
Hybrid flooring is also a good choice for rooms that are high traffic areas since it doesn’t show dirt and dust as easily as carpets do. Plus, you can choose from a variety of styles and colors to find the perfect option for your rental property.
Conclusion
We’ve addressed a few of the most crucial, practical aspects concerning your flooring. It’s also important to consider the style of the property and its location. For example, as we’ve covered, beachside properties may have different needs to density urban homes. Whatever you decide is suitable for your property, be sure to consult with a professional who can help you make the best decision for your specific property and install it for you.
It’s important to have flooring that is durable, easy to clean, and attractive in rental properties. It’s also important that it suits the lifestyle of your tenants. There are many flooring options available on the market and it can be difficult to decide which is best for your rental property. We trust we’ve helped you with some of the most popular choices and why you might want to consider them.
