Top Flooring Choices for Easy Maintenance in Rentals
Over time, a rental property is bound to experience some wear and tear. One of the most common areas to look worn first, understandably, is the floors. So, when you want to repair or replace the flooring in your rental, it pays to do your research to ensure you have floors that will last. With this in mind, we've put together a few options for durable, high-quality floors that look great, will provide a better return on investment and boost your rental revenue.
Flooring Options for Rental Properties
Luxury Vinyl Tiles
Luxury Vinyl Tiles and Planks, or LVT, is a fantastic option for rental properties because it provides an authentic look of real wood, stone or ceramic tiles but without the maintenance that comes with the real deal. Karndean flooring is one of the most popular options that provides extremely high levels of durability and wear-resistance, making it perfect for rentals. It's aesthetically pleasing and can be used in various rooms of the property, from kitchens and bathrooms to living rooms, making it easy for landlords to upgrade the whole house with a flooring solution that will last.
Carpets
Carpet is a great addition to any property to enhance warmth and comfort, and there are so many colours, patterns and styles to choose from for customisation. The ease of carpet tiles in terms of installation and maintenance make them a popular choice for rental properties, but of course there's also carpet rolls which may work out more cost effective for larger rooms. Carpets, coupled with a thick underlay, are perfect for adding a cosy feel to rental properties, reducing noise and for reducing heating costs in the winter.
Hardwood Floors
There's no denying that hardwood floors are beautiful and add a classic charm to any home. If you're upgrading a high-end rental and want to add a luxe, aesthetic appeal or boost the value of a property, hardwood floors are the perfect choice. However, they're also one of the most expensive flooring options on the market so consider how they tie into your budget and expected rental yield. In terms of maintenance, hardwood planks are easy to maintain because scratches and scuffs can be restored easily, and stains and varnishes make them water-resistant.
Laminate
Laminate is widely considered to be the most affordable option for flooring and so many landlords choose it for kitchens and bathrooms because it's easy to clean and cheap to install. Laminate comes in a wide variety of colours and patterns, so it's great for customisability, but it also offers the added benefit of being able to be installed on top of existing floors. This makes it quick to install and reduces labour costs. If you're on a tight budget for your renovations, laminate can be a great solution but bear in mind that it's not as easy to repair should it become water damaged or stained.
Important Considerations When Choosing Flooring
As with any property upgrade, there are several factors to consider when making the decision on which floors you're going to install.
Property Type: The style of property plays a key role in which flooring material you choose. A modern home might suit vinyl flooring while for a traditional period property, carpet or classic hardwood floors can be a great fit. Also consider the layout. If it's a flat, and there are people living below, consider noise-dampening materials like carpet which will make for a more pleasant living environment for everyone.
Room Type: Where you're intending to install your new floors is an important factor, as some materials are better suited to certain rooms than others. LVT, for example, is a great fit for kitchens or bathrooms, while hardwood floors shouldn't be installed in rooms where there's a lot of moisture because they can warp or become rotten. If you're replacing the floors in the whole property, it may be the case that you need to choose different materials for each room to ensure that the floors last and don't wear out prematurely.
Tenants: The people you intend to rent to can also influence the flooring you choose. If you're renting out for families or to tenants with pets, for example, an easy to maintain floor like scratch-resistant laminate or vinyl is a practical choice.
Budget: As a landlord, keeping expenses low without compromising on quality is a difficult balancing act. You don't necessarily want to choose the cheapest option as this is unlikely to last, but likewise you don't want to spend more than necessary. Striking the right balance by choosing a durable, easy to maintain floor is the most cost-effective option.
Colour: When trying to opt for neutrality and pleasing a wide group of prospective tenants, or when attempting to create a more luxe-looking property, many landlords opt for beige or cream-coloured carpets. But this can be counter-productive, especially if you're renting to families with young children or tenants with pets, as they can stain easily and look drab much sooner. Instead, consider who you're renting to and how that might impact the colour of flooring you choose. A darker colour like charcoal, espresso or navy will look its best for much longer because it will hide marks and stains.
Selecting flooring for your rental property doesn't have to be a daunting task. Whether you're targeting executive tenants and seeking premium products or aiming for cost-effective options while maintaining a polished look, there are options on the market to furnish your rental property in style. The secret to successful rental flooring lies in making well-informed decisions from the outset and ensuring a seamless installation. With the right choice and professional installation, your flooring will endure, creating a delightful living environment for tenants for years to come.
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