The Best Flooring for a Rental Property

As a rental homeowner, you must consider many elements to ensure your property is arranged appealingly and functionally for potential tenants. One of these considerations is the flooring.

People are drawn to visually pleasing environments. Flooring may, therefore, positively contribute to your property's overall look and feel and can increase its value. As rental property floors will naturally be subject to daily wear and tear, it is also important to balance appearance with the initial investment, repair costs, durability and ease of maintenance.

Popular Flooring Options for Rental Properties

With various options available on the market, choosing the best flooring for a rental property may feel overwhelming. A few options have gained popularity over the years for different reasons.

Tiles

Tiles are a well-known, beloved, long-term flooring solution. They're a homeowner's best friend in high-traffic areas exposed to daily wear and tear and high moisture levels, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are dense and hard, highly durable, waterproof, scratch-resistant and easy to clean. 

Tiles are also available in various styles, textures and colors. This allows you to experiment with a design best suited to the look and feel you want to create as a homeowner and that will also appeal to potential tenants.

Proper installation and high-quality grout are paramount for long-lasting tile floors. The low maintenance and longevity of tiles makes them a favorite among homeowners.

Luxury Vinyl

Luxury vinyl flooring is another popular choice for rental units as it offers style, durability and affordability. You can choose between luxury vinyl planks (LVP) and luxury vinyl tiles (LVT). If you want to install a floor that mimics hardwood planks, LVP floors may be your best bet. In contrast, LVT floors are available in tile form and resemble stone or ceramic floors. They also come in various styles and colors, giving you creative freedom. 

Both options have qualities that all rental homeowners value — waterproof, scratch-resistant and easy to maintain. These traits make luxury vinyl ideal for kitchens, bathrooms and basements. This affordable flooring option can help you establish a stylish, upscale look with added softness and warmth compared to traditional tile floors.

Laminate

Laminate flooring offers a hardwood floor look and is usually water-resistant, making it more suitable for lower-moisture areas only exposed to occasional spillage or humidity. Laminate is durable and resistant to scratches and dents, and it's considered a good middle-of-the-road flooring option.

Laminate floors are easy to install, affordable, visually pleasing and functional. They could work well in your rental property's moderate-traffic areas, such as the living room and bedrooms.

Hardwood

Solid hardwood flooring is durable, easy to maintain and luxurious, making it a great option to give your rental property a timeless and elegant feel — it complements most interior design elements, from modern to traditional. It is also a hypoallergenic flooring option and easy to clean. Proper care will help your hardwood floors last many years and develop character over time.

Hardwood can increase any property's perceived value, attracting high-quality tenants. While the initial investment may be high, you will likely get a good return on investment (ROI) in the long term. 

If your rental property is frequently exposed to moisture, engineered hardwood floors may be a better option as they are water-resistant. You can choose between domestic versus exotic species, depending on your budget, needs and requirements.

Reinforcing Your Flooring With Area Rugs

Area rugs are a great way to create a welcoming atmosphere and add color and warmth to your rental property. Rugs are also functional as they have noise reduction properties and can help protect your floors from scratches, stains, and the daily wear and tear from tenants.

Area rugs are easy to personalize according to preference as they are usually available in various colors, textures and sizes. They can also be easily replaced if damaged, making them a cost-effective design choice for rental properties.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Flooring for Rental Properties

Consider several factors before deciding on flooring for your rental property:

• Budget: The floor you choose must suit your budget and spending ability. Different floors fall into different pricing categories. A floor that adds to the value of your property may yield a strong ROI in the long term. Consider how you can spend your budget to get the best value for your money.
• Durability: Strong and durable flooring is especially important for rental properties. Unfortunately, you will have little control over how tenants care for and maintain your property and its flooring. A robust floor will withstand daily wear and tear better than less durable flooring options.
• Maintenance: Floors that are easy to clean and maintain are a must. Your rental property's floors may be subject to daily wear and tear, dirt or spillage. The simpler it is to clean the floor, the better. If maintenance or repairs are needed, doing them seamlessly, without causing much disruption, will be beneficial.
• Appearance: Visually appealing floors can add tremendously to the look and feel of the entire property. Tenants will be more inclined to rent your property if the floors are visually pleasing and neat. Different colored and textured floors can also create various atmospheres, such as warm and cozy versus structured and modern. The best floor colors for rental properties tend to be neutral shades, like gray and beige, as they blend naturally with most interior design aesthetics.
• Location and lifestyle: The location of your property and your tenant's lifestyle may guide your decision-making process. If your property is located near the beach and rented out as a vacation destination, you might consider highly durable waterproof flooring. Conversely, if you own an apartment or house in an upper-class area or complex, you may want to invest in luxurious, potentially less practical flooring.

Recommendations Based on Property Type

Your property type and location may impact the flooring you choose for your rental property.

For luxurious, upper-class, long-term rental properties, you may consider LVP or hardwood floors that offer durability and a premium look. For short-term rentals, laminate or tile floors may be more affordable and easier to maintain.

Another important factor to consider is whether your property is located in humid or coastal areas with frequent moisture exposure. In this case, tile or LVP floors may be your safest option due to their waterproof qualities.

You may opt for more durable options with noise-reducing features in larger units that accommodate a whole family and have substantial foot traffic. You can, for example, install tile or luxury vinyl flooring for durability and add an area rug to your floors to manage noise.

Installing flooring that balances durability, maintenance and attractiveness is generally good practice.

Shop a Large Selection of Flooring at Carpet & Tile Mart

Visit your nearest Carpet & Tile Mart store to explore our large selection of popular flooring options perfect for rental properties. See and feel the difference in person and let our friendly, experienced team guide you through the selection process. Whether you are renovating or preparing a new rental, we are here every step of the way. Let us help you choose the ideal rental flooring solution tailored to your needs, preferences and budget.

Prefer to connect online? Simply contact us through our online submission form. We are excited to assist you!