Wood Flooring in Rental Properties

Flooring in a rental property is a topic that all landlords – no matter how many properties they own – need to know about.

Since it’s a rental, your choice of flooring needs to be able to withstand a lot of wear and tear. As such, you want to choose a material that is strong and durable. But, as a savvy landlord, you also don’t want something that is not costly or high maintenance.

In this article, Jason from Young Management Corporation, a local real estate and property management company, shares things you should consider when buying flooring for your rental property, as well as the flooring options to consider.

6 Things to Consider When Buying Flooring for Your Rental Property

1. Safety

Landlords who don’t use reasonable care to safeguard their tenants could be in breach of contract. If your tenant slips and falls, you could find yourself fighting a lawsuit.

2. Installation

Easy installation depends on two factors: how easy you can find a supplier and how easy the installation process is. The less time you spend finding a supplier, the more time you are left to do other landlord tasks. And the less time it takes to install, the lower the chances of vacancies.

3. Aesthetics

You want to choose flooring that is attractive so you can easily rent your unit. Also, keep in mind that tenants will pay a higher rent price to live in a nice, modern unit.

4. Durability

Durable flooring lasts longer. They have the ability to withstand frequent moves with furniture coming and going.

5. Maintenance

Rental flooring deals with a lot of foot traffic. If you choose the wrong flooring option, you could find yourself with high maintenance costs.

6. Affordability

The cost of flooring depends on three factors: the cost of the material, cost of installation, and cost of routine maintenance. Similar to other products, each flooring type has its high-end and most affordable versions.

Types of Wood Flooring

Wood flooring comes in a variety of types and sizes. It’s, therefore, a question of matching the most suitable option for your rental property.

There are two options to consider. One, engineered wood flooring which is made from wood and synthetic materials. And two, solid wood flooring which is made from 100% wood.

Engineered Wood Flooring

If you are on the hunt for a long-lasting floor material with a classic look, then you might want to consider this option. It’s available in plenty of species, stains, and styles.

Engineered hardwood flooring is made up of three layers. The inner layers are made of hardwood, high-density fiberboard, or plywood. The core layers make the product more stable than regular hardwood, while the outermost layer is just for authenticity and beauty.

Pros of engineered wood flooring:

• Keeping the floor clean. The product is stain-resistant. Going over the floor with a dust mop, in most cases, will be all that’s required.
• The durability. Engineered wood flooring holds up well as the years pass, contrary to what many people think.
• The ease of installation. All types of engineering flooring types are easy to install.
• The cost of purchase and installation. In comparison to other solutions, engineered wood flooring is competitively priced.

Cons of engineered wood flooring:

• Health concerns. Some types of adhesives used to bind the layers of the engineered flooring can cause some allergic reactions in some people.
• The materials used. Not all manufacturers utilize the highest quality materials in the production of the flooring.

Solid Wood Flooring

Solid wood flooring is exactly what the name implies: a solid piece of wood from top to bottom. It’s one of the most desirable flooring choices today, with a long history and the durability to last for generations.

The main difference between engineered and solid wood flooring is in the plank’s construction. In turn, this affects how, when, and where they can be used.

Pros of solid wood flooring:

• Healthier living. This type of flooring is cleaner and better for everyone. You don’t have to worry about dirt build-up, pet dander, allergens, and dust like you do with carpet.
• Durability. With the right care, solid wood flooring is built to last.
• Value. Solid wood flooring is one part of your home’s décor that keeps its value over time.
• Care and maintenance. Solid wood flooring is easy to care for. Did somebody spill wine while partying? No problem. Just wipe it up and you’re all set.
• Options. You have the choice of either unfinished or pre-finished planks of solid wood flooring.

Cons of solid wood flooring:

• Solid wood flooring doesn’t get on with underfloor heating.
• They are not waterproof.
• Solid hardwood is generally more costly because of the amount of solid wood that is used for each plank of flooring.

Choosing the right flooring for your rental property is a big decision. By choosing wood flooring over other options, you’ll ensure you get optimum materials for both visual and practical impact while offering elegance and style to your tenants.