There are many factors to consider when renovating and installing new flooring in a rental property. The list below goes into 6 reasons why luxury vinyl flooring is in my opinion one of the best flooring options for a rental property.
After renovating several rental properties, the best flooring we have found is luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring. Luxury vinyl flooring is a great option that we regularly use in rooms like bathrooms, mudrooms and kitchens. It can also be a more durable alternative to carpet in living room spaces and bedrooms.
There are quite a few affordable luxury vinyl plank and tile flooring options that come in different wood or tile styles. There are several more options if you are looking for a design that simulates hardwood floors verse a stone tile design.
Recently in many of our properties, we have been lucky and were able to refinish the homes existing hardwood floors. We then installed luxury vinyl tile in rooms like kitchens or bathrooms that needed replaced. Our choice has been SMARTCORE’s Chatham Stone interlocking LVT flooring because it has a nice stone contrast to the existing hardwoods.
6 Reasons Why Luxury Vinyl is the Best Flooring for a Rental Property
Let’s talk a little more about the six reasons why luxury vinyl flooring is the best option when it comes to your rental property flooring.
Reason #1: It Appeals to the Masses
The longer you have to carry a property without a tenant (A.K.A. no rent) the less money you make. For that reason, it is very important to find a quality product that is aesthetically appealing to a range of potential tenants. Luxury vinyl flooring has a lifelike appearance and texture to hardwoods or stone, so it doesn’t have a fake look like some other products.
Reason #2: It is Easy to Install
When renovating a property, the more jobs you can do yourself the more money you can keep in your pocket. LVT with a little bit of practice and patience is an easy DIY product to install. If you are working with an existing floor that is clean and even you can install it with without any adhesives.
Reason #3: It is Affordable
There are cheaper products out there, but like many things you get what you pay for. Luxury vinyl flooring is an affordable and quality option. It is thicker than many products and comes with a built-in pad for extra comfort under foot. Since it is easy to install you can eliminate any labor cost for installation.
Reason #4: It is Durable
One of the most important aspects to think about when you are selecting products for your rental property is the durability. This flooring is tough and holds up well against water, stains, scratches or tears unlike many other flooring options.
Reason #5: It is Low-Maintenance
Flooring that is low maintenance is something that can be appreciated by both tenant and landlord. When dirt is tracked in, it can quickly be vacuumed or swept up. Or for spills or stuck on messes a Swiffer works great. No need to worry about stains!
Reason #6: It Holds Up Against Pets
If you allow pets in your rental this can be a big selling factor. There is nothing worse than pet stains or lingering odors that pets can leave behind in carpets. When installed correctly LVT is waterproof and you can feel secure knowing that your property is protected against pet messes.
With so many options on the market, selecting the best rental property flooring can be a difficult decision. I hope this gives you something to think about when looking for an aesthetically attractive, affordable and durable product. I highly recommend luxury vinyl flooring for all these reasons as it has served us well over the years.
Until next time, happy renovating!
P.S. – For more renovation tips check out our post on Easy Painting Tips for Rental Properties
