THE BEST AND WORST FLOORING FOR LONG TERM RENTALS

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Best Flooring Options

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1. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

   • Pros: LVP is highly durable, water-resistant, and available in various styles that mimic hardwood. It’s easy to install and maintain, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.

   • Cons: It can be more expensive than other vinyl options, but the long-term durability often justifies the cost.

2. Laminate Flooring

   • Pros: Laminate offers a cost-effective alternative to hardwood, providing a similar look with added scratch resistance. It’s suitable for living areas and bedrooms.

   • Cons: It is not waterproof, so it’s less ideal for areas prone to moisture like kitchens or bathrooms.

3. Tile

   • Pros: Tile is perfect for kitchens and bathrooms due to its water resistance and durability. It’s easy to clean and maintain, with a variety of styles and colors available.

   • Cons: It can be cold and hard underfoot, which might not be ideal for all tenants.

4. Engineered Hardwood

   • Pros: Offers the appearance of hardwood with better resistance to moisture and temperature changes. It adds value and aesthetic appeal to any property.

   • Cons: It’s more expensive and can be susceptible to scratches and dents.

5. Carpet

   • Pros: Carpet provides warmth and comfort, making it a good choice for bedrooms and living rooms. Modern options offer stain resistance and durability.

   • Cons: It can hold onto odors and stains more than other flooring types, requiring regular cleaning.

 

Worst Flooring Options

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1. Solid Hardwood

   • Cons: While visually appealing, solid hardwood can be easily damaged by water and heavy use. It requires significant maintenance and can be expensive to repair or replace.

2. Softwood (e.g., Pine)

   • Cons: Softwood is prone to scratches and dents, making it a poor choice for high-traffic areas in rental properties. It also requires regular maintenance.

3. Vinyl Sheet Flooring

   • Cons: While affordable, vinyl sheets can be easily damaged and difficult to repair. They may not provide the same aesthetic appeal as other options like LVP or tile.

4. Cheap Carpet

   • Cons: Low-quality carpet wears quickly, stains easily, and can harbor allergens and odors, leading to frequent replacements and tenant dissatisfaction.

 

Conclusion

 

When selecting flooring for long-term rental properties, consider durability, maintenance, and tenant appeal. Opting for high-quality materials like LVP, laminate, or tile can provide longevity and reduce maintenance costs. Conversely, avoid flooring that requires excessive upkeep or is prone to damage, as this can lead to higher long-term expenses and tenant turnover.

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At American Direct Floors, we focus on the number 1 solution: LVP.  Our high-quality rigid core LVP products are 100% waterproof and incredibly scratch resistant, making them perfect for any long-term rental.  By spending a little more on a 20 mil LVP product, you'll save money in the long term by reducing replacement costs.  Damaged planks can be easily replaced, also helping save money over time.

 

Our Direct to Door Delivery (3D) makes ordering and getting products to your project site easy.  Our team is completely dedicated to helping your rental projects run as smoothly as possible.

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Click below to reach us and get started with your project.