As a landlord, the floor you choose for your rental property is a big decision. At Totally Flooring, we have installed flooring in all kinds of rental properties around the Gold Coast, so we take a look at which type could work best for you.
What to look for in flooring for rental properties
If you own a rental property, you’ll be aware that you can’t always bank on your tenants taking great care over the floor, so you need an easy to maintain type of flooring. It’s also important to choose a type of floor that’s durable and doesn’t cost too much if it needs replacing. However, you’ll need a floor that looks great to appeal to potential tenants and is comfortable while they live there. You’ll need a low maintenance flooring which isn’t easily marked and appeals to a variety of tastes so avoid light or bright colours and patterns.
What types of flooring are there?
Vinyl flooring is a sensible choice for landlords as it’s easy to clean, ideal for kitchens or bathrooms and a good low maintenance option for tenants. It has become far more popular recently as the styles and types of vinyl flooring available have increased, including vinyl floor tiles which are easy to replace if damaged. It is worth remembering that vinyl flooring can be damaged by furniture dragging or frequent use and it can be costly to replace a whole vinyl floor if one section is damaged, especially in an open-plan space. It’s also essential that you get an experienced professional to fit your vinyl floor as poor quality installation could put renters off. A vinyl floor is also resistant to water damage, UV light damage and it’s a hardwearing choice for busy areas.
Carpet is great for muffling sound, so if you own an apartment with neighbours above and below it might be worth considering rather than a hardwood floor. It’s a comfortable choice for bedrooms or living rooms but it can also be hard to keep clean with the possibility of stains. At Totally Flooring, we have a huge choice of carpets, from luxurious wool carpets for high-end penthouses to affordable neutral carpets in dark colours to hide mess! There are a few downsides to carpets in rental properties though, it’s never a good choice for kitchens or bathrooms and it can harbour allergens or dust which could put some potential renters off the property.
A hardwood floor is a stunning choice for properties, and it’s a hardwearing and durable choice. If you’re aiming for affluent tenants who are happy to pay a premium, a wooden floor can be a big advantage and it’s great for keeping homes on the Gold Coast cool. A wooden floor will be costly to replace and it probably isn’t ideal for a busy family home with young children. Though visually impressive, a hardwood floor can be a big investment, so many landlords opt for laminate flooring or wood effect vinyl as a more affordable option.
Tile flooring’s exceptional durability and ease of maintenance make it a great option for rental properties. Tiles work particularly well in kitchens and bathrooms, as they tend to be areas of high traffic and prone to spillage and moisture. If you’re conscious of expenses, the broad price range of tile flooring ensures a great solution for almost every budget. And if you’re worried about creating an aesthetic appeal for your tenants, we recommend sticking to a neutral colour scheme while incorporating eye-catching shapes and patterns when laying your tiles. You’ll add an intriguing feature to your space while still ensuring it appeals to most people. Despite all these benefits, tiles do carry some drawbacks. They’re not very soft, are cold underfoot and spills can cause a slip hazard if they’re not cleaned straight away.
Hybrid flooring is new to the flooring game, and while it can be a more expensive flooring option, it’s got great selling points if you’re renovating or redesigning your rental property. Hybrid floors are completely waterproof, meaning they’ll be able to hold up against moisture and spillage. This waterproof quality also gives hybrid floors a clean, seamless look, which can make your space seem larger and even attract potential tenants looking for an open-plan home. Durability’s another fantastic selling factor of hybrid flooring.
While some flooring options like carpeting may need to be replaced on the change of tenant, the scratch-resistance and great slip rating or hybrid flooring make it a great choice for your rental, as it is less likely to need replacing or repairs and set to last for years to come. And if you’re worried about keeping the floors clean, hybrid floors are exceptionally low-maintenance, so all your tenants will need to do is vacuum or sweep them to keep them looking as good as new. When installing your floors, however, you’ll need to ensure absolute flatness – any uneven sections will mean a loose seal.
Bamboo flooring is another quality option for your rental property. It’s one of the most affordable and available flooring materials on the market, making it a great choice for those landlords concerned about their budget. Bamboo floors are easy to install – as no glues or nails are necessary, you’ll save on materials and time to get your flooring fitted. They don’t hold up well against water, though, so aren’t suited for kitchen or bathroom areas.
The low maintenance needs and durability of bamboo flooring make it a great option if your property will see various tenants. It’s able to withstand a lot of wear, dents and scrapes, can cope with spills more easily than hardwood, and requires little more than a sweep or a light mop to keep it looking its best. As an environmentally-friendly product, bamboo’s a great choice if you’re wanting to attract eco-conscious renters. And if you’re concerned about aesthetics, bamboo easily coordinates with most home décor, meaning it will appeal more easily to a wider pool of potential tenants.
Chat to the Experts
Now you know what choices are out there our knowledgeable team will be happy to discuss our flooring options with you. If you need flooring for a rental property on the Gold Coast, call Totally Flooring today for a free quote!
