There are lots of options for your flooring for your Stockbridge single-family rental property. Don’t worry; we are here to guide you. At top of the list of flooring types for property owners are tile, hardwood, and vinyl. If you need to choose only one, then careful research should be done. Tile, hardwood, and vinyl flooring have different qualities from one another. Studying the good and the bad of each can help you make the best flooring decision for your properties.
Tile
A tile floor’s look seems to never go out of style, that’s why it remains to be one of the most popular choices. Tile has many benefits and the two biggest advantages are durability and water resistance. Tile, having many different colors, sizes, and styles, makes it possible for you to have floor designs that range from simple to elaborate. Repairing and replacing tile is simple. Just remove one tile and replace it with another. Finally, tile beats hardwood again in terms of affordability and lesser maintenance costs.
The tile has many pros, but there are a couple of cons too. While the tile guarantees a long service life, this is only true if it is properly maintained. Be careful of household cleaners as some kinds can damage tile. Over the years, tile grout can get stained or dirty and this would need to be cleaned, replaced, or re-sealed. The last point to consider is that if you plan on replacing the entire tile floor, this could prove to be a monumental task. Not to mention that tile availability is not the same over time.
Hardwood
The beauty and warmth of a hardwood floor is like no other. This is why many property owners prefer hardwood. Just like tile, hardwood is durable and can last for years with proper maintenance. With many wood options available in the market, this can increase the property value, which in turn attracts tenants who are looking to upgrade their rental home.
On the other hand, probably the only downside for the hardwood is its price. Also, the need for skilled installation makes the hardwood an expensive type of flooring. Hardwood floors are also more prone to water damage, stains, and wear, so regular maintenance is very important. Harsh chemicals and cleaners can damage the wood floor so you need to inform the tenants on the proper way of caring for them. Moreover, allocate a portion of your funds for the refinishing of your property’s wood floors to maintain its long-term appeal.
Vinyl
While tile and hardwood have plenty of advantages, for rental property owners, vinyl flooring is by far the most popular choice. There are many reasons for this and it starts with the cost. You may be paying less for vinyl but the range of colors, styles, and options it offers are plenty. Property owners also prefer the convenience of easy replacement and repair of vinyl. Vinyl planking, in particular, can be repaired in small sections without needing to replace the entire floor. What’s more, vinyl is easy to clean and highly resistant to water damage.
However, it’s not all fine and dandy for vinyl. Here are a few things to think about before installing it. When tenants move heavy furniture without protecting the floor underneath it, there’s a big chance that your vinyl could get gouged or scratched. Vinyl works well in some rooms, but some tenants may not like vinyl in every single room of the house. Just like with tile and hardwood, it is possible to damage vinyl by using the wrong cleaning solution so that tenants would need clear instructions on vinyl floor maintenance.
Tile, hardwood, and vinyl flooring each have advantages, but their disadvantages should be carefully taken into account. However, once you’re done with this, choosing the right flooring for your rental property is a quick and painless process.
Have you found a rental property to invest in, but are feeling overwhelmed with the management side of things? Real Property Management Anchor has your solution! Contact us online or call us at 770-506-1237.
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