Tile
The timeless quality of a tile floor is something that makes it one of the most popular choices. Two strong points of tile are its durability and high levels of water resistance. Since tiles come in many different colors, sizes, and styles, you can have a wider range of designs for your floor. When it comes to repair and replacement, it would be fairly easy since you just replace the old tile with a new one. Compared to hardwood, tile is more affordable and requires less maintenance.
This doesn’t mean that it’s all good for tile, there are its weak points too. The tile promises years of good service, only if you do your share of proper maintenance. Not all household cleaners are good for your tile. In order to maintain its good condition, you have to clean, replace, or reseal the tile grout since it would get stained or dirty through the years. 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 are one of a kind. This is why many property owners prefer hardwood. Also like tile, hardwood is very durable and can last for a long time with proper maintenance. Since there are plenty of wood options, this could increase the value of your property and this could attract tenants who want an upgraded rental home.
There are many things to be happy about when it comes to hardwood except for its price. One of the reasons why hardwood is an expensive type of flooring is because it requires skilled installation. Hardwood floors are also more susceptible to water damage, stains, and wear, so regular maintenance is a must. 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
It may be true that tile and hardwood are superior in many counts but for rental property owners, vinyl flooring is by far the most popular choice. We can tell you about all the reasons for this but it practically boils down to cost. Even though vinyl costs less than tile or hardwood, it still offers a huge range of colors, styles, and options. Property owners also prefer vinyl because it is easy to replace and repair. Vinyl planking, in particular, can be repaired in small sections without needing to replace the entire floor. It is easy to keep vinyl clean and it also is quite resistant to water damage.
Before you decide to install vinyl, it is also important to take note of its weaknesses. Be aware that vinyl floors get gouged or scratched easily especially when a tenant moves heavy furniture without protecting the floor underneath. 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.
There are many advantages for tile, hardwood, and vinyl flooring but the disadvantages should be carefully studied. But once you’ve done your research, you can make choosing the right flooring for your rental property 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 Washington DC has your solution! Contact us online or call us at 202-813-9993.