Choosing flooring for your vacation rental is different from choosing flooring for an owner-occupied home because flooring in a rental property generally undergoes more wear and tear. What’s more, tenants are less likely to care for a home the same way an owner would. When choosing flooring for your vacation property, you want to pick something to help you maximize your return on investment (ROI).
As such, there are a myriad of traits that your selected floor covering must possess.
Such as:
- Affordability
- Durability
- Safety
- Ease of installation
- Ease of maintenance
The Best Flooring Options for Your Vacation Rental
Option #1: Carpet
Carpets come in various shapes, sizes and textures. In terms of texture, they can be smooth, thin, or sculpted. They are best installed in areas of the house with low activity like a bedroom. Avoid installing them in basements, bathrooms, hallways, entryways, and common areas.
If you are mostly concerned about durability, some options are better than others. Twist, density, and fiber are the three factors that affect the durability of a carpet. The most durable carpet fiber is nylon. Most carpets have a useful life of between 8 and 10 years.
Advantages:
- Cost less to buy, clean, and maintain
- Carpets absorb sound
- Easier to maintain
- Come in varying patterns, cuts, and colors
Disadvantages
- Shorter lifespan than other flooring options
- Highly susceptible to allergens
- Easily attracts dirt and stains
Option #2: Tile
Tile is manufactured from a variety of materials such as quartz, terrazzo, natural stone, ceramic, metal, and clay. Generally speaking, the most common tile flooring is natural stone or ceramic.
Tile is best for basements, bathrooms, common areas, and kitchens. The average life expectancy of a ceramic tile floor, according to a study done by the National Association of Home Builders is 75 to 100 years.
Advantages:
- Durable
- Water Resistant
- Low Maintenance
Disadvantages:
- Not always comfortable
- Not ideal for upper stories due to its weight
- Installation is NOT easy
Option #3: Hardwood
Hardwood floors are undeniably gorgeous, and they are becoming a popular alternative to carpeting in bedrooms. Hardwood floors are made of planks milled from a single piece of timber. They are best installed in dining rooms, bedrooms, and offices.
Hardwood floors generally last a long time— 25 years or more.
Advantages:
- High-quality look
- Great long-term investment
- Strong and durable
- Installation is pretty straightforward
- Easy to clean
Disadvantages:
- Costly
- Not suitable in areas that regularly get wet
- Prone to termite attacks
- Expands in summer and contracts in winter
Option #4: Laminate
Laminate flooring is a hybrid floor covering made of particleboard. It is also called floating wood. It simulates wood (or sometimes stone) with a photographic applique layer under a clear protective layer. Laminate is a popular choice in the consumer market and is available in a variety of finishes.
Expect laminate flooring to last anywhere between 15 and 25 years once installed.
Advantages:
- Available in a variety of styles
- Much less expensive than hardwood
- Easy to install
- Easy to clean
Disadvantages:
- Tends to be slippery
- Contains some rather dangerous chemical compounds
- Not suitable for people who’d wish to refinish their flooring
Option #5: Vinyl
Vinyl tiles have been around since the 70s. They are made of synthetic materials, mostly plastics, rather than natural materials, like ceramic and stone tiles. Vinyl flooring is made of four to five unique layers: urethane coating, wear layer, print film layer, vinyl core, and backing.
Vinyl tiles generally last anywhere between 10 and 20 years. They can last longer if properly maintained.
Advantages:
- Available in a variety of styles, patterns, and colors
- Durability
- Easy installation
- Easy to clean
Disadvantages:
- Not eco-friendly
- Can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Difficult to remove, especially if an adhesive was used to install them
- Cannot be repaired
Option #6: Linoleum
Originally patented in 1860, linoleum has been in use for over 100 years. It is made up of several natural materials, including limestone, wood dust, cork dust, and jute. It’s available either in tiles, planks, or as sheet linoleum. Linoleum is best for dining rooms and kitchens because of its resilience in high-traffic areas.
Linoleum flooring can last anywhere from 20 to 40 years.
Advantages:
- Very durable
- Biodegradable and won’t take up space in landfills
- Requires little maintenance
Disadvantages:
- May darken or turn yellowish when exposed to sunlight
- May get dented by high heels and furniture legs
- Can be slippery
As you can see, there are many flooring options available for your vacation rental. To choose the right one, carefully examine the pros and cons of each in your space.
If selecting your rental’s flooring is a little overwhelming, Graham’s flooring specialists have years of experience on thousands of installs and would love to give you a free design consultation.
Contact your Loveland and Fort Collins flooring experts today or visit our Loveland flooring showroom for even more inspiration!
And for more tips on flooring in your rentals, check out this blog Quick Tips for Replacing Flooring in Rentals
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