When it comes to flooring materials for your Idaho Falls single-family rental property, there are quite a lot of options available. The most accepted and well-known flooring types – tile, hardwood, and vinyl – are at the top of most property owners’ lists. But if you’re trying to decide on just one, that can be quite a bit more of a challenge. Tile, hardwood, and vinyl flooring each have both pros and cons. Knowing what those pros and cons are can help you make the best flooring decision for your properties.
Tile
There is something timeless about a tile floor, which explains why it remains one of the most popular choices. Tile has various benefits, a few of which are long-lasting durability and high levels of water resistance. Tile also comes in many different colors, sizes, and styles, making it possible to make your floors as natural or as sophisticated as you want. Repairing and replacing tile is a relatively worry-free endeavor since individual tiles can often be removed and new ones put in their place. And finally, tile tends to be more affordable than hardwood, and typically requires less maintenance than hardwood, too.
It doesn’t mean that tile doesn’t have some disadvantages, however. Even supposing the tile itself will no doubt last for years, that is only true if it is properly maintained. Some kinds of household cleaners can damage certain types of tile. As with, tile grout will get stained and dirty in time and will need to be cleaned or replaced and re-sealed to keep in fine condition. In the final analysis, it’s best to keep in mind that replacing an entire tile floor can be a complicated task, and tile availability does change after some time.
Hardwood
The beauty and warmth of a hardwood floor are hard to top. For this reason, hardwood is such a popular choice for property owners. Like tile, hardwood tends to be durable and can last a very long time with proper maintenance. With various different wood options, it can also add value to your property, not to mention attract tenants who are looking for an upgraded rental home.
On the other hand, the biggest disadvantage to hardwood has to be the price. It is, as a matter of fact, one of the most expensive types of flooring around, partly because it requires skilled installation. Hardwood floors are also more easily affected by water damage, stains, and wear, so regular maintenance is very significant. Harsh chemicals and cleaners can damage a wood floor, which means you’ll need to ensure your tenants know how to care for it in an appropriate manner. On top of that, you’ll have to budget funds for refinishing your property’s wood floors every few years to ensure that it maintains its long-term appeal.
Vinyl
While tile and hardwood are both great options for rental property owners, vinyl flooring is by far the most widespread choice. There are lots of valid reasons for this, starting with the cost. Vinyl tends to cost less than either tile or hardwood but still offers a whole array of colors, styles, and options. Property owners also like vinyl because it is quite simple to replace and repair if needed. Vinyl planking, in particular, can be repaired in small sections without needing to replace the entire floor. Vinyl is also easy to keep clean and can withstand a decent amount of water damage.
There are particular solid reasons to think carefully before installing vinyl, however. Vinyl floors are often easily gouged or scratched, especially if a tenant moves heavy furniture without protecting the floor under it. Vinyl works well in some rooms, but some tenants may not like vinyl in each and every room of the house. As well as with tile and hardwood, it is possible to damage vinyl by using the wrong cleaning solution so that tenants would need clear guidelines on vinyl floor maintenance.
While tile, hardwood, and vinyl flooring are popular for a good reason, each comes with disadvantages that will have to be considered closely. Once you have done so, however, it can make choosing the right flooring for your rental property a swift and uncomplicated approach.
Have you found a rental property to invest in, but are feeling overwhelmed with the management side of things? Real Property Management Southeast Idaho has your solution! Contact us online or call us at 208-522-2400.
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