6 Best Flooring Options for Rental Properties

One of the crucial decisions you'll need to make is choosing the right type of flooring for your properties. The right flooring not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your property but also affects durability and maintenance costs. However, finding the perfect flooring type can be complicated, especially when considering the demands of tenants. Here, you’ll find the six best options that are affordable, easily accessible, and easy to maintain.

The best rental property flooring include:

• Barrington Hardwoods Walnut Lumber: Best Hardwood Flooring
• Achim Home Furnishings Nexus Self-Adhesive Carpet Floor Tiles: Best Carpet
• Adolif Carrara White Marble Mosaic Tile: Best Tile Flooring
• Achim Home Furnishings Looselay Vinyl Plank: Best Laminate Plank Flooring
• Achim Home Furnishings Nexus Vinyl Tile: Best Luxury Vinyl Tile
• Art3d Peel and Stick Floor Tile: Best Vinyl Composite Tile

How We Selected the Best Rental Property Flooring

When selecting the best flooring options for rental properties, we considered various factors to ensure that landlords and property owners make informed decisions. By taking these criteria into account, we were able to identify the six best flooring types for rental properties.

We evaluated the rental property flooring based on:

• Landlord Recommendations: We gathered input from landlords and property owners who have experience with different types of flooring in rental properties.
• Online Reviews: We researched online reviews from tenants to determine their satisfaction with specific flooring types.
• Price: We considered the cost of materials and installation for each flooring option.
• Durability: We evaluated the durability of each flooring type, as rental properties often experience high traffic and tenant wear and tear.
• Maintenance Costs: We analyzed the maintenance costs of each flooring option to determine which required the least amount of upkeep.
• Ease of Installation: We evaluated the ease of installation for each type of flooring to determine which options were most convenient for landlords and contractors.

The best rental property flooring options are:

1. Barrington Hardwoods Walnut Lumber: Best Hardwood Flooring

If you’re looking to add significant value to your rental, you can’t go wrong with hardwood. Hardwood floors are a classic and elegant flooring option that have a timeless aesthetic appeal. Hardwood can also enhance the overall look and feel of any space. Though they’re not the easiest to maintain, they can last for decades, making them a cost-effective option in the long run.

The drawback is that they’re one of the most expensive options. They’re usually expensive (material-wise), and they require a lot of effort to install. Hardwood floors are susceptible to scratches and dents, which requires more maintenance and repeated varnishing. Moisture can also cause hardwood floors to warp and bend, which can be an issue in humid climates or areas prone to flooding.

Still, hardwood floors remain an excellent choice for rental properties due to their durability and long lifespan. They also add significant value to the rental property, which can be a unique selling point for potential tenants or if you decide to sell the property in the future.

For the best accessible hardwood, we recommend the Barrington Hardwoods Walnut Lumber on Amazon (you can also order through the Barrington Hardwoods site). Walnut is a solid hardwood option that can withstand high traffic and resist scratches and dents better than most. And if you don’t like the look of walnut, Barrington Hardwoods sells a variety of hardwood planks to choose from.

2. Achim Home Furnishings Nexus Self-Adhesive Carpet Floor Tiles: Best Carpet

Carpet floors are a popular option for rental properties due to their affordability and comfort. Carpet floors can add a cozy and inviting atmosphere to any rental property, while also being functional as they absorb noise, making them a great option for properties with shared walls or floors.

Unfortunately, they can be difficult to clean and maintain. Stains and spills can be challenging to remove, and carpets can trap dirt and dust, which affects air quality. Carpets are also prone to wear and tear, particularly in high traffic areas.

When choosing carpet floors, look for durability and ease of maintenance. You may also want to consider carpet tiles, which can be easily replaced if damaged. Stain-resistant and low-pile carpet options may be better suited for rental properties as they are easier to clean and maintain.

If you’re looking for the perfect carpet flooring, try the Nexus Self-Adhesive Carpet Floor Tiles on Amazon. You can also view their website for more options. These self-adhesive tiles can be easily installed without the need for professional installation, making them a convenient option for low-maintenance landlords.

3. Adolif Carrara White Marble Mosaic Tile: Best Tile Flooring

Tile floors are a great choice for rentals due to their durability and versatility. These floors are moisture-resistant, making them an excellent option for areas like bathrooms and kitchens. They come in a variety of colors, styles, and designs, so you can choose the ones that suit your property's aesthetic best.

As always, consider a tile’s durability, ease of maintenance, and slip resistance. Additionally, non-slip finishes can be a great option for areas prone to moisture. Because they can be cracked or damaged, tiles that can be easily replaced, like those found at major retailers, will save you headaches in the long run.

Keep in mind that aside from cracking and chipping, other drawbacks are a tile’s hard and cold surface, which can be uncomfortable during winters. Tile floors can also be challenging to install, requiring professional installation in most cases.

For a timeless design, we recommend the Adolif Carrara White Marble Mosaic Tile that you can get in 5 sheets on Amazon. This tile is an elegant and sophisticated option, albeit expensive, that can resist wear and tear. 

4. Achim Home Furnishings Looselay Vinyl Plank: Best Laminate Plank Flooring

True hardwood floors may be out of reach for most, due to their price tag and high maintenance. Still, that doesn’t mean that the look is out of the question: laminate plank floors are a cost-effective alternative to hardwood flooring that can provide a similar aesthetic appeal. These floors are made of composite materials and are highly durable. Additionally, they’re much easier to clean and maintain, which can save landlords time and money on upkeep.

Though they’re much easier to maintain than hardwood floors, laminate plank floors are still susceptible to water damage. While these floors are water-resistant, they can warp or buckle if exposed to excessive moisture. They are also still prone to scratches and dents; thankfully, they’re easy to replace.

The best part about laminate floors is that they don’t require professional installation. We love the Achim Home Furnishings Looselay Vinyl Plank with its floating mechanism that sits on top of the subfloor without any adhesive, allowing for the natural expansion of the wood. With enough know-how, you can install these planks by yourself. Get the look on Amazon or on the Achim Home Furnishings website. 

5. Achim Home Furnishings Nexus Vinyl Tile: Best Luxury Vinyl Tile

In the same vein, there are a variety of LVT (luxury vinyl tile) options that also look, and feel, like the real thing. Made from synthetic materials, LVT can replicate the look of natural stone, ceramic, or hardwood flooring at a lower cost. The best part is these are highly resistant to moisture and scratches.

Note that because of the image layer of LVT, these are prone to fading and discoloration over time, particularly in areas exposed to direct sunlight. Still, for their cost and ease of installation, this shouldn’t be a worry for most landlords.

For the widest selection of LVT, check out Achim Home Furnishings Nexus Vinyl Tile available on Amazon. We love that its self-adhesive backing allows for easy installation without the need for additional tools or adhesives.

6. Art3d Peel and Stick Floor Tile: Best Vinyl Composite Tile

You may be confused about the difference between luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and vinyl composite tile (VCT). While they’re both made of vinyl, VCT is made from a combination of vinyl and ground limestone, making it more affordable but less versatile in design.

Because it can withstand heavy foot traffic and is resistant to scratches, dents, and stains, VCT is a great choice for hallways and other high-traffic areas. VCT is also relatively easy to maintain and can be cleaned with a damp mop and mild detergent.

Note that most VCT can be challenging to install and may require professional assistance. VCT is also not as comfortable as other flooring, such as carpet or hardwood, making it less desirable for living areas (though still doable). 

For something you can do yourself, we recommend a peel and stick option: the Art3d Peel and Stick Floor Tile. These tiles are easy to install, cost-effective, and durable. They also come in a variety of patterns and colors. You can get them on Amazon or the Art3d store. However, these peel and stick tiles may not be as durable as traditional VCT and may require more frequent replacement.

Key Takeaway

Selecting the best flooring for rental properties can be a challenge, and you need to consider factors such as price, durability, ease of installation, and maintenance costs. Each of the six types of flooring in this article has its unique benefits and drawbacks. But to get the best flooring option for your rental property, carefully consider your needs and the needs of your tenants.