5 Flooring Tips for Rental Properties

At the top of your list will be choosing something that will withstand high traffic, spills and general wear and tear. Just like your own home, replacing carpet or hard flooring is not something you will want to do all the time. Pick appropriate, hard-wearing floors like luxury vinyl plank flooring or hybrid flooring, or solution dyed nylon carpet, polyester or triexta carpet yarns, which have stain-resistant properties.

Of course, you will want your investment home to look great to attract renters and for the occupant to have a lovely, comfortable home to live in! As you will not be designing the colour palette to work with your own décor, try to keep things neutral to appeal to a wide range of applicants. A neutral colour base will help the tenants feel like their own furniture and items will work, regardless of style. This applies to the whole palette within the property, considering not only flooring, but paint colours, window treatments and other finishes.

At the end of the day, some products require a little more TLC than others. Products like laminate flooring and vinyl flooring will require less maintenance than solid timber flooring, and nylon and polyester will require less care than wool carpets. It is worth noting that all flooring, regardless of material or style, will need some maintenance to ensure its longevity. Regular sweeping and mopping of hard flooring and vacuuming of carpet minimise dirt and grit, which can scratch hard flooring and mark carpet.

Most renovators will have a keen eye on the bottom line when working with investment properties. Striking a balance of quality and cost is key, and Flooring Xtra staff will be able to help you further here in store. There are some excellent products on the lower end of the cost spectrum of most styles of flooring, regardless of the material they’re made from. Be mindful not to go too “cheap”. The expense of replacing flooring in a few years to save a few bucks up front is far costlier in the long run.

There are a few finer details that can help you make your final decision, whether it be carpet or hard flooring. For example, really consider the carpet pile type, with loop pile being particularly resilient over time but not suitable for pets (hello pesky claws!). The colour of carpet and timber/ timber look stains also play a part. Lighter colours can show stains more clearly than dark ones, however, very dark carpet can also have this issue! To disguise the inevitable marks, try to choose a flooring that has variation as a feature. In carpet, this might mean variation in thread colour or in hard flooring a distinct grain or pattern.

If your rental property is in a multi-level complex, such as an apartment, acoustic control will also be important. There may be some restrictions as to what products can be installed, so it’s best to check with building management. Good flooring can significantly reduce noise in buildings. Carpet is one of the best options for acoustic control, as it naturally absorbs sound. Pairing it with a high-quality carpet underlay further enhances sound insulation. If you prefer hard flooring, there are still effective solutions. To find the best option for your space, talk to your local Flooring Xtra store for tailored advice.

If you have a rental property, it’s likely you will want to renovate or replace flooring within some sort of budget constraints while also ensuring it looks great. It’s worth considering the long-term value of flooring, however. Choosing quality, resilient products will ensure the flooring looks good for longer. It also involves professional flooring installation that will guarantee quality installation and maintain warranties, too.

Selecting the right flooring for your investment property is all about finding the sweet spot between durability, style, and affordability. With so many products on the market, from hardwearing hybrid floors to stain-resistant carpets, there’s something to suit every rental and every budget. Keeping maintenance, acoustics, and long-term value in mind will help you make a smart decision that not only attracts quality tenants but also reduces the need for frequent replacements. For expert advice tailored to your property, visit your local Flooring Xtra store. Their experienced team can guide you through the best options to get the most from your investment.

What are the benefits of a professional flooring installer?

Deciding what new flooring you will install at home is a big deal! There is a lot to consider and it’s an investment which is why it’s important to get the installation done by the professionals- they know what they are doing and are incredibly knowledgable. They have all the right tools, they can problem solve, drawing on years of experience and get things done promptly. Each Flooring Xtra store has its own professional installers so you can relax while the experts get the job done!

What hard flooring is good for pets?

Scratch resistant flooring works well when living with pets. Keep pet claws and paws in check to minimise any scratching and read our hard flooring and pet guide to find the perfect flooring solution for your furry friends!

What carpet is good for a dining room?

Carpet is a comfortable and warm flooring material. In high-traffic areas or where there is likely to be more mess, a stain-resistant fibre is a good option. Look for fibres like nylon, triexta, solution-dyed nylon, polyester and polypropylene which are more resilient to staining. Always make sure spills are cleaned up as soon as possible though, regardless of the carpet material!