Wood Flooring installation can cost anywhere from $2 to $20 per square foot of flooring installed, or $1,000 to $10,000 for 500 square feet of flooring. The national average flooring installation cost is around $7 per square foot or $3,500 per 500 square feet, which includes the cost of both materials and labor. Renovating a rental with new flooring requires careful consideration. You need something that looks attractive, remains low-maintenance, and will last long enough to be worth the investment. A few factors contribute to this decision. You’ll want to review your pet policy, maintenance and repair costs, and how much you’ll likely earn from the renovation versus the initial investment.
Let our team of hardwood specialists help you select hardwood floors that are the right style for each of your rooms, all within the right budget for you. Moreover, you get one of the best warranties in the industry, backed by VCH Flooring. Our flooring installation professionals and contractors are local, licensed, insured, and undergo a thorough background-screening process. In some situations, carpeting is the best choice, and in other situations, hardwood is ideal.
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Consider the advantages and disadvantages of every flooring material, what they add to your rental, and the potential difficulties you might encounter. Each of these flooring types comes in a variety of colors and textures that are sure to work in your unit. Whatever you choose, flooring is an important element of any rental, and there’s no reason to rush the decision. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of carpet, hardwood, vinyl, and engineered flooring.
Carpet
Carpet is one of the softest flooring materials, made from synthetic and natural fibers such as wool, nylon, polyester, and polypropylene. Its cushioned surface is comfortable on the feet and dampens sound. Additionally, carpet comes in a broad spectrum of colors and styles that match almost any interior decor. Although carpet is affordable, many renters see this flooring as a low-budget item. Many renters prefer the cleanliness and modernity of hardwood or vinyl in their homes.
Carpet is also not ideal for pet-friendly properties. While it’s easy enough to replace, it traps allergens, hair, and dirt that may increase the need for maintenance and heavy-duty cleaning. Pet claws, muddy footprints, and urine are all unfriendly to this flooring option. Carpet is susceptible to wear and tear and staining. Urine puddles can soak through carpet into the subfloor wood creating significant damage. Though some carpet materials are resistant to damage, carpet is a flooring option you’ll need to manage. Professional carpet cleaning costs an average of $51 per room. Even then, it usually requires replacement every five to ten years, even for a high-quality product. Approximate cost is$2 to $8 per square foot.
Hardwood
Hardwood is a popular choice, having earned a deserved classic reputation as a high-quality flooring option. Its timeless aesthetic adds elegance and beauty to a living space. Complementing most designs from rustic to contemporary to traditional, and its benefits extend beyond the superficial. You’ll spend far more on hardwood flooring options, but if you make the investment, you’ll find that it has a measurable impact on property value. Landlords can market hardwood flooring as a luxury amenity, potentially allowing you to up your rental rate.
Cats tend not to harm hardwood floors, but dogs can create more damage depending on their size and degree of training. If there are pets in a unit with hardwood, you can let your tenants know that regular dog care including nail clipping, floor padding, and prompt cleaning should minimize any long-term damage.
There are a few costs beside that of the material itself. You’ll need to delegate installation to a professional. Plus, while hardwood is easy to keep clean, refinishing to sand away wear and tear costs an average of $970 to $1,250 per 300 square feet. However, it is sensitive to standing water. Hardwood floors can potentially last a lifetime, but it might be hard to justify the repair costs if your rental tends to attract regular wear and tea
Vinyl
Vinyl is a synthetic material that’s formed from a combination of ethylene and chlorine. It has a variety of applications, from records to piping to gloves, and it has a place in your rental if you’re working within a tight budget. A good-quality vinyl floor can provide durability at a low cost. In a pet-friendly property, vinyl can be susceptible to scratches. Otherwise, its water-resistant nature makes it friendly to cats and dogs alike. However, it is subject to mold and mildew if persistently wet.
Whether or not vinyl is appealing to tenants depends largely on your market. It’s probably going to look cheap to renters at a higher price point. On the other hand, tenants will find it conveniently easy to care for, and a luxury vinyl can look quite nice if you’re willing to spend more on a quality product.
Vinyl is not eco-friendly. There is one significant complaint about vinyl as a rental flooring option: the material tends to emit an odor after installation, sometimes causing irritation. However, the odor dissipates within a few days with the windows open for ventilation. Still, you will need professional assistance to start this renovation, and the price point is attractive. Approximate cost is $2 per square foot, plus installation.jp
Engineered flooring
Engineered wood flooring is composed of a thin slice of hardwood layered on a base of high-quality plywood. It has the attractive look of natural hardwood and the advantage of extra resistance to humidity. It also avoids warping over time, which is a concern you may have if you invest in solid wood flooring. Like hardwood, engineered flooring can create marketable appeal for potential tenants. And engineered flooring is not great for pet-friendly rentals. Scratches can be sanded down only once or twice, total. Since the floor is made from real wood, renters will appreciate the quality and appearance, and it’s still likely the floor can justify a higher price point.
Engineered flooring cannot be refinished as often as hardwood. This can be a toss-up for a property owner, as it’s hard to say if the extra resistance matches up with the longevity of properly maintained hardwood. Engineered wood flooring wears away with sanding and has a shorter lifespan than hardwood. It also has poorer sound absorption than carpet. Because of its improved resistance to moisture and temperatures, engineered wood flooring can sometimes prove more expensive than hardwood. You’ll also want to consider professional installation. The price largely depends on your property’s unique needs. Approximate cost is $5 to $13 per square foot, plus installation
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