Which carpet to install in bedrooms in a rental property?

Question

Hi all,

We need to install new carpet in 3 bedrooms in a mid-end rental property in So Cal, and I would like some advice on which is the best type of carpet to install. I did some reading online, and came up with the below parameters on which the choice of carpet can be based:

Carpet material: Nylon/Polyester(PET)/Triexta, etc

Carpet cut: Cut-pile/Plush/Berber/Loop, etc

Carpet Face weight: 14oz/17oz/25oz, etc

Carpet pad: 8lbs, etc..

I spoke to a few carpet stores in town, but each one of them told me a different choice. So, at this point, I am not very clear on the best one to install.

Bedrooms are generally lower traffic areas, so the carpet may not go through a lot of wear and tear, like the stairs? I would like the carpet to be economical in price, but also not so flimsy that it falls apart and I would need to replace it again after 2 years.

Can folks please suggest which carpet type will be a good one to use, based on parameters like carpet material, the cut, face weight, etc. Also, how much do you pay for cost/yard including labor+material? And which stores in So Cal can I get the carpet at the best price? Thanks for your help.

- Andy.

Sam Leon · Answer

Depends on location.

Down here in South Florida with the humidity and heat, carpets can be gross.

I love to buy properties with carpets over terrazo. I get to tear out the carpets and restore the terrazo.

Bryan N. · Answer

Boom!!!

http://t.homedepot.com/p/Viking-Color-Buckwheat-Lo...

Cheap to replace and hides stains well. I buy the carpet and have a carpet contractor install it.

Dawn Anastasi · Answer

I used to do carpet, but I have been trying to stay away from it.

Account Closed · Answer

I try to stay away from carpet. It's expensive, mis used and fills up the landfills. I prefer laminates, hardwood and tile for higher end. Tile is great where you have a concrete surface. They have wood laminate looking tiles that are cool and cheap. Put a low cost area rug in there to display how easy they can buy their own.

Joshua Houchins · Answer

@Andy K One thing that a lot of people don't know about or understand about is if you're going to put carpet in a rental property you need to try to put in commercial carpet squares. They are easy to lay down and install they also can be replaced as individual squares without having to replace the entire room if they get damaged. It is a very cost-effective way to keep carpet in your property without having to replace it every time a tenant moves out. Depending on the price range of your property or the actual value of it the carpet squares is a good way to save money as well as keep it looking nice and save yourself money on cost of repairs. Carpet squares are traditionally used in commercial buildings for the exact same reason that I'm telling you above. Any type of flooring that comes in sheets do you have to replace the whole room if only a small portion is damaged. If you plan to eventually sell the property you can just tear the carpet squares out and lay down traditional residential carpet. Good luck.

Account Closed · Answer

I personally don't put carpet in any of my rentals any more. It will get ruined, guaranteed. I put wood, laminate, tile or lino everywhere. I do have carpet in a few mobile homes, but it is the thin cheap stuff and the places are so small it doesn't cost much to replace it.

Javier Marchena · Answer

I will try to install tile in all of my rentals if I can. It save me a lot of money in the long run.

Karen Rittenhouse · Answer

Laminates are ok for low end. Hardwoods are best for any property. But carpet is probably most popular for tenants.

It will not wear out, it will not have time as it will need to be replaced because of stains. And, yes, you will need to replace it no matter what you spend.

So, spend as little as possible and get a better pad so it wears and looks better. Just know you will be replacing, usually one room at a time, depending upon which room gets the stains.

Marcia Maynard · Answer

I'll be interested in seeing the answers to your questions too! I can say, get a good quality pad, as that will be key to getting better carpet wear. We buy at least 8 lb. Also, check the subfloor prior to laying down the carpet... is it in good shape? what about stains and smells from pet urine? staples still remaining from previous installs? We prep floors with removing the staples and applying an oil based odor and stain blocker such as Kilz or Zinsser. Talk to your local professional carpet cleaners to glean from their knowledge... as they have seen and cleaned a wide variety.

Which carpet to install in bedrooms in a rental property?

Which carpet to install in bedrooms in a rental property?

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