Any suggestions on rent house flooring?

Question

I am about to put new flooring in a single family rental.  I want it to be very durable and trendy but not too expensive.  I am willing to spend about $1.50/ft for tile or a "wood look" laminate.  I want to do a combo of those two.  Any suggestions?  The house will rent for about $1,400, so I want it to look nice enough!

Will Browm · Answer

I followed the advice of another BPer when they suggested the Porcelain tile.  I used the vendor they suggested (Floor and Decor) and found it for $.79 a foot.  I have seen it on sale at Home Depot for the same or 69 cents.  It looks fantastic is many times harder than ceramic tile and (I installed 10 months ago) is very durable.

George P. · Answer

i installed allure in my basement.

for $1400, i will give them anything they want.

Jon Klaus · Answer

Tile is better in most cases but install cost is much higher.

James H. · Answer

For 1.50 per sq ft in just materials, you could use tile throughout. Is Allure preferred over tile?

James Vermillion · Answer

We just had the Allure Vinyl installed in the living/dining/kitchen in our first rental property and we are very pleased.  I am happy with the looks but even more importantly I believe the products will hold up well and I have to worry less about water and other damage than with other flooring options.

In addition, I like the fact that I can easily replace a section of the floor if it is damaged.  I plan on using the allure vinyl planks again very soon on rental number 2.

Jon Klaus · Answer

Wood laminate's edges can start curling up in a few years, especially in a humid environment. And water will kill it.  You might have a tenant that leaves it wet. The vinyl planks will be fine.  The Allure might be a bit low end for a $1400 rental, but Armstrong has higher grade planks, too.  Over $2psf, though.  I've seen it in high traffic retail stores.

Jason Grote · Answer

Thanks Jon, the $1.50 is for material only.  So, you think the vinyl wears better than the laminate wood?  I have had conflicting opinions about that.  I do plan on putting tile in the wet areas to break up the look.  Have you seen the sheet vinyl that they put in apartments?  My friend has it in his apartment and it looks amazing.

Jon Klaus · Answer

$1.50 for material, or installed?  I like Armstrong Allure vinyl planks for about $1.50 PSF, material only, and it installs quickly.  It might not look quite as good as $1.50 laminate, but it will wear better and can be used in wet areas.  However, for a $1400 rental, I'd go with tile in the wet areas.