Laminate or vinyl plank
8 Replies
Ron Luna
from Olive Branch, Mississippi
posted almost 3 years ago
Starting to get general plans together for rehabs for both rental and flips. I was wondering what experienced investors recommend for flooring. We have visited several flooring companies and a few have told us that their vinyl products are now selling more than laminate. My target market is in MS just south of Memphis. I am looking to initially concentrate on SFP's that are around 1300-1800 sf and typically sell in today's market (retail) from $110k - $190k. My goal is to provide a quality rehab, so I don't want to use junk, but definitely not top of the line at this price point. For rentals I definitely want durability, but a look and quality that will attract the right kind of renters. Any suggestions or recommendations?
Matt J.
Investor from Tacoma, WA
replied almost 3 years ago
David Fernandez
Real Estate Agent from Vienna, VA
replied almost 3 years ago
Hi @Ron Luna , I rarely do flips, so I can’t speak for that.
However I own quite a few rentals and LVP (Luxury Vinyl Planks) is the way to go for us. They look great (the technology has advance so much that people think they are real hardwood), they are very resilient, they are easy to install and maintain, they are waterproof (I had laminate in one rental and so had to change the entire flooring as it got ruin after a smal water accident; on the other hand, I install LVP in kitchens and bathrooms and never had an issue), etc.
Keep in mind that, as with any product, there’s a wide range of qualities and prices. We found that the click system installation and a wear layer of 20 mil (definitively no less than 12 mil) gives a great combination of affordability, ease of installation, and durability.
Here’s a link where you can learn a little bit more about LVP: https://www.flooret.com/vinyl-basics/
Good luck!
Steve S.
Investor from River City, Manitoba
replied almost 3 years ago
Vinyl plank man! I can't speak enough about this type of product. Look to see if you can get a commercial mid-grade product and you'll be happy for years. Few issues with the product, easy to install and if you ever have to repair/replace a damaged plank it's soooooooo easy!
Gary F.
from Honolulu, Hawaii
replied almost 3 years ago
LVP is also easier to install. Some shorter pieces can be just scored with a knife and snapped off. Saves time going back and forth to the saw and saves costs on blades (which are expensive at $30-$50 each). Lumber liquidators has a decent selection and good prices
Mike B.
Flipper/Rehabber from Yardley, PA
replied almost 3 years ago
I also use LVP in kitchens and baths now. Installation is faster then tile, waterproof, etc. I always buy a quality product and as noted above, Lumber Liquidators has good pricing on mid to high tier products. Signup as a contractor with them and you'll get a discounted price vs. retail
Ron Luna
from Olive Branch, Mississippi
replied almost 3 years ago
Thanks everyone for your recommendations...vinyl it is!
Hannah Krebs
Flipper/Rehabber from Saint Paul, MN
replied almost 3 years ago
Marian Smith
Real Estate Investor from Williamson County, Texas
replied over 2 years ago
Free eBook from BiggerPockets!

Join BiggerPockets and get The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Real Estate Investing for FREE - read by more than 100,000 people - AND get exclusive real estate investing tips, tricks and techniques delivered straight to your inbox twice weekly!
- Actionable advice for getting started,
- Discover the 10 Most Lucrative Real Estate Niches,
- Learn how to get started with or without money,
- Explore Real-Life Strategies for Building Wealth,
- And a LOT more.
Sign up below to download the eBook for FREE today!
We hate spam just as much as you