What is the best flooring for a small rental?

Question

Under contract on first property and wanted advice for the best flooring for a 600 sq ft 1/1 Condo. The flooring there right now is fairly cheap but usable. I am considering replacing the flooring but don't know which is best. I want to upgrade the unit but not break the bank for something so small. Thoughts?

Jeffrey Stasz · Answer

Disagree on Vinyl Plank. It does not hold up as advertised, it can't be refinished and consumers are wise to it.

For rentals I've had great luck with #2 Red Oak. It's affordable. It's beyond tough and when it get's beat up a cheap sand and poly job has them looking like new. A typical sand and refinish in my market is going to run 600-1500.

You also get a little premium for having "hardwood floors throughout"

Typically when folks are shopping for hardwood floors they are looking at #1 or Select and they usually run at 8-9sqft installed. But the lesser grade lumbers like #2 offer a great value and the irregularity can add tremendous character to your rental.

Richard Fields · Answer

Agree with Brandon. Vinyl plank is the way to go. It holds up and if you use the click together type it's practically waterproof. I've done 2 baths and a kitchen with it and had no problems. Even when they overflowed the toilet

Brandon Sturgill · Answer

VInyl plank is pretty versatile...and such a small area wouldn't break the bank...at $1.75- $2.50 sq. ft. Very tenant proof and it looks good!

@Robert Evans

Jeffrey Stasz · Answer

@Alex Saleeby you got it man. I think one of the things that folks miss out on from always trying to "be there own GC" is a deeper understanding of the trade offs and long term performance of materials.

I've learned SO SO much about materials and what not since going full time into construction and development.

A good resource is the Journal of Light Construction (JLC) and Fine Home Building. You probably already know this but it might be worth the time to set up an account with your local building materials supplier (Not lowes or HD) those folks always have their ear to the ground and can often recommenced better options.

Alex Saleeby · Answer

Thanks for the tip @Jeffrey Stasz on the utility hardwood. I put LVT in all my rentals but starting to rethink that strategy. Doesn't seem to hold up well. Varying grades and material thickness. Separates at the seams. Floors are less than a year old and having issues. The "water-proof" aspect is great, but the material quality is otherwise disappointing.

Richard Fields · Answer

I've used one from Home Depot that was good, but I forget the brand. The other one that I'd recommend over Home Depot was Tranquility from Lumber Liquidators. It was just as good and cheaper

What is the best flooring for a small rental?

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