Laminate flooring or hardwood looking ceramic tile?

[Peter G.]

When one of my tenants moves out I'll need to replace the carpet and I was thinking of replacing the carpet in the main part of the house/hallways with laminate or hardwood looking ceramic tile. Leaving the bedrooms carpeted. Which do you recommend for long life I plan on holding onto this house for a long time.

[Tom Keith]

@Peter G. Hi Peter,  there are people that will recommend every option for floor replacement on rental property.  Ceramic tile is much tougher and will withstand normal traffic better and therefore longer while being more costly.  There are different qualities of laminate that will do the job based on the quality and therefore the cost that you chose.  If you desire to chose between the two do not go with low end of laminate to compare with tile.  There are good qualities of laminate that can compare to tile while not costing the same for the product and/or installation.  I just put a luxury laminate throughout a rental except bedrooms and it priced well and was waterproof.  I expect it to wear well but will see as it went into a 4 bed, 3 bath home for a large family.  I made the choice of a brand from Lowes that was priced very well.   How long do you plan to keep the property?  That might help you make the choice.