Do it yourself landlord - Flooring?

Question

I maintain all of my own properties and I was wondering what flooring others use.  Ultimately I would like the cheapest flooring that would last the longest.  I use ceramic/terra cotta flooring in wet areas but I am more concerned for other areas - living rooms, bedrooms, hallways and stairs.  Any recommendations?

Jake Sharpei · Answer

Dan,

Let me start by saying that I'm an engineer, so I'm ultra-focused on the blend of cost-durability-functionality-cosmetics in all of our spending decisions.  If I can't spend a dollar and either make or save more than that dollar down the road, then it's not gonna work.

All that being said, we have been using Allure Luxury Vinyl Plank for a number of reasons.

• It's available at our local Home Depot in lots of varieties for $1.50-1.99 per sqft.
• It's super-fast to lay with the pressure activated adhesive strips and easy to cut.
• It's a relatively thick floating floor, so that means no underlayment costs and can go on slab, wood, linoluem, even if the subfloor is a bit uneven, it will flex smoothly.
• It's ultra-durable. Does not get damaged from moisture.
• It's sanitary and pet-proof so our tenants have appreciated this fact.
• It looks good.  Better than laminate.

And possibly the biggest reason was that I caught a fluke, 1-day sale at Home Depot for this floor at $0.99/sf...  So I bought 10,000 sqft 6 months ago.  We have used it in high and low-end properties with very positive results.  Please let me know if you can find Allure floor around $1 price point.  We have nearly consumed our 10k supply.

Best of luck with the flooring!

Richard C. · Answer

Hardwood.  Actual, 3/4", nailed in place hardwood can last many decades and be refinished a dozen times.

I have used thru-body porcelain in wet areas.  It is significantly tougher than ceramic and doesn't cost much more.

Marcia Maynard · Answer

@Dan Perrott  Here is a commercial YouTube video that shows the product and demonstrates how to install it. You can see many products demonstrated on YouTube these days.  YouTube is one on my go-to spots when I hear about something and want to see it in action!

TrafficMaster Allure Ultra Resistant Vinyl Plank Flooring.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZpiieM-gSs

Allen Black · Answer

Hi @Dan Perrott ,

I believe you are on the right track. Resilient Vinyl Plank Flooring is durable, easy to apply, water-resistant and the best feature- very reasonable priced!

Rocky Sanguedolce · Answer

I must have bought a semi trailer load of this stuff http://www.samsclub.com/sams/luxury-vinyl-tile-mountain-slate/prod9230750.ip I love it. You can drop a nuke on it and it will still look good & it's moderately easy to install.

Kendall T. · Answer

I agree, I use the vinyl plank flooring flooring, and it is awesome, it goes a lot smoother when you have a professional install it for you.

Dan Perrott · Answer

@Jake Sharpei @Marcia Maynard  I will look into the Allure vinyl planking.  I have used the wood based floating floors but I know that they scratch and when they get standing water, they damage easy.  That is why I am looking for a product.  Thanks for the info!

Question - is the Allure like laying the other wood planking products?  I have laid 1000's of square feet of this but have had some damages that I had to repair.

In all of my kitchens, I have laid commercial hardness tile that is basically indestructible and has done great for me.  But it is very labor intensive to install.  With me personally laying the tile, it cost me an average of about $1.35 sq ft laying 1 foot squares (cost of my time is not included)

Marcia Maynard · Answer

I almost ditto what @Jake Sharpei says, but our choice is the TrafficMaster Allure Ultra Vinyl Plank with the click type assembly. More waterproof, easier to install and can be unclicked and moved if necessary. We put this in the kitchen and laundry areas. One tenant asked why we didn't just do the entire apartment with it as it looks like hardwood and would look good in any room. Maybe we will at some point.

Do it yourself landlord - Flooring?

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