Which carpet to install in bedrooms in a rental property?

[Andy K]

Hi all,

We need to install new carpet in 3 bedrooms in a mid-end rental property in So Cal, and I would like some advice on which is the best type of carpet to install. I did some reading online, and came up with the below parameters on which the choice of carpet can be based:

Carpet material: Nylon/Polyester(PET)/Triexta, etc

Carpet cut: Cut-pile/Plush/Berber/Loop, etc

Carpet Face weight: 14oz/17oz/25oz, etc

Carpet pad: 8lbs, etc..

I spoke to a few carpet stores in town, but each one of them told me a different choice. So, at this point, I am not very clear on the best one to install.

Bedrooms are generally lower traffic areas, so the carpet may not go through a lot of wear and tear, like the stairs? I would like the carpet to be economical in price, but also not so flimsy that it falls apart and I would need to replace it again after 2 years. 

Can folks please suggest which carpet type will be a good one to use, based on parameters like carpet material, the cut, face weight, etc. Also, how much do you pay for cost/yard including labor+material? And which stores in So Cal can I get the carpet at the best price? Thanks for your help.

- Andy.

[Joshua Houchins]

@Andy K    One thing that a lot of people don't know about or understand about is if you're going to put carpet in a rental property you need to try to put in commercial carpet squares.   They are easy to lay down and install they also can be replaced as individual squares without having to replace the entire room if they get damaged.   It is a very cost-effective way to keep carpet in your property without having to replace it every time a tenant moves out.  Depending on the price range of your property or the actual value of it the carpet squares is a good way to save money as well as keep it looking nice and save yourself money on cost of repairs.  Carpet squares are traditionally used in commercial buildings for the exact same reason that I'm telling you above.  Any type of flooring that comes in sheets do you have to replace the whole room if only a small portion is damaged.  If you plan to eventually sell the property you can just tear the carpet squares out and lay down traditional residential carpet.   Good luck.