Best flooring for rentals

[Carrie Purkeypile]

I have always had carpet in my rentals but I’ve been hearing more praise for putting in hard floors for less expense during rental turnover. When I called in a couple of flooring guys for estimates, one recommended vinyl panel flooring, which I had never heard of. He showed me samples and it looked gloriously hardy! The price was only slightly more than carpet if I chose from his “scraps” from larger jobs. Lots of great options. I was delighted with my choice.

It’s supposed to go in next week. Fast forward to tonight. I’m listening to a BP podcast with Jeff Thorman as the featured guest. He declares that you should NOT do vinyl plank flooring on a wood foundation home. I think the flight shifting/movement makes the planks pop out.

So I’m back to square one. Carpet? Or something else? This isn’t a luxury property. It’s a 2 bed 1 bath duplex. What would you do?

[Dawn P.]

I will only use either vinyl planks or tile for flooring in my rentals, I'll never waste time with laminate again (it did not hold up well to kids and pets, what a waste of time). No carpet anywhere, and I've had several tenants comment that they prefer the solid flooring over carpet, as it's easier to clean. They can always put a throw rug down for color/softness.

As far as vinyl over wooden subfloors, I have several rentals with vinyl planks over wood and haven't had a problem with separation. Make sure you leave the recommended gap along the walls and it should be fine.