Commercial Carpet vs. Residential Carpet for Rental

[David Avetisyan]

I have a unit that was recently well renovated, and I'm at the point where I need to install the carpet to get it ready for viewing.

With that said, I'm not sure whether I should go with Commercial Carpeting or Residential Carpeting. Either way, I'm going to be economical, so I do not plan on going with anything high end, but I'm having a difficult time deciding between the two.

Personally, I feel like commercial carpeting will provide the longevity I am searching for, but I do not want to make the place look cheap.

I was wondering if anybody could share some opinions to help me make a choice.

Thanks in advance!

[Steve Babiak]

I suggest you understand your local market better, because what works fine in one market is not accepted well in another market. Flooring is one of those things that does vary by market and by the grade of the tenant that will occupy the unit. Some BP member landlords recommend just painting the floor for their units - lower end tenants expected to occupy those. So there will be a broad range of flooring that you will read about here on BP.

Check what the competition around your unit is doing for flooring, and offer something similar but still durable - it is a rental after all. The tenant prospects will be checking out more than just your unit (usually), so they will see what your competitors have and either be impressed or put off by what you choose to do.