What is most durable flooring used 2021?

Question

Hi. I have a rental in Az where the carpet needs replacing. Has ceramic tile in kitchen, bathrooms and laundryrooms which I will leave as they all still look fine and have no chips etc. I am looking to put in laminate flooring but there are a lot to choose from. There is also LVP. I know it is best to go with 12 mm or higher on these. Anyone have longterm use of any of these that are working better than other and if so, which brands are holding up the best? This is for a 1900 sq ft house. Would like to have something that kids and small dogs can be on without scratching and is waterproof. Thanks, Nicole

Mike Reynolds · Answer

I know this is not the norm you will hear but here it is.

I like ceramic tile with impervious grout. The reason is one day someone will bring in the pets. Lots of pets. Urine will get under LVP. It wont get under impervious grout. It will cost a little bit more up front but save you on bleach later and cleaning fees.

Just mop and go rent to the next person.

JD Martin · Answer

If you don't need 100% waterproof, which is what I tend to use everywhere these days, I have some Pergo flooring in some of my rentals that is holding up amazingly well. The key I've found with laminate plank flooring of any brand/type is to use a heavy mil wear layer -12 or more - and use something that already has an irregular pattern and texture, which is generally something that looks like wood planks or some kind of irregular stone. Not only do scratches on those not show up as easy, they're easier to hide. I put a big scratch in one of my Pergo floors moving a refrigerator that didn't have a wheel (I didn't realize the wheel had come off) and after I touched it up with a paint pen I couldn't even figure out where the scratch was later. A couple of years later when the unit turned, I tried to find the scratch and still couldn't find it.

Wyatt Franta · Answer

Hi Nicole,

LVP is the most well-rounded material on a cost-effective basis. There are seemingly endless brands that likely all use the same white-label supplier. If you're going to hire a contractor, consult them for a recommendation. If not, head into a Lowe's/Home Depot and do the same.

Good luck

Nicole W. · Answer

@Mike Reynolds Thanks. I am checking into the pricing now. I did buy  5 of my houses with ceramic or porcelain tiles already in. They are the easiest for turn around and pets. Good reminder! Haha. Have you had any issues with chipping or cracking and having to replace/match later?

Russell Brazil · Answer

Concrete

Mike Reynolds · Answer

I get it but tile is durable and easy to replace just one or 2 tiles. Pus you can pressure wash your house if you want to. (dont try this at home though lol)

I have has to pull LVP because cat pee would be under it. If it is not installed correctly it will leak. Wrong glue or wrong install and you have an issue. Also, plastic is porous and tile is not. Both cost nearly the same for the installer and the materials depending on what you pick out.  Insurance is also cheaper because tile is not flammable.

Annchen Knodt · Answer

If you're interested, I made a comparison chart of floating LVP products when I was shopping last year with a major focus on durability (also share some challenges with replacing carpet with LVP over wooden subfloor): https://www.biggerpockets.com/...

There are lots of great LVP options out there though so I definitely don't think it's necessary to go down the rabbit hole like I did…

Chris Wilson · Answer

When we updated 3 units in a building in 2018 we put in vinyl plank flooring in the kitchen and living areas and carpet on the stairs and bedrooms. When we sold it in 2021 the flooring was still fine. In our own home this spring we put in LVP in all the rooms upstairs other than the bathrooms which we left for alone for now. ( new house to us ) We have a small dog that runs 90 miles an hour in the house and a cat and to date the floors show no issues with that. If you will have issues with sand/rocks in folks shoes that kind of abrasive might/maybe/not sure be an issue with vinyl flooring. My hiking boots stay in the garage when I come home from a hike.

@Annchen Knodt made a great point about the subfloor. We had to have additional work done to address issues and there are still a couple of spots with a dip.

Bud Gaffney · Answer

@Nicole W. Vinyl planks. No close 2nd.

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

Well that would only leave you with tile......use the wood look tile, slip sheet it if necessary and you'll be fine. The tenants can get some rugs if they want a warmer feel.....