In rental properties, floors go through significant wear and tear. That is why it’s important to choose the right floor type that can withstand this. The question now is, would hardwood floors in rentals be the best option? At first glance, hardwood floors offer aesthetics and durability, but also come with demanding maintenance and high upfront costs. Continue reading to learn more about hardwood floors in rentals and what you should expect.
Key Takeaways
- Hardwood floors offer strong visual appeal but come with higher costs and maintenance risks.
- Hardwood flooring in rentals can cost thousands upfront, so owners should consider whether higher rent or reduced vacancy will realistically offset the investment.
- Hardwood works best in premium rentals with long-term tenants, while high-turnover housing typically benefits from more durable alternatives.
Pros and Cons of Hardwood Floors in Rentals
Coming from our experience in Austin-area property management, we know that hardwood floors come with their fair share of advantages and disadvantages. For some, the perks outweigh the drawbacks, while others believe that hardwood floors in rentals are not worth the trouble and risk. To help you make this decision, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of having hardwood floors in rentals.
Let’s start with the pros. First, hardwood floors are primarily known for their aesthetics, often associated with luxury and timeless appeal. Whether you’re going for a modern design or a rustic vibe, hardwood floors will fit right in. Because of this, a lot of tenants look for hardwood floors and are even willing to pay more to take advantage of their versatility. Simply put, hardwood floors in rentals serve as a high-demand feature that you can leverage to boost rental income.
Aside from this, hardwood floors are also known for their durability. Ever heard of older homes still having pristine hardwood floors even after several years? All it needs is some sanding, and you have fresh wood flooring ready to be stained and refinished for a brand-new look. Another perk? Hardwood floors are generally easy to clean because they don’t trap dust, dirt, and other allergens. Even pet odor, which is a common problem with carpet flooring, doesn’t stick as much.
Now, what about the drawbacks of hardwood floors in rentals? One disadvantage is that wooden floors are generally prone to scratches and dings. Similarly, moisture and water damage are possible risks, especially if the hardwood flooring is not properly treated to prevent them. These are problems that tenants don’t usually have to worry about with carpet or even with luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring.
On top of this, installing hardwood floors in rentals comes at a higher upfront cost. Not to mention that maintenance needs are more demanding (periodic refinishing, protective coating, etc.), especially if you want to ensure its longevity.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Hardwood Floors in Rentals?
We’ve slightly touched on the topic of costs, but how much does it usually take to install hardwood floors in rentals? Well, it depends on some key factors, including materials, floor size, and labor costs. Let’s break these down a little further.
First, hardwood floors in rentals come in different material types and grades. For example, you can find maple hardwood floors at different price points, depending on the quality and grade. Then, there’s the square footage. Rentals in the US have an average apartment size of 908 square feet. This can easily put the cost of installing hardwood floors in rentals into the thousands. Taking all of these factors into consideration, the average cost of hardwood floor installation can vary, but it is generally around $9,000 or more.
Hardwood vs. Carpet vs. LVP: What Performs Best in Rentals
When we talk about flooring in rental properties, some of the most popular choices are hardwood, carpet, and luxury vinyl planks (LVP). But how do these really differ from one another? Specifically, which option performs particularly well in a rental property? Well, here’s a quick comparison of hardwood flooring against carpet and LVP.
| Hardwood Flooring | Carpet | Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) | |
| Average Lifespan | 20+ years with periodic refinishing | 5 to 10 years | 10 to 15 years |
| Pet Friendliness | Prone to scratches, but odor doesn’t stick | Pet odor and dander sticks | Scratch-resistant, easy cleanup |
| Maintenance Requirements | Easy cleanup, periodic finishing | Frequent cleaning and replacement | Easier plank-by-plank repairs |
| Tenant Appeal | High | Moderate | High |
| Upfront Costs | High | Low | Moderate |
When Hardwood Makes Sense (and When It Doesn’t)
With all things considered, hardwood floors in rentals can be a matter of priority or preference. So, how do you decide if you want to install hardwood floors in your rental property? Let’s dissect when hardwood floors make sense and when, practically speaking, they don’t.
First, hardwood floors make sense if you’re looking to rent to more long-term tenants. This type of flooring offers the luxurious appeal, but also the long-term durability and convenience when it comes to maintenance and cleanup. Similarly, hardwood is ideal if your rental property is located in a premium or high-end neighborhood, positioning it as a top-of-the-market rental. Lastly, having hardwood floors in rentals also makes sense if the property already has them, allowing you to have this sought-after feature for significantly less than the cost of getting them newly installed.
On the flip side, hardwood floors generally do not make sense under certain conditions that introduce unnecessary operational risks and costs. For example, if you want to welcome pets into your rental, you’re putting the floors at risk of moisture issues and scratches. Similarly, high turnover can also expose the flooring to moving-related damage and more frequent professional cleaning and repair costs. In terms of pricing, installing hardwood floors as a capital improvement may not be ideal for locations targeted for mid-market housing.
How Bay Property Management Group Can Help
The decision to have hardwood floors in rentals or not primarily depends on your leasing strategy. On one hand, hardwood floors can elevate your property’s market value and appeal, making it a key feature for qualified, long-term tenants. But on the other hand, it may not be the most practical or profitable option, especially if you take into account the upfront costs, potential damage, and long-term maintenance requirements. In such cases, it’s ideal to look at the big picture and look at hardwood floors in terms of overall durability, appeal, and long-term maintenance costs.
Still can’t decide on your rental flooring? Maybe we at Bay Property Management Group can help. With our experience in the rental market, we have a good understanding of tenants’ needs and preferences, as well as long-term property maintenance and repair needs. Interested? Contact us today and let’s get talking.
