MarilynKelvin: Vinyl Flooring for Rental Properties?

Dear Bob and Betsy,

I am looking into vinyl flooring for a rental unit I own. I want a flooring that will be more durable than hardwood, and not hold onto odors and stains like carpet. Could you help me decide if vinyl flooring for rental properties is a good idea?

– Derrik

Dear Derrik,

Vinyl flooring is a great option for your rental! Vinyl flooring is perfect for homes and rental units for a variety of reasons. We're happy to help weigh the pros and cons of having vinyl flooring in your rental property!

The Best Vinyl For Rentals

In truth, a rental is no different than a residential installation. This means that there is no “special rental” vinyl flooring. What you may want to consider is the durability of the flooring. Your floor will last much longer if you purchase a vinyl flooring with a higher wear layer. A vinyl floor with a wear layer of 0.5mm will last much longer than one with a 0.10mm wear layer. Having the added durability will save you money in the long run, should unruly tenants attempt to destroy the flooring. And don't confuse thickness for durability. The thickness of the vinyl flooring only adds to the stability of the flooring. If you have a thin plywood subfloor, opt for a thicker vinyl. If you're installing over concrete, you can most certainly install a thinner vinyl flooring.

The different thicknesses of vinyl flooring

The Pros

1. Vinyl is Waterproof

You won't have to worry about tenants spilling liquids or pet accidents in your rental homes again! You should still wipe up spills within a timely manner, as there's still a chance that the water can seep down to the subfloor, but the planks themselves should not warp or buckle the same way hardwood or laminate would.

2. Vinyl is Anti-Slip

This is really great for those who are renting to elderly or families with young children. Most vinyl flooring is anti-slip to help prevent nasty accidents from happening!

3. Vinyl is UV Resistant

Windows aren't UV protected? No problem! Vinyl will not fade with sunlight, like hardwood will. So you won't need to worry about previous tenants furniture leaving unsightly sun-blotches on the floor.

4. Different Installation Options

There are three different options to installing vinyl plank flooring; click-lock, glue-down, or loose lay. If you're worried about the possibility of replacing planks due to excessive damage, consider loose lay or click lock vinyl flooring. Keep a spare box handy for instances like these, and you won't have to replace your rental flooring for decades! If you're worried about moisture, consider glue-down. You will glue this flooring directly to the subfloor and not have to worry about moisture seeping beneath!

5. Vinyl is an Affordable Option

Vinyl flooring can be as cheap as $0.75 per square foot, making this an affordable option for rental properties!

Bestlamiante Perfecto Alicante Sandstone stone vinyl flooring

The Cons

1. Vinyl Can Be Loud

There's not a lot you can do as for underlayment or padding for noise dampening properties for vinyl flooring. If you have tenants who are renting out an upper level of your home, you may want to consider laminate flooring with a sound-dampening underlayment. This will provide much more sound-dampening properties.

2. Vinyl is Not Very Thick

Vinyl isn't as thick as laminate or hardwood flooring. This can be a problem if your subfloor isn't very sturdy. The thickest laminate flooring Bestlaminate carries is 5mm, almost half as thick as our sturdiest 12mm laminate flooring.

3. Vinyl isn't Hardwood or Tile

While vinyl flooring is made to look like hardwood or tile, it is made of virgin vinyl, a plastic-like substance. It does feel different than a hardwood or tile flooring. It might not be a huge deal for you, but it could make your rental look cheap, if the vinyl you choose is of low quality.

4. Vinyl is Not Indestructible

Vinyl can be punctured and nicked by sharp objects. High heels and sharp knives can harm this flooring, if enough pressure is applied. But, no floor is indestructable, just keep this in mind when choosing your floors!

Feather Lodge Knock Out Vineyard Plank vinyl flooring

The choice is up to you! Vinyl really is a great choice if you're looking for a hardwood or carpet alternative that's low-maintenance and can last for decades!

Have more questions regarding rental units and vinyl flooring? Write to us in the comments below or at support@bestlaminate.com and we will be happy to help you!