With an increasing number of people choosing to pay rent over mortgage in Australia, investment properties are becoming more popular. As a landlord, there are many factors to consider when choosing renter-friendly flooring, particularly price, durability and longevity. To give you some guidance, here is a list of popular flooring choices and the pros and cons of each:

Hardwood

Pros: In terms of durability, hardwood is renowned for being a floor that can last a lifetime. Solid hardwood can be refinished numerous times for a fresh look. It also is moisture resistant, easy to clean and can boost property resale value.

Cons: Hardwood is one of the more expensive options, however, it is also a long-term investment. It is not scratch-proof, so heeled shoes and vacuum heads may dent the wood. It is not ideal for humid climates as planks can expand/contract.

Good for: Living/dining areas, hallway and bedrooms.

Carpet

Pros: A much lower priced option, carpets are easy to install and last around 5-7 years. They are much cheaper to replace than most other floors. Carpets also act as an insulator, lowering the heating bills. They are ideal in multi-storey properties as they muffle noise and footsteps.

Cons: Carpets stain easily and are likely to need professional cleaning between tenants. They aren’t highly durable and are not advised in areas of high footfall.

Good for: Bedrooms.

Vinyl Plank

Pros: Very popular in wet areas, vinyl is hard-wearing, highly resistant to water and low-cost. It absorbs noise well and is softer underfoot than other solid surfaces. It has a quick and simple installation process and can be cleaned easily.

Cons:  Vinyl is not scratch-proof and can be dented by sharp objects. It is difficult to remove if installed using glue.

Good for: Bathrooms, kitchens, hallways, living/dining areas.

Laminate

Pros: With a similar appearance to hardwood, laminate is often installed as a more affordable alternative. It is resilient, easy to maintain and highly scratch-resistant – ideal for high traffic areas.

Cons: Though durable, laminate won’t last as long as hardwood. It isn’t waterproof and can be susceptible to moisture damage. If installed as a floating floor, footsteps can sound noisy and hollow.

Good for: Living/dining areas, hallway and bedrooms.

Now that you are equipped with the pros and cons, it’s time to choose the flooring for your rental property. Pop into one of our stores or speak to our knowledgeable staff for more information.