{"id":6854,"date":"2017-02-24T11:03:30","date_gmt":"2017-02-24T19:03:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rentecdirect.com\/blog\/?p=6854"},"modified":"2023-01-04T12:37:18","modified_gmt":"2023-01-04T20:37:18","slug":"vinyl-flooring-for-rentals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentecdirect.com\/blog\/vinyl-flooring-for-rentals\/","title":{"rendered":"Vinyl-Plank Flooring: Durable Floors For Your Rental Property"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Durable<\/p>\n

Selecting the right floor for rental property is a balance between durability, affordability, and aesthetics.<\/p>\n

A good looking floor can create a desirable property feature, cutting down on \u00a0vacancy time and increasing the potential rental rate. Additionally, an expensive floor can add to the property value of your the investment<\/a>.<\/p>\n

However, since you are not going to be living at the property, picking the most beautiful hardwood floor is not always the wisest choice for an investor. \u00a0Renters are known to cause increased wear and tear on a property<\/a> compared to a homeowner, so investors are advised to find durable solutions for their properties.<\/p>\n

When it comes to flooring for a rental property, owners often consider carpet, wood flooring or vinyl.<\/p>\n

Today\u2019s vinyl flooring products are attractive, affordable, durable and stain-resistant. They can be installed in practically any room\u2014even kitchens and baths. <\/span><\/p>\n

Now, you\u2019re probably familiar with vinyl sheet flooring and vinyl floor tiles, but there\u2019s a new generation of resilient-vinyl flooring that\u2019s rapidly growing in popularity. Called vinyl-plank flooring, it comes in thin, flexible strips\u2014or \u201cplanks\u201d\u2014that resemble traditional hardwood floors. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Vinyl planks feature realistic wood-grain patterns and textures and come in styles that represent nearly every wood species: oak, cherry, teak, pine, walnut, hickory and maple, to name a few. There are dozens of colors from which to choose, including those that look like oil-based stains, natural wood tones and whitewashed or weathered finishes. <\/span><\/p>\n

However, the best reason to consider vinyl-plank flooring is that it\u2019s extremely easy to install, even for novice DIYers. The planks go down quickly, cut easily and don\u2019t require any messy adhesives or special fasteners. Before discussing the installation procedure, let\u2019s take a look at the two newest types of vinyl-plank flooring<\/a>: interlocking and grip-strip.<\/span><\/p>\n

Easy Installation: Two Options<\/b><\/h2>\n

Both interlocking planks and grip-strip planks can be installed as a floating floor, meaning that they\u2019re not fastened or glued down to the subfloor in any manner. The main difference between the two products is that interlocking planks have tongue-and-groove joints that snap together, while grip-strip planks come with a factory-applied adhesive that sticks the planks to each other. <\/span><\/p>\n

Each type of plank can be installed directly over plywood or OSB subfloors, concrete slabs and most existing floors, including wood, vinyl and ceramic tiles. However, approved installation methods vary from one manufacturer to the next, so be sure to read the installation instructions before proceeding. <\/span><\/p>\n

Also, note that grip-strip floors are water resistant, while some interlocking planks are waterproof. The final consideration, of course, is the price: Interlocking vinyl planks typically cost $2 to $3 per square foot. Grip-strip planks cost slightly less, averaging between $1.75 and $2 per square foot.<\/span><\/p>\n

Installation Basics<\/b><\/h2>\n

Regardless of whether you\u2019re putting down interlocking or grip-strip planks, observe the following rules to ensure a successful, professional-quality installation:<\/span><\/p>\n