Flooring is one of the first things real estate investors think about when making a property renovation. It’s crucial to choose a durable flooring that withstands multiple tenants and the daily wear and tear they bring.
Fortunately, there are several flooring options that fit the bill. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular.
Carpet
Carpeting is an excellent option for landlords who wish to provide a cozy, warm atmosphere in their rental property. It is available in a variety of colours and textures. It is easy to install and can be easily maintained. However, it requires a lot of care and attention to detail, as improper preparation may lead to problems.
The fibres used to create the pile are important factors in determining the durability and quality of a carpet. Nylon is a popular choice, as it offers a high level of softness and resistance to abrasion, while olefin is hard-wearing and resistant to moisture. Polyester carpets are also durable and offer good value for money. They are able to withstand heavy foot traffic and are stain-resistant.
Carpet provides thermal resistance and retains warm air longer, which helps conserve energy. It also absorbs noise and can add a decorative element to a room. It also reduces the risk of accidents by cushioning our footsteps and minimizing slips and falls. In addition, it is one of the lowest emitters of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) among various flooring and interior finishes. However, it’s important to remember that a poorly maintained carpet will lose its appearance and feel over time. To prevent this, you should choose a quality product with a high face weight, a higher tuft twist and a high pile density.
Tiles
Tile is an incredibly versatile material that can be used in many ways in a home. It can be used to create a colorful backsplash in the kitchen, serve as an art-deco accent wall in the living room, or provide a durable waterproof floor in the bathroom. Tile is also easy to clean and resists water damage and stains. It is important to note that not all tiles are created equal. Depending on your budget, look, and specifications, you may want to consider choosing different types of tile for different rooms of your home.
Some tiles are made from recycled materials, which is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. In addition, many tile types are designed to improve your indoor air quality. There are even eco-friendly tiles that are designed to cool the room by absorbing and emitting heat, which can help save on energy bills.
Tiles are available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors, so they can be easily customized to fit your style. Tile is also extremely durable and can withstand heavy traffic without becoming scratched or damaged.
Another great benefit of tile is its ability to add value to your home. A beautiful tile floor can increase the resale price of your home by thousands of dollars. Additionally, a tile floor is more cost effective and easier to maintain than hardwood floors.
Cork
Cork is an environmentally friendly product with a moderate price point and good thermal and acoustic properties. It is made from the bark of the cork oak tree which can be harvested over and over again without causing the tree to die. Cork flooring is made of many small, air-filled cells that make it soft and comfortable to stand on. It is also very durable and can resist impact damage.
Its natural insulative qualities for both sound and temperature can help save energy bills. Cork absorbs sound and reduces the echoing that can happen in pared down interiors with few rugs or curtains. Its soft surface can provide cushioning if someone falls, making it popular for children’s rooms or older homes where residents may be prone to tripping and falling.
A waxy substance called suberin in cork repels insects, mites and mold. It is also fire resistant and releases no toxic off-gassing when it burns. Cork is anti-allergenic and is a great choice for people with allergies or asthma. New treatments and coatings protect cork floors against stains, water problems and wear. Spills and standing moisture should be quickly wiped up, and large animals, furniture or heavy items should be moved frequently to prevent damaging the floor. Because of its softness, cork can show scratches and gouges more readily than some hard materials, but most of these scratches will blend in with the natural texture. The color of cork can fade in areas with direct sunlight, so it is a good idea to use blinds or drapes to block this exposure.
Hardwood
Wood is one of the most beautiful materials available for flooring, furniture and millwork. It also has superior strength that makes it ideal for structural uses like stair treads, beams and floor joists. This is due to the cellular structure of wood that creates unique physical properties that vary by species and grade. Wood’s durability is rated by how well it resists scratching, denting and overall wear and tear. This is measured using the Janka hardness scale.
Domestic woods offer a wide selection of grain patterns, colors and hardnesses to match any style. Mahogany, for instance, has a deep color and intricate grain pattern that works well in more traditional spaces. Walnut is a darker option that can add a sense of warmth and luxury to any room.
Oak hardwood is a great choice for large areas because of its durability. It’s also compatible with underfloor radiant heating systems, which helps keep your home warmer in the winter.
Hardwood is more expensive than other types of flooring, but it offers a natural beauty that increases your home’s value and can be refinished to last for years. In addition, hardwood is naturally resistant to moisture. This prevents damage from mold and mildew, as well as rotting, warping or shrinking. It can also be sanded and refinished multiple times to renew the surface and protect against stains.