Flooring properties are the materials used to cover a floor and provide comfort, beauty, warmth and durability. They may be handmade or machine-made and include both rugs and carpets, as well as smooth-surfaced coverings that adhere to the floor.
Rental property flooring should be affordable and durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic and the wear and tear of pet paws (if you allow pets). A good-looking floor will increase the value of your property.
Carpet
Carpets are great for providing warmth, quiet and decoration (color). They are also comfortable on feet and offer better resale value than many types of tile.
Generally, the more dense (or higher pile) the carpet, the better it is for durability and appearance retention. However, density can be a trade-off for softness. To balance these competing qualities, you can consider the twist level of the fiber strands. The lower the number of twists, the softer the carpet.
While nylon carpets are the standard, there are several synthetic options including polyester, triexta and polypropylene (olefin). All offer good stain resistance. In addition, most manufacturers apply post-production stain protection treatments to their carpets, which enhances the natural stain resistance of any fiber.
The backing of the carpet is important, too. Polypropylene is a common choice because it is easy on the environment and backed with recycled materials. It doesn’t do well with moisture, though, so avoid it in humid areas. Another option is jute, which is made from a natural fiber woven from the stalks of the agave plant. It’s durable and a good choice for high-traffic areas, but it’s coarser than most synthetic carpets. A jute backing is also prone to color fading over time.
Tiles
Tiles are small rectangular coverings that can be made from a hard-wearing material such as ceramic, stone, metal or baked clay. They can be fixed in place in an array to cover roofs, floors, walls, edges and surfaces. Tiles are often glazed or coated with a material that adds colour or texture.
Tiled floors are more comfortable than carpeted ones for bare feet and they don’t absorb heat like carpets do. They’re also easy to keep clean, and the grout between tiles can be brushed or mopped with warm water and mild detergent.
The resale value of your home will increase significantly if you choose to tile your interior floors. You can choose from a wide variety of colours, textures, shapes and patterns. Many of these are derived from nature, for example sandstone’s dreamy waves or travertine’s creamy hues. Other options are the slick polished finish of marble or granite, and there’s even a textured option called onyx.
Floor tiles are different from wall tiles, in that the former are manufactured to be thicker and more durable because they’re subjected to higher temperatures during manufacture. There’s also a difference in their abrasion resistance, with the more durable vitrified options suited for floor use and the thinner less-durable ones used on walls. They may be unglazed or glazed, and they can have the surface processed into matte, glossy, hammered or honed finishes for aesthetic appeal and slip resistance.
Hardwood
Unlike carpet, hardwood can last a lifetime and is much easier to clean. Hardwoods also come in many different species, colors and styles to suit any aesthetic. They’re good insulators and can help reduce noise from upstairs or between floors. However, they’re not as effective at muffling sounds as carpeting.
The cellular structure of each type of wood creates different physical properties. Hardwoods generally have a greater density than softwoods because they grow at a slower rate. This means that they contain fewer pores, which make the material more robust.
This increased durability makes hardwoods ideal for chopping boards, cricket bats and mallets, and construction work that needs to stand the test of time (beams, joists and frames). But it’s not only their strength that impresses. They’re also attractive in their own right. They provide a warm and elegant finish to any room and can last a lifetime.
As a bonus, hardwoods are often more environmentally friendly than softwoods. When you choose hardwood that has the PEFC or FSC label, you’re supporting sustainable forestry practices. In addition, hardwoods have higher fire resistance than softwoods. This is especially important in buildings with a high level of ventilation, such as an attic. The wood can be treated with a fire retardant coating to further protect the structure and contents of your home.
Laminate
Laminate is a cost-effective hard flooring option with the look of real wood or natural stone. It is also a durable and easy-to-clean material. It resists stains and scratches much better than carpet, making it an ideal choice for rental properties.
The base layer of laminate consists of pressed chipped wood, which gives it its durability. The top layer is a high-resolution photo of wood, stone or tile, and is protected by a tough resin-based coating that offers resistance to water, sunlight and other harsh environmental conditions.
During the manufacturing process, large volumes of glue are used to bond together composite materials, and it is common for cheaper products to contain formaldehyde and other harmful chemicals. This can result in off-gassing of these substances into the air. However, there are many non-toxic laminates on the market.
Laminate floors must be kept relatively dry, as excess moisture can cause the planks to swell, warp or discolour, even if they have waterproof coatings. The surface may also be damaged by sharp objects, and adhesive felt pads should be placed under furniture to prevent scratching. In the event of a spill, it must be wiped up promptly to minimise the risk of liquid seepage under the laminate.