When we mention hardwood floors, what we typically picture is the traditional oak planks. And that’s right since they make up the vast majority of wood flooring. But oak isn’t the only hardwood floor type available. Hardwood comes from a classification of trees that are slow-growing with a complex structure. It is this complexity that makes traditional hardwoods so durable. Excluding oak, some of the popular types of hardwood used for floors include maple, birch, and beech, along with walnut and bamboo.
Softwood floors are a good option as well, even though they aren’t as popular as hardwood. Considered “soft” in relation to its hardwood counterpart, the name of this flooring originated from the increased tendency of the wood to show dings and dents. The most popular types of softwood floors are made from pine and fir, but options like cedar, hemlock, and cypress are also available.
For some rental properties, choosing either hardwood or softwood floors depends on what kind of rental home you’re going for. For example, a traditional hardwood floor may look good to certain types of renters or help make your rental home more like other houses of a similar type. So, rental homes in upscale areas can benefit greatly from this because of the beauty and durability of a hardwood floor. With softwood flooring, it gives a property an appealing rustic charm. This is a huge benefit in areas where tenants are looking for that aesthetic.
There are also long-term benefits that come from installing a hardwood or softwood floor. Hardwood floors can help you avoid replacing carpet every five years, and it also doesn’t need much to keep it in good condition— just minimal maintenance is required. Softwood flooring is often less expensive, making it easy for you to create a custom interior in your rental home for far less than you might expect.
Wood floors (of either variety) come with a few disadvantages as well. Hardwood can be very expensive. The price of the wood itself is high and you must also add the cost of professional installation. The amount you finally have to pay can be quite a significant investment. That investment may not always be returned right away. In some cases, it would take years before the cost of the hardwood floor is recouped.
If hardwood floors aren’t a feature that is highly sought after in your area, you may not see much of an increase in either property value or rental income. Likewise, softwood isn’t the perfect solution as it can be damaged quite easily. This makes it a poor choice for high-traffic areas like walkways and kitchens. Both hardwood and softwood floors are also susceptible to moisture damage, and may not work well in humid climates or flood zones.
Given both the pros and cons of installing hardwood or softwood floors, it’s not particularly easy to know which type of flooring best suits your property. But if you have the right information, you can clear up this issue. This is the reason why you should make the effort to know your target demographic, your local market, and your financial goals.
A thorough understanding of your target demographic means knowing who it is you want to rent to. Understanding the local market means knowing how your property compares to others in your area. And knowing your financial goals implies knowing how much you want to invest in upgrading the home. With these three things, you will be able to properly decide on the flooring that is right for your rental home. Feel free to contact us online or by phone at 205-793-0700. We’ll be glad to assist you with your Leeds property management journey.