If you’re a landlord, wooden flooring for your rental property is a sound investment. Firstly, wood floors are highly desirable, making your house or flat more attractive to potential tenants. Secondly, durable, long-lasting wood will stand the wear and tear of multiple lets.
There’s no need to worry about carpet stains or cigarette burns and if the worst does happen it can sanded and re-finished to look like new. Here are a few pointers to help you select the right floor:
Species of Wooden Flooring
White oak is the hardest, most resistant floor covering, and it’s also the most economical, making it ideal for rental properties. The strength, warmth and beauty of natural oak make it the nation’s favourite wooden floor. It’s also neutral and works with most interior styles, so tenant’s furniture will always tie in.
Style of Wooden Flooring
It can be very beneficial to choose a multi-strip or dark stained oak floor. This will disguise any minor stains, marks and scuffs accumulated during long tenancies. Your floor will look pristine for longer, allowing you a fast turnaround in between lets. This is particularly relevant for kitchens where your floor can easily be damaged – not only during food preparation, but with the removal of heavy appliances.
Finish of Wooden Flooring
Lacquered flooring is considered the best choice for landlords – it’s more resistant to stains and scuffs, easier for tenants to clean and requires considerably less maintenance. Oiled floors need lots of attention, and it’s not possible to re-oil every year when you’re letting a property long-term. However, it’s easier to repair – scratches and scuffs are instantly removed, leaving your floor as good as new.
