We know that hardwood and softwood floors have differences both aesthetically and functionally. So which type of floor would be best for your rental property? Before choosing one, make sure you understand the important differences between hardwood and softwood flooring. This information would make it a lot easier to reach a decision on which type of flooring would work best for your rental properties in Kendall.
When we talk about hardwood floors, we typically picture traditional oak planks. That’s fair since they make up the vast majority of wood flooring. But oak is just one of the hardwood options. Hardwood comes from a classification of trees that are slow-growing with a complex structure. This is the reason why traditional hardwoods are 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, while not as popular as hardwood, is something property owners can consider as an attractive option. Considered “soft” in relation to its hardwood counterpart, the name of this flooring comes from the increased tendency of the wood to show dings and dents. The most widely-used 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 attract certain types of renters or help make your rental home a lot like other homes of the same type. So, rental homes in upscale areas can benefit greatly from this because of the beauty and durability of a hardwood floor. For softwood flooring, it brings an appealing rustic charm to a property, which is a huge advantage in areas where tenants like that kind of 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 requires minimal maintenance to keep it in good condition. Softwood flooring is often less expensive, making it affordable 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. It really is a significant investment especially if you also include the cost of professional installation. That investment may not always be recouped right away. Sometimes, it takes years before a hardwood floor pays for itself.
If hardwood floors aren’t a feature people in your neighborhood are looking for, then you may not see much of an increase in either property value or rental income. However, softwood can get damaged quite easily, making this 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 overcome this challenge. This is why it is really important to have a thorough knowledge of 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. To know more about how we can help you with your Kendall property management journey, please contact us online or give us a ring at 305-501-1511 today.
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