Rental Property Flooring That Survives Tenants
Smart flooring choices for landlords, property managers, and investors across Metro Detroit
Best Rental Flooring at a Glance
Key Takeaways
- Builder-grade carpet wins on budget — Affordable, fast to install, easy to replace between tenants
- LVP for kitchens and bathrooms — Waterproof, cheaper than tile or hardwood, looks modern
- Same-day turnovers — We finish most units in one day to minimize vacancy
- Volume pricing available — Property managers with multiple units get better rates
What Rental Property Owners Actually Care About
After working with landlords and property managers across Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties, we know what matters. It's not about the fanciest floor—it's about the smartest investment.
The Real Priorities
- Durability — Can it handle pets, kids, and tenants who don't care?
- Fast installation — Every day vacant is money lost
- Easy cleaning — Between-tenant turnover needs to be quick
- Cost per year — Not just upfront cost, but total cost of ownership
- Tenant appeal — Modern flooring helps rent units faster
Think Long-Term
Carpet has lower upfront cost but needs replacement more often. LVP costs more upfront but lasts longer. Choose based on your cash flow and how long you plan to hold the property. Contact us for actual pricing on your specific project.
Best Flooring Options for Rentals
Based on our experience with Metro Detroit rental properties, here's what actually works for landlords.
Builder-Grade Carpet — The Budget Winner
For bedrooms and living areas, builder-grade carpet is the most cost-effective choice. It's affordable, fast to install, and when a tenant trashes it, replacement doesn't break the bank.
- Lowest upfront cost of any flooring option
- Fast installation — a whole unit in hours, not days
- Tenants expect carpet in bedrooms
- Easy to budget for replacement every few turnovers
- Professional cleaning between good tenants extends life
LVP — For Kitchens and Bathrooms
Nobody puts carpet in kitchens or bathrooms. LVP is the smart choice for wet areas — cheaper than tile or hardwood, waterproof, and tenants like the modern look.
- Waterproof — handles spills, leaks, and bathroom moisture
- Cheaper than ceramic tile or hardwood
- Looks modern — helps attract tenants
- Easy to clean between turnovers
- 12 mil wear layer is fine for wet areas (not high traffic)
LVP Throughout — For Premium Units
If you're charging top-of-market rent or want to attract higher-quality tenants, LVP throughout the unit makes sense. Higher upfront cost, but longer lifespan and easier turnovers.
- One flooring type = simpler maintenance
- No carpet replacement costs
- Appeals to tenants with pets (easier to clean)
- Modern look commands higher rent
- Go with 20 mil wear layer for durability
What to Avoid in Rentals
Some flooring looks good on paper but fails in real rental situations.
Skip These
- Real hardwood — Scratches, water damage, expensive to refinish
- Laminate — Not waterproof, edges swell with moisture
- Cheap LVP (6 mil) — Scratches through quickly with normal use
- White or light grout tile — Stains permanently, looks dirty fast
- High-end carpet — Overkill for rentals, same lifespan as builder-grade
Why They Fail
- Hardwood — One tenant with a dog can cause significant damage. Refinishing costs add up quickly.
- Laminate — Single water incident and it's destroyed. Not worth the risk.
- Cheap LVP — False economy. Wear layer too thin. Pay twice.
- Tile grout — Cleaning costs eat your margins. Tenants don't scrub grout.
- Premium carpet — Tenants don't appreciate it. Gets trashed just as fast.
Fast Turnover Installation
We get it—vacancy costs money. Our rental property services are built around your timeline.
How We Work With Property Managers
- Priority scheduling — Rental turnovers get fast-tracked
- Same-day completion — Most units finished in one day
- Coordinated timing — We work around your painters and cleaners
- After-hours available — When the timeline is tight
- One invoice — Simple billing for your records
Property Manager Accounts
Managing multiple properties? We offer volume pricing, priority scheduling, and dedicated account management. One point of contact for all your flooring needs across your portfolio.
| Unit Size | Flooring Type | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Studio/1BR | LVP throughout | 1 day |
| 2BR apartment | LVP + carpet bedrooms | 1 day |
| 3BR house | Full flooring replacement | 1 day |
| Multi-unit building | Per unit | Scheduled in sequence |
Flooring Comparison for Landlords
Here's how different flooring types compare for rental properties.
| Flooring Type | Relative Cost | Durability in Rentals | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Builder-Grade Carpet | Lowest | Fair | Bedrooms, living areas (budget) |
| LVP (12 mil) | Moderate | Good | Kitchens, bathrooms |
| LVP (20 mil) | Moderate-High | Better | Whole-unit premium |
| Ceramic Tile | Higher | Excellent | Bathrooms (if you want tile look) |
| Hardwood | Highest | Unpredictable | Avoid in rentals |
Durability in rentals varies based on tenant care and traffic. Contact us for current pricing on your specific project.
Get a Free Estimate
Ready to start your flooring project? Get a free in-home estimate with accurate pricing for your Southeast Michigan home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer discounts for multiple rental units?
Yes. Property managers and landlords with multiple units get volume pricing. The more units, the better the rate. Contact us to set up a property manager account.
How fast can you install flooring during tenant turnover?
Carpet can often be done same-day for a typical unit. LVP takes 1-2 days. We prioritize rental turnovers and coordinate with your painters and cleaners to minimize vacancy.
What's the best flooring for pet-friendly rentals?
LVP throughout is ideal for pet-friendly units. It's waterproof (handles accidents), scratch-resistant (handles claws), and easy to clean between tenants. If you allow pets, skip the carpet.
Should I use carpet or LVP in bedrooms?
Depends on your budget and market. Builder-grade carpet is cheaper upfront and tenants expect it in bedrooms. LVP costs more but lasts longer and is easier to clean. For budget rentals, carpet. For premium units, LVP throughout.
Do you work with property management companies?
Yes, we work with several property management companies across Metro Detroit. We offer dedicated account management, consistent pricing, and priority scheduling for your portfolio.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only. Every flooring project is unique—results depend on subfloor condition, humidity, home age, and other factors. Always consult a professional before starting your project. Cost estimates are approximate; contact us for accurate pricing.