We know that hardwood and softwood floors have aesthetic and functional differences. So which type of flooring would work 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 Playa Vista.
When the phrase “hardwood floors” is mentioned, we typically picture the traditional oak planks. And that’s pretty accurate since that is what makes 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 why traditional hardwoods are so durable. Beyond oak, other 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, this flooring’s name comes from an 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 between hardwood or softwood floors depends on what 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. It would be advantageous for rental homes in upscale areas in particular. In these areas, tenants tend to prefer the beauty and durability of a hardwood floor. For softwood flooring, it has an appealing rustic charm that it adds to a property, which is a real plus in areas where tenants want 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, allowing 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, and you also have to add the cost of professional installation. All in all, it can be a significant investment. That investment may not always be regained right away. Sometimes, it takes years before the cost of the hardwood floor is earned back.
What’s more, if hardwood floors are not sought after in your neighborhood, 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 can be difficult to know which flooring makes sense for your rental home. But if you have the right information, you can clear up this issue. This is why it is really important to have a thorough knowledge of your target demographic, your local market, and your financial goals.
When you have a good grasp of who you want to rent to, how your property stacks when compared to others in your area, and how much you want to invest in upgrading the home, you can make an informed decision on which flooring is best for your property. Don’t hesitate to contact us online or give us a ring at 310-928-9728 to know more about how we can help you with your Playa Vista property management journey.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
