At KLC Floors and More, we’ve worked with landlords, property managers, and real estate investors across the region - so we know what holds up in a rental and what doesn’t. Choosing the right flooring for your investment property isn’t just about looks. It’s about picking materials that can take a beating, clean up well, and still look great after multiple tenants.
Here’s our take on what works best in rentals - and what to avoid.
1. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): Our Top Recommendation
If you only remember one thing from this article, let it be this: LVP is your best friend as a landlord.
It’s waterproof, scratch-resistant, and incredibly durable - without the big price tag of hardwood.
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Resists spills, dents, and daily wear
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Click-lock systems make it easy to repair small areas without replacing a whole room
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Available in a variety of wood and tile looks to elevate the space
We install LVP in rental properties almost every week, and we’ve seen it last through years of tenant turnover with minimal issues.
2. Tile for Kitchens, Bathrooms, and Laundry Areas
Porcelain or ceramic tile is still a great choice for moisture-prone areas. It’s low maintenance and lasts for decades - when it’s installed correctly.
The key is using quality grout and proper underlayment to avoid cracks or loose tiles down the road.
We often recommend larger tiles to reduce grout lines and make cleaning easier for your tenants.
3. Carpet: Use Cautiously
We understand the appeal - carpet is affordable, adds comfort, and softens noise in upstairs units. But it also comes with some drawbacks.
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It stains easily and holds onto odors
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It wears out quickly in high-traffic rentals
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It may need replacing after every few tenants
If you decide to install carpet, keep it in low-traffic areas like bedrooms, and go with a neutral tone and tight, low-pile construction for easier turnover.
4. Laminate: A Maybe, With Conditions
Laminate has come a long way, but in our experience, it’s not always ideal for rentals - especially in areas where water spills happen often.
It’s best used in upstairs units or lower-traffic spaces where moisture isn’t an issue.
It’s less expensive than LVP, but you lose some of the waterproof benefits. We only recommend it if your budget is tight and you understand its limits.
5. What Not to Do
Even seasoned landlords can make flooring mistakes. Here are a few we suggest avoiding:
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Hardwood: Gorgeous, but not made for rental wear and tear
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Cheap peel-and-stick vinyl: Easy to install, but it tears and scuffs too easily
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Mixing too many types of flooring: It makes the space feel disjointed and raises your maintenance time
Want your unit to rent faster? Consistency in flooring makes a space feel bigger and cleaner.
6. Get the Right Floors, the First Time
We get it - owning a rental isn’t easy. Every repair or replacement cuts into your profit. That’s why we help our customers make flooring decisions that pay off long-term.
At KLC Floors and More, we don’t just sell floors - we install them, repair them, and hear the feedback from landlords just like you. We know which materials hold up, which tenants love, and which ones you’ll regret in six months.
Whether you’re refreshing a single unit or renovating an entire building, we’re here to help you choose flooring that works as hard as you do.
Rental Flooring Checklist for Landlords
✔ Go with LVP for main living areas: Waterproof, affordable, and tenant-proof
✔ Install tile in wet zones: Bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms
✔ Keep carpet to bedrooms only: Use neutral, low-pile styles
✔ Skip real hardwood: Too fragile for tenant turnover
✔ Don’t mix too many materials: Keep things simple and cohesive
✔ Use underlayment when needed: Especially for upstairs soundproofing
✔ Choose neutral colors: Makes it easier to rent and reduces turnover cleaning stress
Need help planning your next rental remodel? Give us a call or stop by the showroom - our team at KLC Floors and More is happy to walk you through the options.