We know that hardwood and softwood floors have aesthetic and functional differences. So which type of wooden floors should you have in your rental property? There really isn’t a simple answer to this question. It all depends on the purpose of the floor. This is why you should learn the important differences between hardwood and softwood flooring. When you understand them, you can be confident with whatever decision you make. You will know that you have the best type of floor for your rental properties in Wrightsville Beach.
We typically picture traditional oak planks when we think of hardwood floors since that is what makes up the vast majority of wood flooring. But there are other hardwood options besides oak. Hardwood comes from a classification of trees that are slow-growing with a complex structure. This is the explanation of why traditional hardwoods are so durable. Other than oak, some of the more common types of hardwood used for floors include maple, birch, and beech, along with walnut and bamboo.
Softwood floors, though less popular than hardwood, is a really good alternative for property owners. Considered “soft” in relation to its hardwood counterpart, this flooring got its name because of the increased tendency of this wood to show dings and dents. The softwood floors that are commonly used are made from pine and fir, but options like cedar, hemlock, and cypress are also available.
For some rental properties, choosing hardwood or softwood floors offer different kinds of benefits. 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. Tenants looking for a rental home in upscale areas, in particular, may prefer the beauty and durability of a hardwood floor. With softwood flooring, it makes a property have that appealing rustic charm, which is a huge plus in areas where that aesthetic is desired.
Both hardwood and softwood floors also have long-term benefits. Hardwood floors can help you avoid replacing carpet every five years, all while needing minimal maintenance to keep it in top condition. 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. The cost of the wood is already high and you also need to include the cost of professional installation. These things add up and it becomes a significant investment. That investment may not always be recovered right away. In some cases, 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. Softwood, however, can be damaged quite easily, making this a poor choice for high-traffic areas like walkways and kitchen. 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 a bit difficult to figure out which one best suits your property. But you can overcome this challenge with the right information. So, you need to have a thorough understanding of your target demographic, your local market, and your financial goals.
When you know exactly who you want to rent to, how you want to position your property compared to the others in your area, and how much you’re willing to spend to invest in upgrading the home, you will be better equipped to decide on the flooring that is right for you. If you want to know more about how we can help you with your Wrightsville Beach property management journey, don’t hesitate to contact us online or call us at 910-782-4488.
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