You invested in an Airbnb property and you imagine the guests rolling in. You dream of rave reviews on your listings and giving them the perfect space for their vacation.
The only problem? The floors could use some TLC.
You decide that the best bet is to start from scratch and install a floor that will add both value and appeal to your property. Deciding on a material for your floor installation may seem daunting, but there are several options that will take your Airbnb rental to the next level.
Things to Consider
When deciding on flooring for your Airbnb rental, there are many things to consider. The nature of vacation rentals mean you can't choose materials based on looks or price alone.
Durability
Airbnb rentals have frequent guests in and out of the space. Guest may range from families with young kids to rowdy college kids, so you need to be proactive with your space.
You can’t always trust guests to treat your property’s flooring with the utmost care, so durability is important. You want materials that clean up well, stand up to consistent wear and tear, and last a long time.
Traffic Areas
With rental properties, think of the high-traffic areas because a variety of guests are always coming and going. High-traffic areas like hallways, living rooms, and dining spaces need materials that will hold up to wear and tear.
Maintenance
When installing a new floor, you need to consider how much maintenance it will need. Constant maintenance could affect your entire budget and will have you devoting extra time to the care of the property.
Materials more prone to scratches, scuffs, or discoloration must be something that you can easily replace if it gets damaged. You don’t want to have to install an entire new flooring for one damaged spot or close your rental properties often because of constant repairs.
Some other materials will require serious maintenance less often. Hardwood needs to be refinished regularly, while some carpeting options require changing every couple of years.
You'll also want to be aware of the everyday care needed to preserve the life of your materials.
Design
Design is also an important quality when considering materials for your property. Guests initially judge a book by its cover, so you want the design to be eye-catching - particularly for photos.
Still, you want to make sure the designs aren’t too busy, because it might deter renters. It’s best to keep designs neutral and to use tried-and-true color palettes.
Cost
Airbnb rentals are an investment, so cost plays a big role in the materials you choose. You want something that matches your property's value and holds to the quality the guests expect at the price-point they pay.
Think of whether your rental will be a luxury or mid-range Airbnb property. Luxury properties should use high-quality materials to meet expectations, while mid-range can be more flexible.
Ideas for Your Airbnb Floor Installation
Now that you’ve covered the basics of things to consider when choosing your flooring for rental properties, you’re ready to pick the perfect option. Here are some ideas for the best materials to use when installing a new floor.
Hardwood
When it comes to value, hardwood can boost your Airbnb’s appeal. Many people dream of ripping up carpets to find some beautiful hardwood underneath, so guests are sure to be happy to find some in their vacation rental.
Hardwood works for an array of people because it works in a variety of aesthetics. It can be rustic, sophisticated, historic, modern, or warm and inviting.
The materials are more expensive and cost more to install, but hardwood is a classic material that will maintain its appeal. It will, however, need regular maintenance and refinishing.
Unsure if hardwood floors are worth the investment? Here are even more reasons to choose hardwood flooring.
Vinyl
Vinyl one of the top options for high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Not only is it water-resistant, but it’s also a low-maintenance material that doesn’t need periodic resealing or grouting.
This material provides a variety of design options to fit the look of your rental. It can replicate the look of stone, hardwood, and ceramic flooring because of high-resolution 3D printing.
Older guests and families with small children might prefer this material because of its softness underfoot.
Laminate
Laminate is a synthetic material that is easy to install and comes in a variety of looks to choose from. You can choose options that look like hardwood, or even stone.
While laminate will not bring as much value to the property as hardwood, it is an affordable option that comes with less maintenance. It is also more durable against scratches and scuffs.
Carpet
If you choose a high-quality carpet option, it can be a great material for your Airbnb rental. Carpets are superb at giving bedrooms a cozy feel and can make them feel more luxurious.
Carpets also provide extra insulation, which helps with the electricity costs for the rental. It even helps to limit noise, which won't go unappreciated by your guests.
The downside to carpets is that they can trap odors and show stains. Your guests won't always be spotless, so this can make maintenance more of an issue. Carpets will often need regular, heavy-duty cleaning.
Your Flooring Will Make All the Difference
Deciding on the right materials for a new floor installation in your Airbnb property doesn't have to be difficult. Once you get a feel for the space and what your guests will expect, you'll be ready to make the best decision.
With the right flooring, you'll have a rental your guests will love and increase the value of your property.
Have you already decided on the best flooring for you? Contact us today to get started!
