When we consider hardwood floors, we typically picture the traditional oak planks that make the vast majority of wood flooring. But, as a matter of fact, oak is not the sole hardwood choice on the market. Hardwood is derived from a classification of trees that are slow-growing with a complex structure. This is what really makes traditional hardwoods so durable. Besides oak, most of the usual forms of hardwood used for floors include maple, birch, and beech, along with walnut and bamboo.
Softwood floors, granting that they are less known than hardwood, are likewise a good choice for numerous property owners. Considered “soft” in relation to its hardwood counterpart, this flooring got its name from an increased tendency of the wood to show dings and dents. The most typical forms of softwood floors are taken from pine and fir, but options like cedar, hemlock, and cypress are also available.
For many rental properties, choosing hardwood or softwood floors may both bestow a broad range of benefits or rewards. As an instance, a traditional hardwood floor could entice specific kinds of renters or support to make your rental home be more in conformity with similar homes. Rental homes in upscale areas, mainly, would gain from the beauty and durability of a hardwood floor.
Softwood flooring might endow an appealing rustic charm to a property, a true feature in places where tenants are interested in that aesthetic. There are, furthermore, long-standing benefits that accompany having a hardwood or softwood floor. Hardwood floors can greatly help you to avoid replacing the carpet every five years, and they only need minimal maintenance to continue being in the best condition. Softwood flooring is often less expensive, aiding 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 though. Hardwood can be very expensive and anytime incorporated with professional installation, would be a significant investment. That investment may not be one which you can get back at once, needing years before a hardwood floor could start to pay for itself and give you rewards for your investment.
Additionally, if hardwood floors are not a wanted attribute in your district, you may not see much of an increase in either property value or rental income. Softwood, on another note, maybe damaged quite easily, which definitely 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.
Clearly understanding both the pros and cons of installing hardwood or softwood floors could pose a dilemma when finding out which choices are the most sensible for your property. However, this dilemma can surely be settled with the correct information and details. This makes it critical to, first of all, acquire a full perception of your target demographic, your local market, and your financial goals.
By understanding who you’d like to rent to, how your property can hold its own against others in your area, and how much you’ve decided to invest in upgrading the home, you can more favorably make up your mind on the flooring that is the best for you. Contact us or call us at 970-314-7123 for more important details on how we can help you on your Grand Junction property management journey.