Guest Post - Tips for choosing flooring in rental property
If you are having difficulties renting out your property, you might want to take a long hard look at your interior. Assuming the property is priced competitively, there are a number of renovation works that can completely transform your interior and make the property more attractive to more potential tenants.
Any letting agent will confess that when prospects first enter the property, first impression do count. Of the various first impression renovation works that you should consider, replacing an old flooring solution can help transform the property. Your options will vary from the traditional carpet and vinyl to the more stylish wood and laminate. Of these, wood is the most complicated option to choose correctly, but also the one most likely to transform the property.
If you are considering fitting wood, there are two types to consider. One called solid wood and an alternative called engineered wood. In some properties either of the two will prove a useful solution, however in a small number of cases only one of the two should be fitted.
Solid Wood – A type of wood floorboard made from 100% real wood such as Walnut and Oak. Of the two types, it is the most widely fitted due to its service life. When cared for, solid wood flooring can exceed 100 years of use.
Engineered Wood – A manmade type of wood floorboard made from 3mm to 6mm layer of real wood, supported by three to seven layers of artificial materials such as MDF and Plywood. The lesser use of wood, makes it more affordable in price, but shorter in service life.
When considering solid vs. engineered, it is important to take into account the shortcomings of each board. Ultimately it’s about matching the property to the type of board, not the other way around. It is easier to make this decision based on the location of the floor within the property.
The Outdoors and Garden Patio – Neither of the two are suitable for use in the outdoors. Only specific species of wood such as Teak have the necessary water replant properties to withstand the harsh winter. These timber species are used in decking, a floor like construction which is placed outdoors.
Properties With Under Floor Heating - Wood in its natural state will expand in the face of hot climate and contract in the face of cold climate. Solid wood due to its 100% natural wood construction will over-expand as a result of under floor heating and damage. However, engineered wood will not react in this manner due to its diverse construction.
High Humidity Areas – We’ve already said that wood can damage from wet conditions and should not be used outdoors. Furthermore, humid and moist conditions, the ones that are likely to happen in the bathroom, kitchen and basement areas may also damage natural wood. There is one option to fit wood in these areas if you are content to maintain the floor from time to time. Engineered wood when coated with a waterproof coating such as UV Lacquered can be fitted in these areas. The UV Lacquered coating sits on the surface rather than penetrates the wood (like oil) so will therefore wear out quicker. From time to time, you will be required to recoat the area to keep its waterproof capabilities.
All Other Areas From Living Room To The Hall – If the limitations on natural wood do not apply in these areas (meaning no under floor heating, no humid conditions etc), fitting solid wood makes a sensible choice. Of the two options, it will last longer and you can sand it from time to time.
Sanding is a process that removed a 1mm layer of old wood using specialised machinery. This 1mm layer might include stains, scuffs and other visual imperfections that will spoil the floor’s looks. Removing this thin layer will expose new wood as if the floor was just freshly laid.
Choosing such flooring for your rental property is about understanding your options and fitting the most suitable type.
Written by Jonathan Sapir, MD at Wood and Beyond for Home Letting Scotland
Wood Flooring Noise Regulations Of 2003
As a landlord you have an obligation to keep noise to an acceptable level. ‘Building Regulations Approved Document E’ stipulates your obligation in properties constructed or converted after 2003. It does not apply to properties that existed before the introduction of this legislation. The solution to meet these technicalities is to fit an under lay below the solid or engineered floor with a suitable soundproofing acoustic features. When sourcing an under lay, the description will include impact noise insulation and walking noise reduction.