We know for sure that there are aesthetic and functional differences between hardwood and softwood floors. Thus which type is perfect for a rental property? Granting that there is no one answer to this question, recognizing the important differences between hardwood and softwood flooring, you might more confidently plan and choose which kind might be perfectly suitable for your rental properties in Bedford County.
Anytime we think of hardwood floors, we typically picture the traditional oak planks that configure the vast majority of wood flooring. However oak is not the only hardwood choice that you can take your pick from. Hardwood develops from a classification of trees that are slow-growing with a complex structure. This is what keeps traditional hardwoods so durable. Alongside oak, other common forms of hardwood used for floors include maple, birch, and beech, along with walnut and bamboo.
Softwood floors, conceding they are less popular than hardwood, remains a desirable pick for most property owners. Considered “soft” in relation to its hardwood counterpart, this flooring garners its name from an increased tendency of the wood to show dings and dents. The most usual forms of softwood floors come from pine and fir, but options like cedar, hemlock, and cypress are also available.
For numerous rental properties, choosing hardwood or softwood floors could both provide a vast array of added advantages. For illustration, a traditional hardwood floor could attract particular kinds of renters or assist to make your rental home at par to similar homes within your area. Rental homes in upscale areas, precisely, could take full use of the beauty and durability of a hardwood floor.
Softwood flooring boosts an appealing rustic charm to a property, a welcome edge in locales where tenants are interested in that aesthetic. There are similarly long-standing benefits that are associated with a hardwood or softwood floor. Hardwood floors would surely help you avoid replacing carpet every five years, just requiring very minimal maintenance to maintain in fine shape. Softwood flooring is often less expensive, allowing you the freedom 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, on the other hand. Hardwood can be very expensive, and add to that its professional installation, can surely be a significant investment. That investment may not be regained back as speedily as you would want, taking years before a hardwood floor might finally begin to pay for itself.
On top of that, if hardwood floors are not an in-demand element in your area, you may perhaps not see much of an increase in either property value or rental income. Softwood, on the other hand, could be damaged quite easily, which results in it becoming 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.
So knowing both the pros and cons of installing hardwood or softwood floors, it can thus be really tough to decide which type could work perfectly for your property. But, don’t worry, this difficulty could be handled well with having the right information. This makes it relevant to absolutely know and understands very well your target demographic, your local market, and your financial goals.
By figuring beforehand who you are looking to rent to, how your property bears in comparison to others in your area, and how much you like to invest in upgrading the home, you can more quickly plan and choose the flooring that is a good fit for you. Contact us or call us at 434-215-3028 for more helpful details on how we can suitably assist you with your Bedford County property management journey.
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