We know that hardwood and softwood floors have differences both aesthetically and functionally. So which type of floor would be best for your rental property? While there is no blanket answer to this question, understanding the important differences between hardwood and softwood flooring can help a lot. From there, you would know which type would work best for your rental property in Bixby.
When we talk about hardwood floors, we typically picture traditional oak planks. That’s fair since they make up the vast majority of wood flooring. But oak is just one of the hardwood options. Hardwood comes from a classification of trees that are slow-growing with a complex structure. This is the reason behind the durability of traditional hardwoods. Beyond oak, other types of hardwood used for floors include maple, birch, and beech, along with walnut and bamboo.
Softwood floors aren’t as popular as hardwood but they are still a good and attractive option for property owners. Considered “soft” in relation to its hardwood counterpart, this flooring gets its name from an increased tendency of the wood to show dings and dents. The most widely-used types of softwood floors are made from pine and fir, but options like cedar, hemlock, and cypress are also available.
For some rental properties, choosing between hardwood or softwood floors depends on what you want out of it. For example, a traditional hardwood floor may draw a certain type of renter, or it could also bring your rental home up to the same level as other homes of similar style. If your rental home is located in an upscale area, then it may benefit from the beauty and durability of a hardwood floor. For softwood flooring, it gives a property a different aesthetic— an appealing rustic charm. This is really good in areas where tenants want that look.
Opting for either hardwood or softwood flooring offers substantial long-term advantages. Hardwood floors provide durability, eliminating the need for frequent carpet replacements every five years, and they demand minimal maintenance to retain their pristine condition. On the other hand, softwood flooring tends to be more cost-effective, enabling you to craft the personalized interior you desire in your rental property at a surprisingly affordable cost. Such astute choices in property investment align with the principles upheld by RPA Group, where expertise and resourcefulness are harnessed to deliver optimal results in the real estate industry.
Wood floors (of either variety) come with a few disadvantages as well. Hardwood can be very expensive, and you also have to add the cost of professional installation. All in all, it can be a significant investment. That investment may not always be recouped right away. Sometimes, it takes years before a hardwood floor pays for itself.
If hardwood floors aren’t a sought-after feature in your location, you may not see much of an increase in either property value or rental income. Softwood, on the other hand, also has its drawbacks. It can be damaged quite easily, which 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.
Given both the pros and cons of installing hardwood or softwood floors, it’s a bit tough to determine which option is best for your property. But if you have the right information, you can overcome this challenge. That means you need to learn a lot about your target demographic, your local market, and your financial goals.
When you know who you want to rent to, how your property stands in comparison to others in your area, and how much you are willing to invest in upgrading the home, you can better decide on the flooring that is right for you. Please contact us online or call us at 918-532-7020 to learn more about how we can help you with your Bixby property management journey.
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