Is carpet better or hardwood floor better?

Is carpet better or hardwood floor better? by sahara (NJ) on September 3, 2009 @22:10

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Trying to get tenant for my townhouse still. Not much luck.
Getting some feedback from candidates who are looking at the house. The carpet is looking bad! Should I change the carpet or go for hardwood floor for downstairs -living +dining space which is leading into the kitchen.
Any words of advise? Which one will last longer with the tenants?

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Re: Is carpet better or hardwood floor better? by Daniel (CA) on September 3, 2009 @23:06

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Is there already Hardwood under the carpet?

Is this a first floor unit or 2nd floor?

Are you talking about hardwood floor or Laminate?

Sounds like carpet is your best choice, carpet is a 5 year item unless tenant trash it. Laminate can get ruined by incorrect cleaning.

I just installed Laminate instead of carpet almost double the price but looks good.

Re: Is carpet better or hardwood floor better?

Re: Is carpet better or hardwood floor better? by steve on September 4, 2009 @05:57	[ Reply ]

No way on laminate! if it gets scratched, and it will, you can't resand and refinishish. Since it's interlocking, you have to basically take up the entire floor to repair or replace a piece. hardwood is better,

Re: Is carpet better or hardwood floor better?

Re: Is carpet better or hardwood floor better? by Anonymous (NY) on September 4, 2009 @07:27	[ Reply ]

Hardwood or any type of ceramic (in kitchen and bath especially) will absolutely hold up better and look good longer. Maintenance is easy. People like hard wood floors, there's no doubt about it.

Re: Is carpet better or hardwood floor better? by Kimberly on September 4, 2009 @11:04	[ Reply ]

I just installed Allure vinyl, looks like wood, but its vinyl planks. Super easy to install and really looks SUPER. Everyone that sees my house wants to rent it (too bad none are qualified). The nice part about this stuff is it has a grain running through it. If someone scratches it, I can just color it in. This stuff seems nearly indestructible. And water won't ruin it either. Its sold at Home Depot.

Re: Is carpet better or hardwood floor better?

Re: Is carpet better or hardwood floor better? by LE (GA) on September 4, 2009 @11:41

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Depends on the neighborhood. Is this an upscale area or middle to lower class. If middle to lower, I'd stick with carpet. Tenants love hardwood, but it costs too much to finish every time someone moves out and scratches it.

Also, this is a business, so treat it that way. Is this a good return on investment? Probably not. It costs $4000 on average, and does not guarantee a tenant. How long will it take you to recover those costs?

Don't take comments from these people personally. I've had people tell me they I needed to put in stainless steel appliances, put carpet over brand new tile in the basement, put hardwoods over the brand new carpet in the livingroom, and on and on.... I hate this, I don't like that, I don't like the color in this room.

Half of them are just used to looking at glamor photos that the apartments use to attract people. The other half are just preparing you to ask if they can do some shoddy work for you in place of actually paying rent.

Don't take it personal and tell them you if they want hardwoods they should try some of the more upscale apartments(which cost $200-$300/month more than you).

Re: GO with a Laminate from Sam's Club

Re: Is carpet better or hardwood floor better? by RestlessKnight (NJ) on September 4, 2009 @16:40

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If the carpet is looking bad or apartment is dirty, then you are limiting yourself to the less desirable tenants. Good tenants won't apply.

Carpet can last much longer than the often stated 5yrs when the occupants are good quality. In the 11 year old 8 unit I bought 7 units had the original carpet and it really looked good, while occupied. It held up well, because it was nylon and the tenants were good over the years. Nylon is best for wear and the plastic types for stains, but will wear down.

I have changed it upon each turnover. I go with nylon frieze with stain protection to try to get the best of both worlds and have Stanley Steamer come in for most turnovers after its replaced. Its early, but the 3-4 year old carpets looks brand new and I do expect to be well over 5 years on avg, more like 8-10.

A question for prospects could be: Do you wear shoes in the house? I do, but most of my tenants take theirs off.

Re: Is carpet better or hardwood floor better?

Re: Is carpet better or hardwood floor better? by Anonymous on September 5, 2009 @00:10	[ Reply ]

YES! If you are considering industrial carpet at all then that is the #1 choice over hardwood floors. Huge price difference. I just replaced with a medium grade carpet, hoping to sell the home in a year, then my tenant broke his lease after only 3 months but the carpet must be replaced because their cat peed it to heck and back