[chessimprov]

Hi, I need some help on this.
I need new flooring for a rental condo.

I could just go with carpeting.
If I do a floor, the contractor with the condo normally does laminate.

Solid wood floors are not permitted in the building.

1.
It sounds like engineered wood flooring is better quality and doesn't necessarily scratch more than laminate?

Looks like I also should request for:

2. glued to concrete
3. 2 mm veneer or more?
4. no gloss

Does this seem reasonable?

Please help.

Thank you.

 

[carpdad]

Laminate is plastic. Hardwood engineered flooring costs more. 2mm wear layer (useable veneer layer) is somewhat thicker than cheaper floors and may not be available in 3/8" thick floors. Thicker floors may become install problem where the owner is not you. Don't know why rental would change the flooring at your request, but glue down is more permanent so the condo may not agree. All floors are usually semi gloss, even the plastics. I don't think I ever saw flat finish (as in flat paint).

 

[chessimprov]

Laminate is plastic. Hardwood engineered flooring costs more. 2mm wear layer (useable veneer layer) is somewhat thicker than cheaper floors and may not be available in 3/8" thick floors. Thicker floors may become install problem where the owner is not you. Don't know why rental would change the flooring at your request, but glue down is more permanent so the condo may not agree. All floors are usually semi gloss, even the plastics. I don't think I ever saw flat finish (as in flat paint).

The thing with it being a rental is that the occupants may be very bad about their care with the property. So, why spend more money if the floor is not durable enough for people that may be temporary living.

If my condo does allow glue down, should I go with it along with the other factors of flooring I recommended as well?

 

[SPS-1]

Sounds reasonable.

There is also the "hand-scraped" finish. It hides scratches better. But myself, I don't like the look.

Check the specs on the finish. Engineered will commonly have perhaps half a dozen coats of UV cured urethane on it, with the top layer infused with aluminum oxide dust for wear resistance. Cheaper engineered may cut corners on the finish.

 

[chessimprov]

flooring questions- brand names and model

Are there any particular Brands and model numbers I should consider that meet these standards I'm requesting?

I know that apparently, a darker colored wood would not do well for the lighting in the condos.

Looks like hand-scraping tends to lend itself/be best for a rustic look.
I'm not sure a rustic look would work as well for my small condo as opposed to something that could "appear more modern"?

 

[chessimprov]

Glued to concrete is not allowed in my building. So, maybe engineering hardwood is not a good option since tenants might not be respectful enough for the flooring?

Also, is laminate flooring more durable for damage (from a tenant) than engineered flooring?

 

[huesmann]

Laminate is plastic. Hardwood engineered flooring costs more. 2mm wear layer (useable veneer layer) is somewhat thicker than cheaper floors and may not be available in 3/8" thick floors. Thicker floors may become install problem where the owner is not you. Don't know why rental would change the flooring at your request, but glue down is more permanent so the condo may not agree. All floors are usually semi gloss, even the plastics. I don't think I ever saw flat finish (as in flat paint).

Actually, laminate is effectively plastic and paper. If it was plastic, there would be no problem when it gets wet.

 

[rusty baker]

Laminate is a disposable floor. It is not intended for long-term use. Engineered is only slightly better.

 

[Nealtw]

No solid wood floor is about the noise, I think that means any hard floor. Not just hard wood.

 

[chessimprov]

1.
https://www.homestratosphere.com/flooring-types/
I noticed vinyl waterproof planks at Home depot. But when I look them up and run into this website, it looks like the planks would fall under the [solid?] hardwood category?

2.
Is it worth it to consider a waterproof laminate floor versus a regular laminate floor for a condo tenant?

3. Is it worth it to consider a "noise proof" underlayment for a condo tenant?


Thank you again!

 

[rusty baker]

1.
https://www.homestratosphere.com/flooring-types/
I noticed vinyl waterproof planks at Home depot. But when I look them up and run into this website, it looks like the planks would fall under the [solid?] hardwood category?

2.
Is it worth it to consider a waterproof laminate floor versus a regular laminate floor for a condo tenant?

3. Is it worth it to consider a "noise proof" underlayment for a condo tenant?


Thank you again!

They are usually "water resistant" not "water proof" . But all plastic is "water resistant".

 

[Old Thomas]

We put cheap home center laminate in rentals used by college students. It wears like iron.

 

[ron45]

I would go with cheap carpet and a medium grade padding.

It's cheap and easy to install/replace and you can do one room or all.

You can shampoo or dye the carpet if needed.

Buying in bulk/business account gives a major discount.
Even more then shown.

https://www.carpetexpress.com/rave-...MImNHL6vTC6QIVF6SzCh0t8AYdEAYYASABEgINUfD_BwE

 

[chessimprov]

I noticed with hardwood floor types, I can add an underlayment which helps with sound issues.

Also, do you have an opinion on Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl Flooring?
It is supposedly:
Scratch free
Waterproof.

Thank you.