We are very much aware that there are aesthetic and functional differences between hardwood and softwood floors. Thus you may ask, which variety is excellent for a rental property? Though there is no easy solution to this query, identifying the important differences between hardwood and softwood flooring, you will be able to more readily determine which type can work splendidly for your rental properties in Spokane.
When we bring to mind hardwood floors, we typically picture the traditional oak planks that comprise the vast majority of wood flooring. Although, oak is not the only hardwood selection we can procure. Hardwood emanates from a classification of trees that are slow-growing with a complex structure. This is what renders traditional hardwoods so durable. Other than oak, among the standard varieties of hardwood used for floors include maple, birch, and beech, along with walnut and bamboo.
Softwood floors, even though less commonly known than hardwood, goes on to be an excellent choice for some property owners. Considered “soft” in relation to its hardwood counterpart, this flooring takes its name from an increased tendency of the wood to show dings and dents. The most usual type of softwood floors are created from pine and fir, but options like cedar, hemlock, and cypress are also available.
For most rental properties, choosing hardwood or softwood floors can both present a wide spectrum of advantages. As an illustration, a traditional hardwood floor can draw a certain type of renters or uphold to make your rental home become more in step with comparable homes. Rental homes in upscale areas, most importantly, can gain much from the beauty and durability of a hardwood floor.
Softwood flooring could certainly enhance an appealing rustic charm to a property, a real benefit in places where tenants are fascinated by that aesthetic. There are even long-term advantages that come along with a hardwood or softwood floor. Hardwood floors could get you to avoid replacing the carpet every five years, while only needing minimal maintenance to keep in top form. Softwood flooring is often less expensive, allowing you 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, however. Hardwood can be very expensive, and when added with professional installation, might be a significant investment. That investment may not oftentimes be regained quickly, and it may take years before a hardwood floor can spring to fund for itself.
Furthermore, if hardwood floors are not the desired component in your locality, you possibly may not see much of an increase in either property value or rental income. Softwood, on the contrary, can also be damaged quite easily, making this 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.
Understanding both the pros and cons of installing hardwood or softwood floors, it may be quite a challenge to figure out which alternatives are suitable for your property. Nonetheless, this issue can thus be ironed out with the appropriate data. This makes it imperative to exactly obtain a complete insight into your target demographic, your local market, and your financial goals.
By realizing who you desire to rent to, how your property is comparable to others in your area, and how much you intend to invest in upgrading the home, you can more easily determine for certain on the flooring that is excellent for you. Contact us or call us at 509-462-1042 for more helpful information on how we can help you with your Spokane property management endeavor.
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