Choose a floor that you can repair one piece at a time.
Pick floors that suit rentals
Our commercial flooring guide lists apartment complexes as a common place for laminate and for commercial carpet. It also names rental real estate for commercial carpet. Nylon is a popular carpet fiber in condos and apartments. Commercial carpet also costs less per square foot than thick, plush residential carpet.
Commercial carpet has a lower pile than residential carpet. That lets it hold up to wear and tear without matting or crushing, which helps between turns. Commercial carpet tiles are also easy to install, often in a matter of hours.
| Floor | Why it fits a turn | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial carpet tile | Lift out one stained tile and put in a new one | Less plush than residential carpet |
| Commercial laminate | Wood look that resists scratches and stains | Some laminates are only water-resistant |
| SPC rigid core vinyl | Waterproof, and cleanup is minimal | Firm, rigid feel underfoot |
Plan the wet areas
For bathrooms, our buying-mistakes guide recommends tile, waterproof vinyl, or waterproof laminate. A water-resistant laminate must stay dry. Where moisture is a concern, a vapor barrier can help. SPC vinyl is waterproof through all of its layers, so it suits units where water damage is a concern.
Send the unit sizes and the floor you use now. We will quote a package you can repeat.
Control sound between units
Underlayment gives an extra sound barrier between levels. Cork is a favorite with apartment and condo owners, because it absorbs sound better than most underlayments. Our guide says that most building codes and HOA requirements set a minimum IIC rating of 50. Confirm the rules for each property. If the floor has an attached underlayment, do not add a second layer, because a double layer can damage the floor. Laminate over an uneven subfloor can sound hollow, so use a good underlay with it.
Keep material for the next turn
Keep the leftover material after each install. This is called attic stock. If part of a floor gets damage later, replace it from that stock. Record the product name and the color, so that the next unit gets the same floor.