13 Best Flooring Options for Your Airbnb/Vacation Rental

Rentals are high traffic, high usage properties and customers are not always the most responsible houseguests. So your Airbnb flooring choice needs to be durable.

In fact, your choice may not only attract more guests but it may also increase the value of your rental. Airbnb flooring choices should balance aesthetics and durability, maximize your profits, and maintain high standards of quality.

The best flooring options for your Airbnb properties are hardwood, parquet, and Terrazzo for luxury rentals. Vinyl, engineered hardwood, and ceramics are less costly and great for durability. Bamboo and cork are great eco-friendly choices.

When choosing your Airbnb flooring, many factors come into play, making it a highly individual decision.

The area you wish to refloor, your aesthetic preferences, the value of your rental, and your budget all have a place in your decision process. Read on to learn about 13 of the best flooring options for your Airbnb to suit all tastes and bank balances.

What Flooring Is Best for My Airbnb?

With modern technology, there are more flooring options available that mimic the real thing, such as hardwood or stone, but at a fraction of the cost. These types of flooring are also generally replaceable in sections in case disaster strikes.

Which it will.

Your budget comes into play when considering your flooring options, but the cheaper style floorings generally don’t last and could make your rental less appealing to prospective guests. When considering which floor is best, you should consider the following factors first and foremost:

Durability

Carpets may look plush and inviting in bedrooms, but one or two cigarette burns and a red wine stain later, they may look positively shabby.

You also need to consider the high traffic volume in rentals and the consequences of wear and tear. Traffic areas can stand out rather prominently on carpeted areas.

Genuine hardwood floors are the longest lasting of all flooring, but maintenance could be an issue and the initial outlay may be prohibitive. Scratches and dents are ubiquitous when allowing guests to use your property, and they can be costly to repair with genuine hardwood flooring.

Linoleum style floors have come a long way since the seventies and come in finishes that mimic various surfaces incredibly well. They can also be replaced in part or whole and can mask a fault easily at low costs.

Cost

Depending on your Airbnb rental tier, you should choose the flooring that matches your property’s value and the quality of guests you expect to have.

It’s true that your nightly rate and location will attract different types of guests. Even in our own experiences, the less we charged the more problems we’ve had with rules being broken and damage being done to our stuff.

If you own a luxury rental, the expectations are that the flooring should be top quality, or you might find your guests choosing elsewhere. If your property is in the mid-range, it will defeat the purpose of making a profit if you floored it with top of the range marble.

But if you are on the lower-mid end of things, get something that is indestructible or easily replaced at low cost.

Design

Although you may have a passion for geometric shapes and eclectic color mixes, you should try and keep your rental design as neutral as possible unless you’re trying to mimic a certain theme.

Otherwise, it would be best if you had your visual aesthetic appeal to the most people possible, so stick to the classic tried and tested palettes and finishes to cover the broadest range in tastes.

Try to stay away from striking floor features and busy designs that can make your rental space appear smaller than it is.In fact, you should be following certain interior design rules to maximize the subconscious appearance of your property.

Functionality

Keep in mind the functions of the room which you plan to refloor.

For instance, kitchen and bathroom areas are high moisture areas and need specialized flooring to stand up to damp. High traffic areas such as hallways and living areas need a durable floor that won’t show wear and tear.

Bedrooms and dining areas can afford to have a touch more luxury while keeping in mind the practicalities of rentals. We all love our guests, but sometimes they are somewhat negligent about their rental space.

From time to time, guests will break rules and eat in places they shouldn’t, so be prepared and try to stay one step ahead.

So Which Flooring Is Best?

There is a wide variety of flooring materials and finishes to choose from, and each has its benefits and drawbacks.

As stated above, the room’s function should dictate the type of flooring you choose, as not all flooring solutions are appropriate to all rooms. Your best choices of flooring options for your Airbnb are as follows.

Genuine Hardwood: Best for Added Value and Aesthetics

Wood is the ultimate classic in aesthetics and lends a warm and inviting feel to your Airbnb rental. One has the option of sleek high gloss polish that is sophisticated but challenging to maintain or matt finish, which gives a rustic and homely air to your rental.

Genuine hardwood is beautiful and long-lasting but reacts to moisture and humidity over time and needs regular care and maintenance. If you expect high traffic, real hardwood is your best option because, unlike veneers, owners may refinish these floors multiple times in their floor’s lifespan.

Pros

• Can increase the value and appeal of your property
• Warm and inviting aesthetics
• Can be refinished multiple times

Cons

• One of the most expensive materials both in materials and installation
• Challenging to replace in parts should damage occur
• Requires regular maintenance
• It may be noisy in apartments

Average costs: Hardwood is more expensive as a floor option and costs on average $8 per square foot and between $13 to $25 and above for high-end installations. Average installation costs are between $6 to $12 per square foot, and about 50% of your expenses will be for the professional labor necessary for this flooring type.

Engineered Hardwood: Best of Vinyl and Wood Benefits

Unlike laminate, engineered hardwood uses a real wood surface that is durable, absorbs more noise, and delivers the same aesthetics as natural wood. It retails between vinyl and hardwood and gives the best of both worlds, the affordability of a laminate with the warm outer surface of the wood.

Pros

• Genuine wood flooring at a lower price than hardwood
• Absorbs noise better than hardwood
• Cleans easily and is durable

Cons

• More expensive than laminate
• Subject to the same problems of wood such as scuffing and UV discoloration
• Cannot be sealed and sanded like genuine hardwood but can be treated for minor scratches
• Must be maintained and cleaned with special care, much like hardwood

Average costs: The most basic engineered hardwood floor consists of three layers with a top layer of veneer. The cost of materials is between $3-$5 per square foot, and installation varies between $3-$9 per square foot.

Laminates: Best Variety and Damage Repairs

Laminates have an amazing variety of imitated surfaces, which are images embedded in a durable and airtight seal to mimic genuine surfaces.

Laminate is affordable and offers the look of wood stone or tile at a fraction of the cost. It is durable and relatively easy to install, and one can replace it in part easily should damage occur.

Laminate is fast becoming the most popular flooring for residences and commercial properties alike for its blend of durability, affordability, and aesthetics.

There are a variety of grades of laminate available, and one must choose wisely. Rentals benefit from commercial-grade laminate, which stands up well to wear and tear but is more costly in the initial outlay.

Pros

• Looks like wood for a fraction of the cost
• Easy to maintain and install
• Available in a variety of photo finishes
• Relatively impervious to scratches and dents

Cons

• Does not stand up to moisture well and may warp or buckle in wet areas
• Cheaper laminates may have a limited lifespan in busy rentals
• May accentuate underfloor imperfections

Average costs: Laminate flooring is relatively expensive with professional installation, which experts advise. The price per square foot, including installation, is between $8 and $15 per square foot and between $2-$6 for materials if you choose to DIY.

Vinyl: Most Affordable and Best for Laundry and Kitchens

Vinyl is a versatile and durable floor surface that is highly water-resistant, making it a good choice for bathrooms, laundry areas, and kitchens.

Vinyl comes in a range of finishes from tile to stone and is softer under the feet, and absorbs noise. However, not all vinyl is quality and may look cheap, so you should ideally opt for the solid vinyl or luxury vinyl tiles rather than the sheet vinyl.

Pros

• No sealing or grouting required
• Stands up to moisture and be cleaned easily
• Durable and easy to replace
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Considered cheap to some guests
• You need to replace the entire surface if it is damaged and bought in a sheet
• Maybe gouged by sharp objects or moving furniture
• May discolor in UV rays

Average costs: Vinyl comes in a wide variety of quality and styles so that prices can vary substantially between manufacturers and installers. The lowest end sheet vinyl’s average price is around $1 per square foot, while luxury vinyl planks cost up to $12 for the same area. Installation costs vary from $2-$14 per square foot.

Ceramic Tiles: Best for Bathrooms and Kitchens

Tiles are durable and an excellent option for bathroom and kitchen areas because they are resistant to moisture and spills, and can easily clean and maintain hygiene.

Ceramic tiles hold up well to high traffic and are less prone to show scratches and wear than most other flooring materials.

However, they need to be periodically regrouted and resealed to maintain their appearance and hygiene standards. Tiles come in an endless array of sizes and colors to suit any aesthetics and are also one of the most durable flooring options.

Pros

• Durable and long-lasting and essay to maintain
• Waterproof for high moisture areas

Cons

• Can be hard and cold in winter and lend an impersonal air to spaces
• Generally noisier than other flooring options
• High initial outlay costs
• Expensive installation
• Must be periodically regrouted and resealed

Average costs: Ceramic tiles average between $1 to $5.50 per square foot, depending on the tile and materials’ size. The installation will increase your overall costs by $4-$8 per square foot.

Carpet: Best for Value and Installation

Carpets are warm and inviting and add a feeling of luxury to a room. However, cheaper quality carpets wear down quickly and even if you save in the initial outlay, expect to replace the whole thing in one to two years.

High-end carpeting can last between five and seven years if looked after and has a depreciation lifespan of 5 years for tax purposes.

Pros

• The fibers and padding prevent noise from traveling to surrounding units
• Easy to install and replace and is more affordable than other flooring options

Cons

• Shows traffic and wear and tear and needs regular professional cleaning to maintain its looks and hygiene
• Not suitable for high moisture areas
• You will need to replace the carpet every five years

Average costs: Carpets are comparatively inexpensive and range from an average of $7-$12 per square foot with installation, with an average installation of 10′ x 14′ costing between $980 and $1,680.

Natural Stone Tiles: Best for Durability and Classic Looks

Natural stone tiles are a classic and elegant alternative and can be made in a variety of stones such as travertine, granite, marble, and sandstone.

The specific finishes require different maintenance, so be sure to find a finish that won’t need extra work. Polished marble is elegant, but shows scratches and scuffs more easily than tumbled finishes (and is more slippery).

Pros

• Ecologically friendly
• Comes in a variety of staples and shapes
• Extremely durable
• Cool in the summer months

Cons

• One of the highest-priced flooring options
• May chip or scratch easily
• Expensive to install and repair

Average costs: Stone tile installation is a technical process, and professionals should conduct the procedure. For natural stone tiling, expect to pay between $5-$10 on average for material and $7 per square foot for installation.

Parquet Flooring: Best for Formal Areas

Parquet is becoming mainstream once more after its heyday in the 1970s.

The mosaic of geometric wood pieces gives a classic and timeless feel with the warm colors and feel of wood. It is relatively easy to maintain and customize, and it is highly durable.

You may choose from various patterns and materials and may stain your wood to your color choice. Parquet also lends itself beautifully to formal areas.

Pros

• Elegant and timeless, and highly customizable
• More stable than traditional wood floors
• Great for formal places

Cons

• High material and installation costs
• Requires regular maintenance
• Susceptible to moisture and UV damage
• It can be prone to scratches and dents

Average costs: Parquet is more expensive than the other flooring options by far but offers aesthetic benefits that are hard to match. The average material cost is around $5.58 per square foot, but the specialized labor can cost you an average of $35 per hour to install, bringing your expenses up to $7.59 per square foot.

Best Alternative Flooring Options for Airbnb

If you wish your Airbnb to stand out from your competitors, there are other flooring options available to make your space unique.

Materials like Bamboo, Terrazzo, and Cork are becoming popular and have ecological benefits that aren’t found in traditional flooring alternatives, which you can use to attract guests who are more environmentally conscious.

You may incorporate these novel floors into your Airbnb space for heightened visual or textural appeal while saving the environment.

Rubber Flooring: Best Sustainable Floor Option for Indoor Gyms and Laundry Areas

Rubber floors are what you would typically expect in a gym, but this flooring option has become increasingly popular for areas such as laundry and kitchens (and, of course, indoor gyms.)

Indoor rubber floors are made from raw materials from the sap of rubber trees in a non-harmful and sustainable manner and are fully recyclable.

Pros

• PVC free
• Absorbs sound
• Highly moisture repellent
• Chemical and cigarette burn resistant
• Mold, mildew, and stain resistant
• Non-slip and feet and joint-friendly

Cons

• May not be as aesthetically pleasing as other floor surfaces
• Time-consuming installation
• Untextured rubber may be slippery
• Rubbery smell for the first month or so of installation

Average costs: Premium rubber can be costly, especially those made more attractive for living areas, cost between $12 to $15 per square foot. The less expensive tiles for rec rooms and utility rooms may cost as low as $2 per square foot. Installation varies according to the rubber floor type but averages as $2 per square meter.

Terrazzo: Best for Customization

Terrazzo creates a visually appealing and durable floor surface by blending granite, quartz, and glass chips in an epoxy resin.

This hardy floor is also highly customizable and allows for abstract design and decorative seals embedded in the sleek flooring. This recycled flooring is environmentally friendly and functions efficiently indoors and outdoors.

Pros

• Terrazzo is highly appealing visually with a surface similar to marble
• Highly durable with low maintenance
• Highly customizable

Cons

• Expensive to install
• Can feel cold
• Highly versatile for indoor and outdoor applications

Average costs: Terrazzo tiles are less expensive but lack the customization that makes Terrazzo such a unique floor surface. Tiles cost between $15-$70 per square foot and $25-$80, including labor and installation. Poured floors will cost an average of $25-$70 per square foot and, depending on your chosen design, $30-$90 per square foot.

Marmoleum: Best for Price and Eco-Friendliness

Marmoleum is the newest type of linoleum flooring made of entirely natural and recyclable, and biodegradable materials.

Cork dust, burlap, and pine resins are mixed with wood flour for an eco-friendly flooring alternative. Marmoleum is found in several finishes and designs and has durability similar to that of traditional linoleum.

Pros

• Ultimate eco-friendly, biodegradable flooring
• Relatively less expensive than other floorings
• Water-resistant
• Allergy and asthma friendly

Cons

• Prone to tears, scuffs, and scratches
• Needs regular maintenance and polishing
• Not great for high traffic areas
• More expensive to install than linoleum

Average costs: Marmoleum is typically less expensive than other flooring and has a low carbon footprint and environmental impact. Marmoleum costs an average of between $3-$7 per square foot and will cost an additional $0.75-$2 for installation per square meter.

Bamboo: Best for Sustainable Wood Alternative

Bamboo has become increasingly popular for its sustainability and hypo-allergenic qualities.

Although it looks similar to hardwood, Bamboo is a grass engineered to create a wooden look flooring. Bamboo may be carbonized to create a variety of wood similar finishes but is a more ecologically sound alternative to genuine hardwood.

Pros

• High-quality bamboo flooring can be as durable as hardwood
• A clean and contemporary look
• Easy to mop with mild soap
• It can be refinished

Cons

• Cheaper varieties of bamboo flooring can be prone to scratches and dents
• Bamboo tends to absorb moisture and is prone to water and humidity damage
• The clean look does not fit all decor styles

Average costs: Bamboo flooring costs between $5 to $8 per square foot on average and the process involves nailing or gluing to a subfloor. Installation costs an additional $3 to $5 per square foot. The difference between hardwood and Bamboo is negligible in price and only comes ahead in terms of its sustainability and eco-friendliness.

Cork: Best for Antimicrobial and Hypo-Allergenic Qualities

Cork flooring, although not new, has had a revived interest due to its sustainability and earth-friendly composition.

Cork floors come from the cork tree’s bark that is periodically harvested from the Quercus suber without killing the trees, making it sustainable and replenishable. The cork bark is ground up and compressed and formed into the flooring with bonded resins.

Pros

• Sustainable, biodegradable and earth-friendly
• A soft and cushioned surface
• Hypo-allergenic and antimicrobial
• Easy to maintain.

Cons

• Prone to scuffs and dents
• Requires water sealing
• May fade in sunlight.

Average costs: Cork flooring planks cost an average of $2 to $12 per square foot, depending on the cork’s quality and thickness. Installation is comparatively cheap compared to other floorings at $1 to $2 per square foot. The national average cost for a 100-square foot room is around $950.

Conclusion

Choosing a good quality floor that will last and bring value to your property is a crucial decision. With so many flooring varieties on offer, you may really suit form to function without compromising your aesthetic vision.

Ensure that you do your research and choose a reputable manufacturer with high-quality materials and a warranty to protect your investment. Whether you select cork or stone, real wood or laminate, we hope your rentals get high traffic drawn in by your beautiful floors.

As always, I’m curious to know what type of flooring you have found works best. Leave a comment below!