Carpet or Laminate for a Rental Property: Which is Best?

Carpets vs laminate – what do tenants really want from a rental property? And which option is best for you long-term?

There are pros and cons to installing carpet vs laminate flooring as a landlord – from reducing short-term costs to maximising long-term savings.

Keep reading to discover the best flooring for rental properties, how to choose between carpet vs laminate flooring as a landlord, plus more landlord flooring tips.

Why Choose Laminate For a Rental?

Laminate flooring is durable, long-lasting, and easy to clean. In a rental property, it’s more likely to last several tenancies without looking tired or worn (which can save you money in the long term).

You can also keep the costs down when installing laminate. For example, you can DIY the installation and choose cheap laminate flooring and underlay to save money.

Laminate also looks modern and clean, which can make a rental more desirable and high-value to tenants. With good care, laminate should look nicer for longer than carpets will.

The downsides? Laminate is scratch-resistant, but care should be taken to avoid scratching the floors.

Water-resistant laminate offers some moisture protection, but laminate floors can still warp after major spills, so tenants should take care (see our comparison of waterproof vs water-resistant laminate).

Why Choose Carpet For a Rental?

Carpet feels comfy and cosy, and it’s a great choice for staircases and even bedrooms in a rental property. It can make a rental feel more like a home, especially in bedrooms and living areas.

You can pick up cheap carpet and underlay, although it may not last long. The less spongy your underlay, the quicker the carpet will flatten and lose its comfort.

The downsides? Carpet can stain easily and wear quickly in high-traffic areas. For example, in bedrooms, you can get worn “channels” along the side of the bed, where tenants walk often.

Carpets can also be off-putting for new tenants moving in, as they can feel unsanitary. For landlords, this may mean you have to replace carpets frequently – or at least invest in a deep clean between tenancies.

Laminate vs Carpet: Which is the Best Flooring For Rental Properties?

In a rental, the best flooring – laminate vs carpet – depends on the room. Here’s a quick summary of which option works best for different rooms.

	Carpet	Laminate
Hallways	Yes *Consider carpet tiles for maximum durability	Yes
Bedrooms	Yes* *Tenants may expect deep cleaning between tenancies	Yes
Living Areas	Yes* *Be wary of stains, wear, and deep cleaning costs	Yes
Stairs	Yes	Yes* *Be wary of noise and slip hazards
Kitchens	Not recommended	Yes* *Choose water-resistant laminate or tile-effect laminate
Bathrooms	Not recommended	Yes* *Choose water-resistant laminate or tile-effect laminate
Communal Areas	Yes* *Consider carpet tiles for maximum durability	Yes

FAQs

Is It Cheaper to Carpet or Laminate a Room?

It depends – you can get cheap carpet and cheap laminate. Generally, it’s easier to find a good-quality, cheap laminate compared to a good-quality, cheap carpet.

How much laminate costs depends on its features (like if it’s water-resistant or in a herringbone style) and how you install it. For example, you can use cheap underlay and DIY it instead of hiring a professional installer.

Carpet prices vary depending on the pile, colour, softness, and underlay. Installation charges and delivery fees can also add up compared to laminate (which you can pick up and install yourself).

Is It Better to Have Carpet or Laminate in a Rental?

Carpet is better for staircases, as it’s safer, quieter, and more durable. It can be a good choice for bedrooms, as it feels warmer and cosier. However, a rug is cheaper to maintain and offers similar effects.

Laminate is better for living areas, like lounges, dining rooms, hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms (learn more about using laminate in kitchens and bathrooms). For rental properties, it’s a good idea for bedrooms, too, as it’s easier and cheaper to keep clean.

Is Laminate Cheaper Than Carpet?

Usually, yes, laminate is cheaper than carpet, but it depends.

Laminate can be significantly cheaper if you install it yourself and choose cheap laminate flooring. It also reliably lasts a long time, which can make it more cost-effective long-term.

However, you can buy cheap carpet, especially if you use carpet tiles, which are very durable and easy to install yourself.

These are great for high-traffic areas (like utility rooms and communal hallways), but they aren’t very pleasant for living areas or bedrooms. In a rental, carpet tiles can devalue the room or property.