Depending on where you live, your landlord may or may not be allowed to charge you for changing the flooring in your apartment. It can vary based on state law and whether it is a single room or an entire continuous run of flooring.
The good news is that there are a few easy options for changing the flooring in your apartment without breaking your budget. Investing in the right materials can revitalize your unit and give it a new lease on life.
1. Paint
Paint is a decorative and protective coating that can be applied to rigid surfaces. It consists of a pigment suspended in a vehicle or binder, which dries to a tough film that bonds the pigment to the surface.
The type of paint you use will depend on your design needs and budget. A good quality paint will contain several ingredients, including pigments, binders, solvents (liquids) and additives.
Pigments are finely ground particles that provide color and hiding properties. They are usually added to paint in the form of primer pigments and extender pigments.
Typically, the pigments are mixed with drying oils to create the paint film. These drying oils are usually linseed oil, dehydrated castor oil, bleached oil, or fish oil.
Painting your walls can be a great way to give your apartment or condo a fresh look and feel. But you should be aware that a new paint job can be costly, especially if the room is large or contains other furniture.
Another consideration is the height of your flooring. If your floors are a different height than your walls, you should probably change them before you do the paint job. Otherwise, you might end up with a noticeable gap between your wall and the floor.
You also want to be sure the floors are smooth and free of cracks and dents. This will ensure a good, long-lasting paint job.
A good quality floor paint should be able to stand up to a lot of wear and tear. For example, a latex enamel-based paint like marine or porch paint is hardwearing and built to last.
These kinds of floor paints are also relatively low in volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. They will be more expensive than standard interior paints, but they’re often better for the environment and have more practical uses.
In addition to being cost-effective, a paint job will also make your apartment look cleaner and more pristine. This will help to attract potential tenants and increase the value of your rental property.
2. Carpet
If you live in an apartment or rental home, carpet is a popular flooring option. It’s easy to maintain and comes in a wide variety of colors and textures. It’s also an excellent choice for noise reduction.
If your apartment is in an area that experiences a lot of background noise, carpeting can be the ideal solution. It helps to absorb sounds, reducing the number of unwanted noises from neighbors and traffic outside.
It’s important to make sure that you use a good underlay underneath the carpet for maximum durability and performance. This will keep your floor in great condition for a long time to come and will also help to protect your investment.
Another consideration is the type of fiber used to create the carpet. If your budget allows, opt for natural materials like wool that will provide a longer-lasting and environmentally-conscious solution to flooring.
You can also choose from various textures, such as cut pile or looped. Both styles have their pros and cons, and you’ll need to make a decision based on your needs.
Using the right carpet is an important part of making your space comfortable and inviting. It should be durable enough to withstand high traffic and the demands of everyday life.
If you’re worried about allergens, opt for a hypoallergenic carpeting that contains no VOCs (volatile organic compounds). This will help to reduce the chance of your family members developing allergies.
For extra comfort, you can also consider installing a layer of padding under the carpet. This will give you a little more bounce and provide added support for the carpet.
In addition, you can add a decorative rug to the carpet for an additional layer of warmth and comfort. However, remember that adding rugs to long-pile or soft carpet will be difficult to maintain and can lead to slippage.
It’s best to talk to your landlord before making any changes to the flooring in your apartment. They should be able to help you choose the right flooring for your needs and can also answer any questions you may have.
3. Vinyl
If you’re looking to update the flooring in your apartment, it’s a good idea to consider vinyl. This type of floor is inexpensive, easy to install and maintain, and offers a wide range of design options.
This flooring option is also eco-friendly, as it uses only a small amount of petroleum-based materials and is made from a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) base. This synthetic material is less sensitive to changes in the oil market than other types of plastics and can be recycled easily.
It’s also more durable than other options, such as linoleum or carpet. This means that you don’t have to replace it as often, which can save you money in the long run.
As a result, vinyl is becoming a more common choice for real estate investors seeking to save on their budgets and improve their return on investment. It’s especially popular in smaller apartment buildings, which are typically more cost-conscious than larger properties.
One of the biggest benefits of this type of flooring is that it is easily cleaned. It can be vacuumed and swept to remove dirt or debris and has a waterproof surface that can resist staining.
The process of manufacturing this flooring option involves applying multiple layers of colored PVC to form flexible sheets that can be cut into tiles or planks. This process can create realistic-looking floors that look like wood, stone or ceramic.
These vinyl floors are available in a wide variety of colors, styles and designs. They are also extremely versatile and can be customized to mimic a variety of other flooring materials.
In addition, many vinyl floors have a layer of protective coating to help prevent scratches and other damage from being caused by heavy furniture or appliances. Vacuuming, sweeping and using a damp mop can keep them clean for years to come.
This flooring option can be installed in a variety of ways, but it is most commonly applied using a glue-down method or by floating it on top of existing flooring. Both methods are faster and easier to complete than other flooring options, but glue-down installation can be more permanent and provide a more stable feel.
4. Hardwood
Whether you own or rent your home, it’s important to have attractive and comfortable floors that appeal to prospective tenants. Old, worn-out flooring can make a house or apartment look less desirable and may result in lower rental prices.
Hardwood is a good choice for a number of reasons. It’s durable, attractive and comes in a variety of colors. It’s also more comfortable for people with allergies because it doesn’t trap dust or dirt.
When choosing hardwood flooring, you should consider the type of wood, how thick the planks are and the grain pattern. Some flooring trends include wider planks, reclaimed wood or hand-scraped wood that looks antique.
Another trend is to use a dark-stained floor. This will add depth to the room and make the floors appear larger.
One of the most popular colors is red oak, but you can also choose white oak or pine. However, it is important to keep in mind that the stain will be absorbed differently by each wood, so you should test a small sample to see which color works best.
Some hardwoods are more durable than others, which will impact your budget. The harder the wood, the more expensive it is.
The type of finish will also impact your costs. Most contractors use polyurethane and oil-based finishes to provide extra durability. The oil-based finishes penetrate into the pores of the wood and seal it, creating a stronger, more abrasion-resistant finish.
If you’re looking to install solid hardwood floors, you should expect to pay around $600 to $1,500 per square foot for the material. The price will vary depending on the species and the thickness of the planks, according to Grinshpun.
Many different types of hardwood can be used for flooring, with the most common being oak, maple and cherry. Other popular hardwoods include hickory, walnut and Brazilian cherry.
While most people stick to oak or maple, other hardwoods can be just as appealing, especially when refinished and stained in various colors. For example, American cherry, a domestic species, is making a comeback as a luxury flooring option with homeowners who still prefer the darker look of hardwood.