Your Airbnb is fully booked, but between guests, you're scrubbing a wine stain or noticing a new suitcase scratch. The flooring choice can mean the difference between a durable, profitable asset and a constant maintenance headache.
Choosing the best flooring for your Airbnb is a crucial decision for a host. It impacts guest reviews, booking rates, long-term maintenance costs, and profitability. This isn't just a design choice; it's a business decision affecting your property's profitability for years.
In this guide, we cover key factors for selecting flooring, top market options, pitfalls to avoid, and room-specific recommendations for your short-term rental.
Top 5 Flooring Options for Airbnbs and Short Term Rentals
Now that you know what to look for, let's analyze the top contenders. We've ranked these based on their overall performance across our six key factors.
1. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) / Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)
Summary: Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) are multi-layered synthetic flooring products that have revolutionized the rental market. LVP mimics wood, while LVT replicates stone or tile. Both share the same construction: a wear layer, design layer, core layer, and backing layer that create a durable, waterproof product. Luxury vinyl plank for Airbnb has become the choice for hosts seeking maximum performance with minimal compromise.
Pros:
- With proper wear layer thickness (20mil+ for high-traffic areas), highly durable
- Most options are 100% waterproof (check for WPC or SPC cores)
- Quick and easy to clean with standard products
- A vast selection of realistic wood and stone appearances
- Warm and comfortable underfoot
- Quieter than laminate or tile
- DIY-friendly installation options (click-lock floating systems)
- $3-$7 per square foot including installation
Cons:
- Heavy furniture (especially economy options)
- Quality varies significantly between brands and price points.
- Can be scratched by dragging heavy, sharp objects
- Lower resale value perception than natural materials in luxury properties
Best For: Any room in any rental. It's the versatile, go-to champion for most hosts, combining practical performance with aesthetic appeal and reasonable cost.
2. Laminate Flooring
Summary: Modern laminate is a multi-layer product topped with a detailed image layer, protected by a durable transparent wear layer, and with a high-density fiberboard core. The laminate vs vinyl for rental property debate centers on water resistance, but high-quality modern laminates offer advantages for certain applications.
Pros:
- Extremely scratch-resistant (often more than LVP)
- Typically cheaper than vinyl, at $2-$5 per square foot installed.
- Easy to install with click-lock systems
- Convincing wood looks with realistic textures
- Warm underfoot without radiant heating
- Often harder and more rigid than vinyl, which some guests
Cons:
- Core is fiberboard, so standard options are susceptible to water damage.
- Water-resistant options exist but aren't fully waterproof like vinyl.
- Without quality underlayment, it can sound hollow or "clicky."
- Shorter warranty periods than comparable vinyl products
- Less suitable for bathrooms and kitchens
Best For: Living areas and bedrooms in dry climates where extreme scratch resistance is a top priority. Also excellent for budget-conscious hosts who are vigilant about spills.
3. Porcelain or Ceramic Tile
Summary: Tile remains a classic, durable option that has stood the test of time in rental properties worldwide.
Pros:
- Indestructible surface that resists scratches, dents, and wear
- When properly installed, it is 100% waterproof.
- Easy to clean and disinfect
- Vast design range from classic to ultra-modern
- Wood-look tiles mimic hardwood and offer superior durability.
- Excellent for properties in hot climates (naturally cool underfoot)
- Longest lifespan of any flooring option (decades)
Cons:
- Grout lines require maintenance and periodic resealing.
- Hard and cold underfoot (uncomfortable in colder climates)
- Items that are dropped will break on impact.
- Installation is complex, expensive, and time-consuming.
- Not DIY-friendly for most people.
- Higher cost ($7-$15+ per square foot installed)
Best For: Bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways in warm climates or luxury properties. Also great for pool areas and outdoor spaces.
4. Engineered Hardwood
Summary: Engineered hardwood offers a compromise for hosts wanting the look of real wood with improved stability. It consists of a real hardwood veneer bonded to multiple layers of wood substrate or high-density fiberboard.
Pros:
- Authentic look and feel
- More dimensionally stable than solid hardwood in changing humidity.
- Can be refinished once or twice to extend lifespan.
- Adds perceived value to luxury rentals
- Many options for floating floors can be installed.
- Warm and comfortable underfoot
- Improves property resale value
Cons:
- Only water-resistant, not waterproof
- More susceptible to scratches and dents than LVP/laminate
- More expensive ($8-$12+ per square foot installed)
- Requires careful cleaning with appropriate wood products.
- Refinishing requires taking the unit offline.
Best For: Higher-end rentals in living areas and bedrooms where the host wants a premium feel and accepts more maintenance responsibility. Suited for properties targeting luxury segments with higher nightly rates.
5. Polished Concrete
Summary: A modern, industrial, and increasingly popular option that works well in the right property style.
Pros:
- Extremely durable and indestructible
- When sealed, it is completely waterproof.
- Easy to clean with minimal maintenance
- Unique modern aesthetic that photographs well
- Excellent thermal mass for radiant heating systems
- Very long lifespan with minimal maintenance
- Resists scratches, stains, and impacts
Cons:
- Very hard and cold without radiant heating.
- If the subfloor isn't concrete, installation can be expensive.
- Requires periodic resealing (every 3-5 years)
- Without proper acoustic management, it is echoey and loud.
- Compared to other materials, limited design options.
- Not practical for upper-floor installations
Best For: Ground-floor units, lofts, and properties aiming for a minimalist or industrial design. Suited to warmer climates or properties with radiant heating systems.
Why Your Flooring Choice Matters
When investing in your rental property, flooring deserves attention beyond aesthetics. A smart flooring choice serves as a foundational business asset that can impact your success.
Durability & ROI
Short-term rentals experience more intense traffic patterns than typical homes. Consider the constant parade of suitcases across your floors, frequent furniture rearrangements, and rigorous cleaning between stays. Investing in durable flooring means fewer repairs, less frequent replacements, and a better return on investment. A quality floor that lasts 10+ years in a high-turnover environment will cost less per year than a budget option needing replacement every 3-4 years.
Guest Perception & Reviews
Your floors create an immediate impression on guests. Clean, modern, and sturdy flooring contributes to a positive perception of cleanliness and quality, factors mentioned in 5-star reviews. Worn-out or stained flooring can appear "dirty" even when freshly cleaned, triggering negative reviews that damage your booking rate. Remember that guests often walk barefoot, making the quality and cleanliness of your floors a tangible experience.
Operational Efficiency
From a host's perspective, easy-to-clean flooring reduces turnover time between bookings. When you're operating on tight changeover schedules, the ability to quickly vacuum, mop, and restore floors becomes invaluable. Waterproof flooring for a vacation rental prevents panic moments when guests spill drinks, track in water, or splash from the shower. The right flooring choice means less maintenance time and more focus on other business aspects.
The 6 Core Factors for Choosing Airbnb Flooring
Before you fall in love with a specific look, evaluate your options against these six criteria. The best choice will score high in all categories.
1. Durability (The Suitcase Test)
In an STR context, durability means resistance to rental property challenges. Look for flooring that withstands scratches from luggage wheels, dents from dropped items, and wear from constant foot traffic. For vinyl, examine the wear layer thickness, a protective top coating measured in mils (thousandths of an inch). A wear layer of at least 12mil is necessary for rentals, with 20mil or higher for high-traffic properties.
Check the AC rating (Abrasion Class) for laminate flooring, which measures durability on a scale of 1-5. For short-term rentals, do not go below AC3, with AC4 or AC5 recommended for main living areas.
2. Water Resistance (Spilled Drink Test)
Water damage is a common and costly flooring issue in rentals. It is crucial to understand water protection levels:
- Water-resistant flooring can handle topical moisture if wiped up promptly (typically within 30 minutes), but extended exposure will cause damage.
- Waterproof flooring can withstand prolonged exposure to spills and moisture without damaging the core material.
For STRs, waterproof is the gold standard, particularly in kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways where spills and splashes are inevitable. This factor can prevent thousands in potential damage from a guest who does not report a spill or leak.
3. Maintenance & Cleaning (The Turnover Test)
Your cleaning team needs flooring that can be quickly restored between guests using standard cleaning products. Avoid flooring that requires specialized cleaners or complex maintenance. Smooth surfaces without deep grooves or numerous seams are ideal for efficient cleaning.
Watch out for problem areas: grout lines in tile trap dirt and discolor over time, while poorly installed laminate with visible seams collects debris. The best options can be cleaned with a quick vacuum and mop in under 15 minutes.
4. Aesthetics & Style (The "Wow Factor" Test)
While practical considerations are paramount, aesthetics remain important. Flooring is a major visual element in your property and features prominently in listing photos. It should complement your property's overall design style, whether modern, rustic, coastal, or something else.
The right flooring choice can help you create a standout listing in a crowded marketplace. Look for options that photograph well and create a cohesive look throughout the property, as consistent flooring can make spaces appear larger and more thoughtfully designed.
5. Cost (The Budget Test)
When evaluating cost, consider both:
- Upfront Cost: Material plus installation ($2-$12+ per square foot, depending on material).
- Lifetime Cost: Consider longevity, maintenance, and replacement frequency.
Cost-effective flooring for hosts isn't necessarily the cheapest upfront. A flooring costing $4/sq ft that lasts 10 years ($0.40/year) is more economical than a $2/sq ft option needing replacement after 3 years ($0.67/year). This includes the hassle and downtime of more frequent replacements.
6. Guest Safety & Comfort
Safety considerations include slip resistance, especially in wet areas. Comfort factors like temperature underfoot and acoustic properties impact guest experience. Tile, while durable, can feel cold and hard without radiant heating. LVP and laminate offer a warmer, more comfortable surface that minimizes noise transfer; important for multi-story properties or units with neighbors.
Flooring to Use in Your Rental
Some popular residential flooring types pose significant risks in a high-turnover rental environment. Consider these options with caution.
Solid Hardwood
Solid hardwood poses challenges in an STR context, while it is beautiful and classic. It's easily scratched by suitcases and high heels and is susceptible to water damage from spills that guests might not report. Humidity fluctuations in vacant periods can cause warping, and refinishing is a costly project that requires taking your unit offline for days. If you're committed to a real wood look, engineered hardwood or high-quality wood-look LVP provides similar aesthetics with better durability.
Wall-to-Wall Carpet
Wall-to-wall carpet is problematic in rentals for multiple reasons. It traps allergens, dirt, and odors that are hard to remove between guests. Stains from wine, coffee, or other spills are often impossible to eliminate, creating a perception of uncleanliness. It wears down quickly in high-traffic areas, making the space look dated, and many guests perceive carpet as less hygienic than hard surfaces.
For a softer feel in bedrooms, consider area rugs over hard flooring or low-pile carpet tiles that can be individually replaced if damaged. These provide warmth and comfort while minimizing the maintenance challenges of traditional carpeting.
A Quick Room-by-Room Flooring Guide
While LVP is a safe bet everywhere, here's how to tailor your choice to specific rooms after you stock your rental property with furniture.
Kitchens & Bathrooms: Top Priority: Waterproof.
- Best Bets: LVP/LVT, Porcelain/Ceramic Tile.
Living Areas & Hallways: Priority: Durability.
- Best Bets: LVP and High-Quality Laminate (AC4+).
Bedrooms: Top Priority: Comfort & Aesthetics.
- Best Bets: LVP, Laminate, Engineered Hardwood. Low-pile, easy-to-clean carpet tiles can be an option.
Entryways: Top Priority: Water/Dirt Resistance.
- Best Bets: Tile and LVP with enhanced wear layer.
Outdoor Spaces: Top Priority: Weather Resistance.
- Best Bets: Porcelain tile, composite decking, outdoor-rated LVP.
Optimizing Your Rental Business
Smart investments like choosing the best flooring for your Airbnb are crucial for a successful short-term rental business. The physical property is only half the battle. Managing bookings, guest communication, cleanings, and pricing strategy can feel like a full-time job.
Checkmate Rentals handles day-to-day operations with local teams across all 50 states, letting you focus on the big picture. Our model ensures you retain full ownership of your listing and its reviews. If you're ready to maximize your revenue without sacrificing your time or ownership, consider how full-service property management can transform your investment.
Conclusion
Choosing the best flooring for your Airbnb requires balancing durability, water resistance, maintenance, aesthetics, and budget. While properties have unique needs, Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) emerges as the top choice for most short-term rentals, offering durability, waterproof protection, and style versatility.
Regardless of your choice, viewing your flooring as a business investment rather than a design element will lead to smarter decisions. This guide will help you make an informed choice that pays off in positive reviews, reduced stress, and a healthier bottom line.
