Side-by-Side Comparison
Best Flooring for Kelowna Rentals
For Kelowna rentals, the choice is between rigid-core LVP (more forgiving, waterproof, tenant-proof) and AC5 laminate (cheaper upfront). LVP wins for kitchens, baths, and any property where tenants might forget about a leak. Laminate wins for bedrooms and dry-room rentals where every dollar counts.
Side-by-Side
| Criterion | Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) | AC4/AC5 Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost | $5-7/sqft (entry SPC) | $4-6/sqft (AC5) |
| Waterproof | Yes - survives leaks | No - swelling at seams |
| Tenant scratch resistance | Excellent | Excellent (AC5) |
| Repair / replace cost | Plank-by-plank if you saved spares | Plank-by-plank if you saved spares |
| Turnover refresh time | Wipe + photo-ready in 1 hour | Wipe + photo-ready in 1 hour |
| Allergens (rentals matter) | Easy - non-porous | Easy |
| Lifespan in a rental | 10-15 years | 8-12 years |
Which wins for your situation?
Rental kitchen / bathroom
LVP
Waterproof when (not if) a tenant forgets a leak.
Rental bedroom
Laminate AC5
Cheaper, no waterproofing needed in a dry room.
Whole-house rental refresh
LVP
Single product through the whole home - easier to source spares.
Below-grade basement suite
LVP
Concrete + rental tenants = mandatory waterproof.
Premium long-term rental
LVP
Higher-end finish attracts better tenants.
FAQ
Common Questions
What's the cheapest flooring for a Kelowna rental?+
Entry-tier AC3 laminate is the cheapest at about $4/sqft installed, but it doesn't last in high-turnover units. AC5 laminate or entry SPC luxury vinyl is a better value over 10 years.
Should I put carpet in a rental bedroom?+
Most Kelowna landlords are moving away from carpet in rentals because of stains, pet damage, and turnover cleaning costs. Hard surfaces in all rooms make turnovers faster and cheaper.
What flooring lasts longest in a Kelowna rental?+
Rigid-core SPC luxury vinyl plank typically lasts 10-15 years in a rental with average tenant use, the longest of any moderately priced option.
Still not sure?
Bring the question to our showroom or book a free in-home estimate.