Flip vs. Rental Guidance
The same core technical specification applies to both. For flips, give somewhat greater weight to appearance and suitability for the property’s price point. For rentals, give somewhat greater weight to durability, continued availability, replacement practicality, and lifecycle cost.
What Matters for an Investment Property
- Wear-layer durability
- Overall flooring construction
- Water resistance
- Straightforward installation
- Neutral appearance and product availability
Investor Spec Requirements
- Rigid-core LVP
- ≥20-mil wear layer
- Target ≥6 mm overall thickness
- Waterproof
- Click-lock floating installation
- Attached underlayment preferred
- Low/matte-gloss finish
- Neutral wood appearance
- Light-medium to medium neutral coloration
- Residential manufacturer warranty
- Manufacturer installation documentation
“Waterproof” flooring does not mean the entire installed flooring assembly or subfloor is waterproof. Follow manufacturer installation and moisture-control requirements.
Qualifying options
Recommended Products
LifeProof Essential Oak 22 MIL
22-mil wear layer · Waterproof click-lock · 7.1 × 48 in.
View at Retailer
STAINMASTER PetProtect Willow
20-mil wear layer · 7 mm construction · Attached pad
View at Retailer
STAINMASTER PetProtect Brier Mushroom
20-mil wear layer · 7 mm construction · Attached pad
View at RetailerSupporting Products
ROBERTS 10-28 Flooring Installation Kit
Spacers, tapping block, and pull bar for floating-floor installation.
View at Retailer- Transitions, reducers, and T-molding
- Stair noses where applicable
- Pull bar
- LVP cutter
- 6-mil poly vapor barrier where required
- Felt furniture pads
Investor Spec may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are based on Investor Spec specifications and evaluation criteria.