LVP flooring and laminate flooring are the two best budget-friendly choices for Toronto rental properties, but they solve different landlord problems. For most basement apartments, entry-level units, and moisture-prone spaces, waterproof LVP is the better long-term choice, while laminate is often the better value in dry bedrooms, living rooms, and low-risk rental turnovers.
If you own a rental property in Toronto, Scarborough, North York, Markham, or Vaughan, flooring choice affects maintenance calls, turnover costs, and how well the unit photographs for the next tenant. At Top Floorings Depot, laminate starts from $0.50/sqft for German-made Egger and from $1.39/sqft for Riche 12mm laminate, while waterproof SPC LVP starts from $1.39/sqft with attached pad included. That means the right answer depends less on trend and more on the unit type, the tenant profile, and how much water risk the property actually has.
Is LVP or laminate better for Toronto rental properties?
LVP is better for Toronto rental properties when water resistance and lower maintenance risk matter most, while laminate is better when the unit is dry, budget-sensitive, and you want the lowest upfront material cost.
Toronto rental properties are not all the same. A basement apartment with a separate entrance, winter slush, and a utility-room-adjacent laundry setup has very different flooring needs than a second-floor duplex or a condo investment unit with stable indoor conditions. SPC LVP flooring is 100% waterproof and installs as a floating floor over flat concrete or plywood, while laminate flooring is a strong dry-area option that can cost less and still look excellent between turnovers.
Why LVP is usually the safer landlord choice
LVP is usually the safer landlord choice because it handles spills, boot moisture, wet mopping, tenant wear, and minor water incidents better than laminate.
At Top Floorings Depot, the Riche 6mm SPC LVP line starts at $1.39/sqft store price and includes a 4.5mm rigid core, 1.5mm IXPE pad, 12mil wear layer, 7.09 inch width, and 48 inch length. Products like Riche Natural Birch 6mm and Riche Blonde Sand Oak 6mm work especially well in rental kitchens, basement suites, and entry zones because they reduce the chance that one spill turns into a board-replacement problem.
If you need a heavier-duty product for higher traffic or a more premium rental finish, the Riche 8mm standard SPC series adds a 6mm core, 2mm EVA pad, Valinge 5G Drop locking, IIC 73, and STC 72. Those numbers matter for condos and multi-unit buildings where sound transfer is part of the conversation, even though condo boards may still require separate underlayment approvals depending on the building.
| Option | Best for | Starting price |
|---|---|---|
| LVP / SPC | Basements, kitchens, entry areas | $1.39/sqft |
| Laminate | Dry rooms, lowest budget | $0.50/sqft |
| 12mm laminate | Better feel on budget | $1.39-$1.79/sqft |
When laminate still makes more sense for a rental unit
Laminate still makes more sense for a rental unit when the space is dry, the budget is tight, and the owner wants the lowest cost per square foot without moving into clearance-grade materials.
Top Floorings Depot carries German-made Egger laminate at $0.50 to $0.70/sqft in 8mm AC4 and 11mm AC5 constructions, which is a strong value proposition for bedrooms, living rooms, and upper-level rental units. For landlords who want a more substantial underfoot feel without spending engineered hardwood money, products like Riche Warm Parchment 12mm EIR and Riche Ivory Birch 12mm EIR offer 12mm thickness at $1.39/sqft.
The key limitation is moisture. Laminate can perform well in rental properties, but the unit has to be the right kind of rental property. If the tenant lifestyle, entrance condition, or room layout increases water exposure, laminate stops being the best bargain because replacement risk rises fast.
What should landlords choose for basements, kitchens, and condo rentals?
Landlords should usually choose LVP for basements and kitchens, while condo rentals and upper-floor units can go either way depending on moisture risk, sound requirements, and budget.
Basement apartments in Toronto are the clearest case for waterproof flooring because concrete subfloors, seasonal humidity, and snow-tracked entrances create more moisture exposure than most landlords expect. Kitchens and small dining areas also lean toward LVP because cleaning is easier and tenants are less likely to damage the floor with ordinary daily use. In dry condo bedrooms and living areas, laminate can still make sense, especially when the owner is trying to refresh a unit economically between tenants.
If installation is part of the turnover, Top Floorings Depot offers professional LVP and SPC vinyl flooring installation from $1.50/sqft and laminate installation from $1.50/sqft across the GTA. That keeps the installed-cost gap relatively narrow in many real projects, which is one reason landlords often end up choosing LVP once they compare the total risk, not just the sticker price.
Our Top Picks at Top Floorings Depot
Riche Natural Birch 6mm
Specs: 7.09 inch x 48 inch, 4.5mm core plus 1.5mm IXPE pad, 12mil wear layer, about 23.64 sqft/box
Price: $1.39/sqft store price, prices subject to change
Why we recommend it: One of the safest all-around LVP choices for rental kitchens, basement apartments, and entry-heavy units.
Riche Blonde Sand Oak 6mm
Specs: 7.09 inch x 48 inch, 4.5mm core plus 1.5mm IXPE pad, 12mil wear layer, about 23.64 sqft/box
Price: $1.39/sqft store price, prices subject to change
Why we recommend it: A bright, rental-friendly LVP colour that helps smaller units feel cleaner and more open in listing photos.
Riche Warm Parchment 12mm EIR
Specs: 12mm EIR laminate, AC3, Valinge 2G locking
Price: $1.39/sqft, prices subject to change
Why we recommend it: A smart choice for dry rental rooms where the owner wants a thicker budget floor without stepping up to engineered hardwood.
Riche Ivory Birch 12mm EIR
Specs: 12mm EIR laminate, AC3, Valinge 2G locking
Price: $1.39/sqft, prices subject to change
Why we recommend it: A practical laminate option for landlords updating bedrooms and living rooms in drier upper-level units.
Visit Top Floorings Depot
Top Floorings Depot
3781 Victoria Park Avenue, Unit 1, Toronto, ON M1W 3K5
www.topfloorings.com
Call 416-499-0117 | Text 416-770-8819
Showroom Hours: Monday–Friday 9–5:30 | Saturday 9–4 | Sunday Closed
We serve homeowners, landlords, and contractors across Toronto, Scarborough, North York, Markham, and Vaughan. Visit our showroom to see these products in person, or contact us for contractor pricing and bulk rental-property orders. GTA-wide delivery available.
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