What is the best flooring for a cabin?

For a short-term rental cabin in North Georgia, LVP with a 20+ mil wear layer is the best overall flooring option. It handles humidity swings, heavy guest traffic, spills, and pet wear without the cupping and gapping that solid hardwood develops in mountain environments. Pair it with porcelain tile in bathrooms and kitchens.

What are the disadvantages of LVP flooring?

LVP can't be refinished. Once the wear layer wears through, the floor needs full replacement. It also doesn't carry the same resale perception as real hardwood, which matters if you're selling the property rather than renting it. And lower-quality LVP (under 12 mil wear layer) shows wear quickly in high-traffic rentals.

Can you install LVP over existing flooring in a cabin?

In some cases, yes. LVP can float over existing hard-surface flooring (vinyl, tile, hardwood) if the existing surface is flat, level, and structurally sound. It cannot go over carpet. We always recommend pulling old flooring to inspect the subfloor for moisture damage, especially in older North Georgia cabins where hidden issues are common.

How often does rental property flooring need to be replaced?

BiggerPockets investors report that STR flooring typically needs replacement every 6 to 10 years, depending on material quality and traffic volume. A 20+ mil LVP in a Blue Ridge STR cabin can push toward the 8 to 12 year range. Engineered hardwood lasts 10 to 15 years with proper climate control.

What is the best flooring for a summer cabin?

If the cabin is used seasonally (summer only, closed in winter), LVP is still the top recommendation. An unheated cabin in winter drops to very low indoor humidity levels that damage wood floors, and LVP is unaffected by those swings. Tile is an alternative for owners who prefer a harder surface in wet-area-heavy floor plans.

What is cabin grade flooring?

Cabin grade is a grading term used by hardwood manufacturers to describe planks with more natural variation: knots, mineral streaks, color variation, and shorter lengths. It's the most affordable hardwood grade and gives a rustic look. But the humidity vulnerability remains the same as any solid hardwood, so cabin grade doesn't solve the mountain STR flooring problem.

Cabin Flooring in Blue Ridge GA: LVP vs Hardwood vs Tile