ᐅ Exposed Screed Floors for Rental Apartments? What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages?

Since we are currently renovating rental apartments and need new screed, we are considering using exposed screed in the units. The additional cost compared to regular screed is about 125 euros per m² (125 euros per 10.76 ft²). Is exposed screed a practical choice for rental apartments? What are the advantages and disadvantages?

For that amount of money, you could have a proper floor installed.

In our office, we had exposed screed in the corridors. I find the look off-putting; it feels unfinished and basement-like. Some people might like that style, but you significantly limit your potential tenant pool compared to standard laminate or vinyl flooring. And if you think screed equals concrete equals durable, I have to disappoint you. Office chairs have left marks, stains have seeped in under the coffee machine, and when the glass walls were cleaned for the first time, the cleaning water left stains that were difficult to remove.

In short: it makes absolutely no sense to me. This is something for "enthusiasts" in owner-occupied properties.

There is nothing meaningful to add to that.

My recommendation: Choose the cheapest click laminate flooring with a commercial wear rating. It is reasonably durable, and if the tenant damages it (which will happen sooner or later anyway), it is relatively easy to replace.

Exposed screed in rental apartments is a bad idea. Exposed screed is a stylish design product and is priced similarly to other designer flooring options. However, it can cause legal issues from a tenant’s perspective: for those tenants who don’t like it, it’s just an ordinary screed. A lease agreement that prohibits floor coverings would likely be legally challengeable. So what will happen? Exactly: the tenant will lay carpets or other coverings on it, which will be difficult to remove without residue. And/or the next tenant will want some kind of floor covering with a thickness greater than zero, meaning the doors will have to be trimmed at the bottom. Not a smart plan, as you can see.

---

https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/

The price already tells you that this is luxury. Only a tenant who likes such extravagant design would pay for it. I once saw this with colored screed. It looked quite good. But it has to fit the house. For rental apartments, it is rather unsuitable.

Great for rental apartments. Areas like Oberkassel in Düsseldorf, or Harvestehude in Hamburg, or Bogenhausen in Munich. So, for tenants who can pay 30€/m² (3 USD/sq ft) or more, or where other luxury features are also in demand.

Otherwise, not suitable.