What kind of counters for a rental? Granite or Laminate?

[Anonymous]

We have a rental property and it has new laminate counters with a wood stained trim.

I am under the impression that eventually that wood trim will be worn our and need maintenance (it looked pretty but I don't think tenants will upkeep it like I did with taking care not to dent it and wipe down water)

Would you install granite, replace the wood trim with something else or just another wood trim later on?

[Anonymous]

That's what the security deposit is for. Stick with the laminate if it's still in good shape.

[Anonymous]

I would just leave it. Our counters have wood trim and after 5 years of us living in the house and doing nothing special to maintain them they are fine. The counters are about 30 years old.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would just leave it. Our counters have wood trim and after 5 years of us living in the house and doing nothing special to maintain them they are fine. The counters are about 30 years old.

+1

-Landlord

[Anonymous]

It is more important that the counter surface be well maintained than what it is. I'd rather have nice, clean, smooth laminate than very old, scratched, pitted or rutted granite. Replace the counters when they are no longer in good, clean and attractive condition. Granite is nicer and will appeal more to renters, but frankly, I'd be surprised if it was a make-or-break issue. I doubt anyone would reconsider a rental just because it didn't have granite. But they'll think of it as a "great deal" if they do have it.

[Anonymous]

Laminate that looks like granite.

As a renter, I am not too picky. It's not my kitchen after all. As long as it looks nice and is in good shape.

The one I really hate to see in a rental is "butcher block" countertops.

[Anonymous]

Agree.

Anything but butcher block please.