If you are thinking of getting new flooring in your home, the first step will be deciding which type of flooring works best for you. Carpeting and hardwood are your main choices. This article will weigh the pros and cons to help you make the right decision between carpeting vs. hardwood flooring.
Cost
If cost is one of your main concerns, carpeting will be a better choice. Hardwood typically costs between $9 and $12 per square foot with installation while carpeting is closer to $3 to $5 per square foot. However, hardwood flooring typically lasts longer making it a more cost-effective choice in the long run.
Cleaning
Both carpeting and hardwood flooring should be cleaned at least once a week. Hardwood floor will require sweeping and mopping while carpeting can be vacuumed. While these chores might seem like a toss-up for homeowners, long term cleaning needs may be what puts hardwood over the edge. Hardwood is not as prone to staining and permanent damage as carpeting is. It is also less likely to become dingy so it will need less deep cleaning over time. Hardwood is also easier to spot clean for quick spills and messes.
Comfort: Carpeting Vs. Hardwood Flooring
If you are looking for flooring that provides soft comfort when you are walking or sitting on it, carpeting is the obvious winner. This is part of why it is often used in family rooms and bedrooms.
Insulation and Noise Reduction
Because carpet is more absorbent than hardwood, it is better at reducing noise. It also absorbs heat making it a good choice when it comes to keeping your house warm during the winter months.
Sustainability
With an emphasis on the environment, many people want to make sustainable choices when it comes to home décor. Hardwood flooring is made of wood that comes from trees. Wood is a natural material and an ecologically friendly choice. Carpet, on the other hand, is usually made of petroleum. Petroleum is a limited resource that is neither natural nor sustainable.
Durability
Although both carpeting and hardwood flooring can become damaged over time, in general, hardwood is the more durable option. If cared for properly, certain types of hardwood can last for up to 100 years. Carpeting, on the other hand, will need a replacement every five to fifteen years.
Safety
Hardwood floors have planks that can lift or rise to become a tripping hazard. Over time, the nails in the flooring can rise above floor level which can also be dangerous. Carpeting does not come with these same hazards and its soft surface offers protection if someone falls. Therefore, carpeting will be a safer choice.
Both carpeting and hardwood have their share of pros and cons. Consider what’s important to you as well as the location where the flooring will be installed to come up with the choice that is best. Whatever option you choose, we are confident you will make a decision that is right for you but if you find yourself needing an expert opinion let us know!
