Choosing the right flooring for your home is one of the biggest decisions a homeowner can make. Beyond the simple aesthetic looks of each choice, it is important to take lifestyle into consideration. Do you take your shoes off at the door when you walk in? Are your pets housetrained? Does the room get a lot of foot traffic? All are important questions to consider before making a flooring choice. Both carpet and wood are great flooring options and work well with any type of décor and lifestyle. There is a lot to consider when searching for the right type of floor for your home, so we’ve broken down what you need to know about the differences in carpet and hardwood floors.
Pricing
With wood floors, expect to pay between $2-$15 per square foot, depending on the type of species, with installation costs ranging $2-$3 per square foot. If you are planning on removing old carpet and replacing it with hardwood floors, you will need to factor in a removal fee as well. Carpet prices usually fall between $3-$4 per square foot and that includes installation and padding. In the end, hardwood flooring proves to be almost 3 times more expensive than carpet.
Cleaning
There are stark differences in the cleanliness of carpet and wood. Carpet attracts more dirt and debris, allowing stains to soak in and settle permanently. With hardwood flooring, debris and dust are very noticeable, meaning it easier to clean and maintain than carpet. However, carpet also disguises dirt and dust, allowing you to go for longer periods without vacuuming. In addition, any liquid spill on hardwood flooring can easily be wiped up with a damp towel, while liquids in carpet are challenging to clean up and can have lasting stains. If you are looking for something easy to clean and maintain, hardwood is the way to go.
What Will You Use Your Room For?
This is probably the biggest factor to consider when selecting floors for your home. Carpets provide a soft, cushioned surface and provides a level of quietness, while hardwood flooring is great for high traffic areas due to its hardness. Consider what type of traffic your particular room experiences. For example, hardwood in the kitchen or near the front door is a good option due to its hardness and cleanliness. Carpet may be a good option for rooms that do not experience a lot of traffic and won’t be exposed to a lot of dirt and debris. It is important to also consider the humidity of your room. Hardwood flooring expands in more humid air, so bathrooms and basements are not ideal for wood floors.
Design Standpoint
Designers are leaning more and more towards the trend of hardwood flooring. It provides a level of sophistication and sleekness that you can’t find anywhere else. In fact, more and more real estate agents are encouraging homeowners to upgrade their flooring to wood floors to help sell their homes. With wood floors, there is a wide variety of species, colors, and styles to choose from. In addition, a wood floor’ look can completely be changed with a simple area rug. However, many homeowners like the softness and cozy feel that carpeting has to offer. There is also a wide variety of colors, styles, designs, and more with carpet. That said, more and more homeowners and designers alike are turning to the timeless look of hardwood flooring due to classic look and resale value.
