Choosing between carpet and hardwood flooring can be difficult. Weighing the pros and cons of both flooring types can help you decide.
Pros of Hardwood Floors
- Easier to keep clean. Wood flooring’s flat, hard surface is easier to clean than carpet. Spills are effortlessly wiped away on wood, however, they usually stain carpets.
- Allergy-friendly. Hardwood flooring is a more allergy-friendly choice than carpet. Common allergens such as dust and pet dander are easily trapped in carpet fibers. Those irritants are simply mopped or wiped away from hardwood flooring.
- Timeless. Hardwood floors have stood the test of time. Wood floors have adorned homes for centuries. A hardwood floor does not look out of date as interior design trends change. In contrast, carpet styles tend to change with each decade.
- Durability. With appropriate care, hardwood flooring should last at least five decades and is likely to last longer. Even the highest quality carpets need to be replaced after 15 years. Carpets made from lower quality materials may need to be replaced in as little as five years.
- Increased Resale Value. Usually, hardwood flooring raises the resale value of your home.
Pros of Carpets
- Decreased Upfront Costs. Carpet is cheaper than hardwood flooring to purchase. However, since hardwood flooring lasts much longer than carpets, wood flooring may be less expensive in the long run.
- Softness. Some people prefer the comfort of soft carpet underfoot. Some homeowners may find hardwood uncomfortable when they are barefoot.
- Warmth. Carpets are warmer than wood floors. Carpets act like insulation and help keep heat from escaping the room.
- Quiet. Carpets muffle sound. Hardwood flooring is not a sound barrier.
- More Style Choices. Carpets offer much greater variety in textures, patterns, and colors than hardwood flooring. Carpet buyers also have a choice between synthetic fibers like nylon and natural fibers such as wool.
- Easier Installation. Flooring installation is easier with carpets.
Why Choosing Carpeting and Hardwood May Be Best
For some homeowners, choosing both carpet and hardwood may be the best choice. There’s no rule that says the same type of flooring must be installed throughout the home. It’s acceptable to choose different flooring for different rooms. Homeowners can make their flooring decisions based on the function of the room. For example, you may want the comfort and quiet of carpet for bedrooms but opt for the elegance of wood flooring in the living room.
Whether you are looking for hardwood flooring, carpeting, or another flooring option, Austin’s Floor Store would enjoy helping you find the right choice to meet your needs. Visit one of our three convenient locations today.
