Are you trying to decide whether you should replace your current flooring with hardwood or carpet? These are two of the most popular and traditional choices when it comes to flooring, and each has its pros and cons.
Generally, hardwood floors are more desirable to buyers and can increase the value of your home. That said, hardwood isn’t necessarily the right choice for every room in every house, and the type of flooring you should choose depends on the style of your home, the other materials in your space, your personal tastes and preferences, your living situation, and your budget.
Design and Personal Preference
The design and existing materials in your space are important considerations when choosing flooring. Hardwood floors are beloved by many for their luxurious appearance and traditional charm. They’re also pretty versatile in terms of color and design options.
For example, you can add timeless elegance and warmth with cherry, walnut, or mahogany flooring. Or you can lighten up a dark space with light, bright oak or birch. Whatever type of wood you choose, hardwood floors incorporate a natural, yet sophisticated element into your home.
Carpets, on the other hand, add instant coziness and a different kind of elegance and charm to a space. This is particularly true for certain rooms in a home, such as bedrooms, basements, and family rooms. They can also bring softness into a space that has sleek lines and hard materials, like stone or brick.
Also, while there are a wide variety of hardwood flooring types, opting for carpet allows you to choose just about any color under the sun.
Ultimately, the right design choice for your home depends on the other existing materials and design elements, how you’ll be using the space, and your personal tastes. A good designer can help you negotiate all of these considerations and choose the perfect flooring for your home.
Which Costs More?
While hardwood floors may increase the value of your home, it’s also important to consider the cost of installation, maintenance, and possible replacement down the road (more on maintenance and durability later).
You can expect hardwood floors to cost you around $9 to $12 per square foot (including installation), while carpet is generally more budget friendly, at $3 to $5 per square foot. You can expect to pay more if you choose a high-end variety of either option.
Because of the substantial difference in cost, many people choose to install hardwood floors in certain rooms and carpet in others. For example, you may opt for hardwoods in your living room and kitchen, and carpet in the bedrooms. Or you may choose to carpet the second floor of your home, and install hardwood on the main floor. It’s all about finding the right choice for you, your space, and your budget!
Durability and Maintenance
Hardwood floors and carpet have different maintenance requirements, and it’s worth considering your lifestyle and needs when choosing a flooring type.
Generally, hardwood floors are more susceptible to scratches, dings, and water damage than carpet. However, long-term, they’re more durable, and can often be refinished rather than replaced. In fact, hardwood floors can last 25 years or more. Depending on the subfloor, board thickness, the skill and experience of your installer, and care and maintenance over time, your hardwood floors may last you a lifetime.
However, wooden floors can scratch from moving furniture or wearing high heels, and can begin to warp or shift over time with too much liquid.
Conversely, it’s pretty easy to clean spills and stains out of carpeting with the right cleaner, and carpets won’t show scratches, but they need to be replaced more often as they tend to wear down over time. Carpets typically need to be replaced about every 8-10 years due to wear and tear, depending on your lifestyle.
Other Important Considerations
In addition to your style preferences, cost, durability, and maintenance, there are some other important factors to consider when choosing between hardwood floors and carpeting.
- Insulation – Hardwood floors stay much colder, especially in winter months, while carpets absorb heat and are much warmer to walk on.
- Noise level – Carpets absorb sound waves, making them a great option if noisiness is an issue; they’re ideal for upstairs condos, second floors in single-family homes, or kid’s playrooms.
- Allergies – Carpets trap pet dander, dust mites, and other allergens, making them a less appealing choice for people with allergies.
- Safety – If you have young children or elderly people living in your home, carpets may be a good option to help reduce the risk of injury.
In addition to opting for carpets in some rooms and hardwood floors in others, you may also choose to incorporate rugs on top of hardwood floors to get some of the benefits of carpeting, while also increasing the value of your home and reducing maintenance costs.
Are you looking to replace your floors? Have questions about the right choice for your home?
At Square Deal Remodeling, we make your vision and expectations our top priority, and we make sure to collaborate and communicate with you on every component of your project. We can help you weigh your flooring options and choose the right fit for your space and lifestyle.
Want to discuss your project or have general questions? Call us at (503) 254-4156 or contact us online today.