Are you looking to install new floors in your home? Are you having a tough time deciding between carpet and hardwood?
Carpet and hardwood flooring each come with their own pros and cons. Knowing what each type of flooring has to offer can help you figure out which one is right for your home.
Check out this guide to discover how to choose between carpet vs hardwood floors.
Price
Obviously, price is a major consideration when installing new floors.
On average, hardwood flooring costs $8 per square foot, while carpet flooring costs $3 per square foot. So, if you’re on a tight budget, you’ll want to eliminate hardwood flooring altogether.
Also, keep in mind that these are just average prices. If you go for a higher-end option, you could easily end up paying as much as $12 per square foot for your hardwood floor.
However, while carpet is less expensive upfront, when you consider the lifespan of each floor type, hardwood flooring is a better investment over time. Most carpet flooring will last around 10 years, while hardwood flooring can last 100 years or more.
Appearance
While carpet may have been the premier flooring choice in the 70s and 80s, nowadays, hardwood flooring is seen as a sign of luxury and prestige.
But, this doesn’t mean you should rule out carpet altogether. Carpet comes in a variety of textures and colors. And, it has a gentle appearance that can help soften the look of a room.
Hardwood also comes in many different styles. And depending on the flooring type you choose, it can look sleek, timeless, or rustic.
Maintenance
Another thing you need to keep in mind when choosing between the two is maintenance. Generally speaking, hardwood floors are much easier to maintain than carpet floors.
Spills, dust, and surface stains can easily be swept up and mopped on a hardwood floor. With carpet, it can be more difficult to maintain a pristine look, as dirt and debris can get trapped in the fibers over time.
Plus, if you don’t act quickly on stains, they can easily soak into the carpet and become almost impossible to remove. Also, it’s much easier to spot dirt or dust on a hardwood floor than on a carpeted floor.
But, this doesn’t mean that carpeted floors are impossible to maintain. As long as you give them a good vacuum once per week and act quickly on spills, your carpet should stay in good shape.
Durability
As we mentioned earlier, hardwood floors can last up to 100 years, will carpet floors only last about 10 years.
However, this doesn’t mean that hardwood floors are invincible. Hardwood floors are susceptible to damage from rough usage and spills due to its soft composition.
If they experience too much liquid, they can warp. And, these floors can dent and scratch from shoes and furniture. This is why many people have a “no shoes” for their hardwood floors.
Carpet vs Hardwood: Which Will You Choose?
Now that you’ve read this guide, it’s time to choose between carpet vs hardwood. Each flooring option has its pros and cons, so it ultimately comes down to personal choice.
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