For every homeowner, there comes a time when you have to choose whether you should get hardwood or carpet floor. Both of these flooring styles are timeless classics that have their own unique perks. The best choice really just depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle needs. To decide whether you should get a carpet or a hardwood floor, you need to carefully consider these factors.
What Style Works Best With Your Budget?
One of the first things we recommend homeowners do is consider costs. Getting an idea of what you can afford will help you narrow down your choices and avoid falling for something entirely outside your budget. Costs vary quite a bit depending on the product you select. Generally speaking, wood floors cost more than carpet floors. Carpet tends to be around $6 to $12 per square foot while wood is around $12 to $20 per square foot. Not only are most types of carpet cheaper, but installation is simpler and less expensive as well.
However, something to keep in mind is that carpet is associated with more ongoing costs for cleaning and replacement. In the long run, wood can be cheaper than carpet. So if you’re trying to decide whether you should stretch your budget, investing in wood now can save you money in the future.
Is Carpet or Hardwood Floor More Durable?
Wood might be a little pricier at first, but the nice thing about wood is that it lasts a very long time. Even if you have high-quality carpet that you carefully maintain, it needs to be replaced somewhat often. The delicate fibers eventually wear out, so you have to reinstall the carpet every 10 to 15 years.
Meanwhile, hardwood floors have extremely high durability rankings. Depending on the wood you select, it will survive somewhere between 50 to 100 years. As long as you pick the right protective coating, your wood will look gorgeous for decades.
Which Is More Stylish?
Of course, not every homeowner is concerned about following trends. However, if you want to make your home as stylish as possible, there are a few things to know. Without a doubt, hardwood floor materials are definitely trending right now. In fact, wood flooring is so popular that the majority of home buyers are willing to pay extra for homes with wood floors.
This doesn’t necessarily mean all homeowners have to banish carpet though. Wood flooring trends come and go in cycles. For example, decorative wood flooring was the ideal style during the Roaring Twenties, while shag carpet was the favorite choice in the 1970s. Carpet’s bound to come back in style eventually, so you should go ahead with whatever works best with your personal design preferences.
Is Carpet or Hardwood Easier to Maintain?
Cleaning up dust and grime is equally easy on wood or carpet. A brush or vacuum is enough to remove everyday buildup. However, wood does come with some unique maintenance benefits. It doesn’t stain as easily as carpet, so a tipped-over cup of juice won’t ruin your whole living room forever. When you want to do a deep-clean, mopping a wood floor is often simpler than shampooing or steam-cleaning a carpet.
That being said, carpet does perform better in some situations. Carpet doesn’t really get scuffed or scraped as quickly as wood does. A pet running around with untrimmed nails won’t cause noticeable dings in your carpet. Ultimately, whether wood or carpet is easier to clean will just depend on the types of messes you make.
Which Is More Eco-Friendly?
Trying to build a green home? Despite the fact that you have to cut down trees to make it, wood is more environmentally friendly. Wood is a renewable resource while many types of carpet are made with petroleum byproducts. However, if this is a concern for you, you can find some carpets with natural fibers that are almost as eco-friendly as wood.
Another sustainability concept to think about is each style’s insulating capabilities. Carpet is a far better insulator than wood. The fibers tend to block temperatures better, and unlike wood, carpet has a thick backing and no gaps between individual pieces. This makes it easier to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Not only does it reduce energy usage, but it ensures your utility bills are lower.
Is Wood or Carpet Better for Your Health?
Since wood is easier to clean, it can be better for people with allergies or breathing problems. Though carpet won’t pose a problem to the average person, it can trap a little extra dust or pet dander. This can be a bit of an issue for those who need their indoor air to be as pure as possible.
However, if you otherwise prefer carpet, you don’t necessarily need to let this feature stop you from getting it. A very rigorous cleaning routine can mitigate carpet’s tendency to hold onto pollen, dust, and other irritants.
What Flooring Style Is More Comfortable?
When choosing your flooring, don’t forget to consider how it feels when you walk on it. Hardwood has a firm, dense texture that is typically cool to the touch. Meanwhile, carpet is soft and plush, and it doesn’t feel chilly in the winter. Which style you prefer is entirely a matter of personal taste, so it’s impossible to say one is more comfortable than the other.
Ultimately, both carpet and hardwood can look great in your home. To figure out which style is right for you, you just have to think about your decor style, budget, and other preferences. Carpet is ideal for those who want something colorful, low-budget, or soft to the touch. Meanwhile, wood can be low-maintenance, stylish, and durable. Whatever style you choose, Texas Floors makes it easy to create your dream home. Check out our products now to find the perfect flooring for your needs.