Are you remodeling your home and having trouble deciding which is the best flooring to install?
Carpet vs. hardwood is an age-old debate and both have their ups and downs. The type of look you want to achieve in your home and how much you want to spend are just two factors to consider when making this big choice. Flooring is a big part of how your home will end up looking, so it’s important to weigh the options carefully.
Here are the pros and cons of both materials so you can make the right choice.
Aesthetics
Installing hardwood floors will instantly up the sophistication of your home. The look is more modern and luxurious since most people know hardwood floor is more expensive than carpet. In general:
- Hardwood floors appear to look cleaner since they won’t collect stains or have areas of discoloration like many carpets will over time.
- If you’re selecting purely based on a look, you really can’t go wrong with a hardwood floor. Hardwood also goes well with so many colors, textures and other materials, you won’t have to worry about matching any decor to your floor.
Comfort
There is something very cozy about living in a space with plush, soft carpet. It’s great if you have young children who are crawling around or kids who need a comfortable playspace.
Carpet also feels nicer to walk on and provides warmth throughout the house, whereas a hardwood floor can be especially cool, especially during the winter. If you don’t want to carpet the entire home, you might want to consider carpeting the living areas, like the bedrooms.
Longevity
When it comes to how long carpet or hardwood will last, hardwood won’t let you down. If the wood is installed properly and cared for, it can last decades without a problem.
You won’t have this kind of luck with carpet. Stains will pile up and it will likely need to be replaced within the first ten years of use.
If you’re planning to stay in the same home for a long time, you may want to determine the cost of a one-time hardwood floor install vs. several carpet installations. If they even out over a span of time and you prefer hardwood, it might make sense to invest in it now.
Maintenance
When it comes to maintaining a clean floor, hardwood is going to be the more convenient choice. Hardwood can be polished or restained if damage occurs.
With carpet, even with regular professional cleanings, stains set in and keep reappearing over time. You also run the risk of bacteria and other materials becoming stuck in the carpet and causing allergies.
If you or your family are sensitive to dust or highly allergic, the carpet will likely begin to cause a reaction, especially in heavily trafficked areas of the house.
Carpet vs. Hardwood: Which Is Right for You?
Now that you have more information when it comes to deciding between carpet vs. hardwood, you can make the choice that best suits your lifestyle and aesthetic. Remember to keep in mind factors like how long the material will last and how it will wear over time before you make your investment.
Contact us today to let us help you renovate your home and find the flooring that’s right for you. We offer affordable, professional flooring throughout Milwaukee, Racine, and northern Illinois.
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