When it comes to floors, carpet and hardwood are two of the very best options. Both provide top-of-the-line aesthetics and function. The difficulty comes when you have to choose carpet vs hardwood.
Don't worry, we are here to help. Read on to learn the advantages and disadvantages of both to help you make the right decision for your home.
Carpet
Carpet isn't the perfect flooring for all rooms. Here are the biggest advantages and disadvantages to help you choose if it is right for you.Sound dampening
Floors can be quite loud to walk on. Most flooring reverberates sound, but not carpet. Carpet will absorb sounds as it is walked on. This makes it a great choice for upstairs rooms and rooms where you expect heavy footfall.Infinite Options
Carpets come in an almost infinite number of color and style combinations. Whether you want a pattern, color, or anything else you will almost certainly be able to find a carpet that fits the look. This allows the carpet to be used as an essential part of your room design, rather than just a functional part.Insulation
Compared to all other flooring types, carpet is the clear winner when it comes to thermal insulation. The design of carpet means it is great at helping keep the heat in and the cold out. In fact, when combined with a suitable underlay it can have an R-value as high as?2.27 per cm. That's even better than fiberglass insulation!If a room has a draft or is prone to being cold, then carpet is a great option to make the room feel more comfortable.
Comfort
A good carpet provides a soft and comfortable surface to stand on. If you are expecting to stand, kneel or lay on a floor for a long period then this alone can swing a choice in favor of carpet. This makes it particularly appealing if you have young children you often play on the floor with.Cleaning
Compared to other types of flooring carpet is not the easiest to keep clean. Not only does carpet collect dust, dirt, and allergens in the fibers, it also makes it harder to remove them. Carpets need to be vacuumed at least once a week, with regular deep carpet cleaning to remove any more ingrained dirt. Carpets are also susceptible to staining, which can ruin entire sections of carpet.Because of this carpet isn't always the best choice for entryways and high traffic areas in your home.
Lifespan
Even the best carpet can only last so long. Properly maintaining your carpet will help, but over time wear and tear can cause the fibers to become frayed and the carpet can start to take on a tired appearance. While a good carpet can have a lifespan of 10 years, this isn't as long as some other types of flooring.Hardwood
For many hardwood is the default 'best option' when choosing flooring, but it isn't always best for everything. Here are the biggest advantages and disadvantages of hardwood.Cleanliness
Hardwood floors don't collect allergens like carpet does. Any dirt, debris will be visible on the floor and can then easily be swept up or vacuumed. This makes them perfect for families with allergy or asthma sufferers, or with shedding pets.Quickly cleared-up spills are also no issue for hardwood. Although you don't want to leave any standing water, there is little danger that a brief mistake can stain your new floor.
Aesthetics
Although there aren't as many color options like carpet, you still have a wide?range of options?when looking at hardwood floors. Different materials, grains, and stains allow you to match hardwood to most room styles. Hardwood also has a perceived 'cool' and 'timeless' look that carpet cannot match.Durability
As the name suggests, hardwood is hard. If you look after it properly a hardwood floor could last for 100 years. You can also easily revitalize a hardwood floor by re-staining it or sanding and refinishing it. That's great value, even with the higher cost of hardwood. If you are planning on staying in your current home for a long time, this durability makes hardwood floor a great investment.Resale Value
Hardwood is considered by many to be the most highly sought-after flooring type. The look and luxury feel of hardwood can?increase the value?of a home. If you are considering selling your property in the near future, you may be able to get a better return on your investment if you choose hardwood.Humidity
Although they are durable, hardwood floors are susceptible to standing liquid and humidity. This can cause them to warp and swell. Because of this, they are not a good fit for bathrooms, utility closets, or other areas likely to get wet.Cost
Hardwood takes a long time to grow, which is why it comes at a premium. Although the higher price is good value for money over the floor?s lifespan, the initial outlay can put some buyers off. If carpet vs hardwood cost is an issue, then carpet is likely the better option.Carpet vs Hardwood
Both carpet and hardwood are excellent flooring choices, so the decision really comes down to how you are intending to use the room. When debating carpet vs hardwood, think about the advantages and disadvantages of both, and work out what is the best fit for your room. If your main concern is durability and ease of cleaning, hardwood would be best. But if you want insulation above all else you can't go wrong with carpet.Now you know how to choose the right flooring type for each of your rooms, you need to pick your styles. At Dave's Home Supply we have a?large range of hardwood?and?carpet flooring, so what whatever your style we have you covered. So don't delay,?request a free estimate?today.
