You’ve decided to renovate your home. Just one issue: Do you want carpet or wood flooring?
There are pros and cons to each. Often, homeowners aren’t going to select just one option. They’ll use a blend of both. Let’s take a look at the positives and negatives of each flooring option and which situations would cause you to choose one or the other.
Carpet: Comfortable, Affordable, and Stylish
There’s a reason so many homes have carpet. For one, it’s the cheapest option. But for some people, carpet just gives a home a nice, cozy vibe.
Pros of Carpet
Carpet is very comfortable. When it’s cold out, the carpet will be warm to the touch. Vacuum your carpet, and it can look brand new. And a lot of carpet today comes with stain-resistant treatments to keep it clean. Carpet reduces wear-and-tear on your joints (and the joints of any elderly pets you have) because it’s easy to walk on. Carpet also dampens sound.
In terms of style, there’s a carpet in every color. Carpets come in very short and very tall fibers. Carpet can fit in with anything, and often, it can be installed on top of other flooring options to protect it. Installation is another benefit to carpeting because it can be installed very quickly and very easily.
Cons of Carpet
Carpet can be perceived as “cheap,” but there are many luxury carpet brands out there. Carpet can be difficult to keep clean over time, necessitating deep cleaning treatments. If you have children or pets, it’s possible you’ll have to break out the carpet cleaner frequently. Carpet isn’t going to improve your property values, though it will make your property more comfortable.
Best Locations in the Home
Carpets are usually relegated to bedrooms and family rooms, areas where comfort is at a premium. Carpet can be installed pretty much anywhere, however. By incorporating carpet into your space, you can not only make your home more comfortable but also make your renovations more affordable.
Wood: Timeless, Attractive, and Easy to Clean
If you see wood flooring in a home, you already know it’s worth more. Wood in a home is seen not just as a style and design choice but as an investment.
Pros of Wood
Wood improves the value of your home. It’s often seen as very attractive. It’s also very durable. Even if it gets scratched or nicked, it can be refinished and polished again. Wood flooring lasts a long time, and it’s very easy to clean. If you’re worried about fur and dust, a simple sweeping will take it up. Wood comes in an extraordinary spectrum of price points and appearances. You can find wood that is very light or very dark or thick or thin grained. You can find exotic woods that will dramatically increase the price of your property or affordable wood veneers.
Cons of Wood
Wood floors can be uncomfortable, especially for those who don’t like walking on hard surfaces. Wood will be colder than carpeting in the chilly mornings, and it does require more maintenance. If wood floors get wet, they can swell and get permanently damaged. Wood floors are also much more expensive. They can take a while to install, so your renovations may take a bit longer. And because the installation is complex, it often costs more.
Best Locations in the Home
Wood floors are often used in entryways, entertainment spaces, kitchens, and dining rooms. They are used throughout areas in the home that don’t necessarily need to be “comfortable” but do need to be kept presentable, attractive, and clean. There are many types of wood today, including engineered wood and wood veneers.
Choosing the Right Flooring for Your House
Choosing between carpeting and wood flooring is really a personal choice. It depends on the look and feel you want for your home. If you want a home that is warm and cozy, carpeting is the best option. If you want a home that is stylish and easy to clean, wood might be better. Though carpeting is generally cheaper, and wood is generally more expensive, there are also exceptions. You can always find a luxurious carpet and cheap wood.
Most people aren’t going to install one flooring throughout their entire home. It’s popular to install wood flooring everywhere except for the bedrooms and bathrooms, for instance. But ultimately, it’s up to you.
You might be surprised to discover just how many flooring options there are today. It may not be that wood or carpet is the right solution for you. The best way to decide which flooring is best for your home is to take a look at what’s available. Visit the Hiltons Flooring showroom at 2800 W Division St, Suite D, in Arlington, TX, to take a look.
