Carpet or Hardwood for Your Home?
There is a great debate between carpet and hardwood flooring in homes. There are those who prefer carpet. Many times the reasons include how warm and soft it is on your feet, especially in the winter. Carpet can also allow some flexibility in looks and can help with noise insulation. On the other hand, those who prefer hardwood flooring like the clean and simple look. It helps cut down on dust and dirt and cleaning it is much easier. So, beyond a preference, which is better, carpet or hardwood for your home?
Should Your Carpet Stay or Should it Go?
Before you decide, there are a few things we should point out about carpet. Obviously, as a hardwood flooring company, we love the idea of everyone having hardwood floors, but there are actual reasons why hardwood is a better option.
First, allergens. Carpet is a magnet for dead skin, pet dander, dust mites, and more. The carpet fibers trap these particles in hard to reach places, making it hard to get them all every time you clean. Not to mention if you get the carpet wet. Many carpets are installed with padding underneath that have pores. Mold can grow in these pores and can make it very hard to eliminate. All of these issues can be eliminated with hardwood flooring. Not to mention you can still have rugs, allowing for warmth and softness in your house, but they can be picked up and cleaned more thoroughly.
Aside from overall cleanliness and the inability to really deep clean carpets often, there is also age to consider. Carpets have shorter lifespans than any other type of flooring. The general recommendation is that carpet should be replaced every eight to ten years. With regular deep cleanings, you may be able to extend that timeline, but they will need to be replaced at some point. Older carpets also retain more allergens, smells, and stains.
How are Hardwoods Any Better?
The first concern we always hear with hardwoods is not the quality but the price. It can be more money to buy and install hardwood flooring compared to carpet. The thing to consider here is not the upfront cost, but the long-term investment. While hardwood may be more to install and buy, depending on the type chosen, it actually costs less in the big picture. With lower maintenance and cleaning costs, you can save money in the long run.
Also, you don’t have to worry about your families health when it comes to your flooring. Hardwood doesn’t give allergens a place to hide, allowing for deep cleans that are easily done on a frequent basis. This is why many realtors will tell you, hardwood is preferred by home buyers. A study done by USA Today showed that 54% of home buyers were willing to pay more for hardwood floors in a home. And it’s no secret why – they are beautiful and easy to maintain.
Now We Know
In the end, hardwood in your home wins. As far as flooring goes, you can’t really get any more versatile either. Think they are too cold? Get radiant heat. Traditionally they are used with tile flooring, but now can be used with wood flooring as well. Not soft enough? Consider area rugs and runners in high traffic areas to lessen the noise and keep a soft feel under your feet. If you are looking to replace your carpets and get hardwood flooring installed, call Elite Hardwood Flooring today. We can work with you to help you get the perfect wood flooring for your home.
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