When it comes to having an aesthetic floor, there exists the battle between carpet vs. wood floors.
Both hardwood floors and carpeting are among the top-favorite options for homeowners. That’s why many people tend to get stuck in a dilemma, but did you know that both offer different advantages to your house.
For this reason, we decided to create a guide to each of these flooring choices. So, if you wish to make an informed decision about the type of flooring that’s best for you, then keep on reading!
Which Is Best Between Carpet vs. Wood Floors?
The main difference between carpet vs. wood floors remains on the affordability and insulation system. Carpets tend to be cheaper and have better sound insulation and comfort properties. Nevertheless, hardwood floors can raise the real estate value. Not only that, but they also have a longer lifespan.
In this article, we’ll go over these main points when comparing both flooring options, discussing their main pros and cons:
- Appearance and variety of styles
- Soundproof and insulation properties
- Maintenance and cleaning
- Lifespans and durability
- Cost of Installation
Appearance and Variety of Styles
Carpets
When it comes to their appearance, both hardwood and carpet offer a large selection. However, carpeting tends to provide homeowners with a broader range of textures and feels. That way, people can choose the carpeting style that can best suit their personal preferences. You can also choose between synthetic and natural fiber as well for your carpeting.
Hardwood Floor
If you’re looking for a more natural appeal for your place, then you should consider going for quality hardwood flooring. There are many types of wood you can choose from for your home, each with its colors and patterns. Moreover, this type of flooring often helps make that bold statement many homeowners are looking for.
Additionally, the different types of hardwood flooring like hickory, oak, maple, and others will help you to decide which fits best with your customs.
Soundproof and Other Insulation Properties
Carpets
Regarding their soundproof and insulation properties, carpet can muffle down sounds much better compared to hardwood flooring. It’s because the sound has a hard time passing through both the floor and the carpet’s padding. This principle also applies to hot and cold air. Carpeting is great for high-traffic areas.
Moreover, carpets have fibers that are great for insulating sounds. Carpets also provide comfort, which makes them an excellent choice for family and living rooms. Besides, they are perfect for different weather conditions because they can insulate the heat in summer, and in winter, carpets are perfect for keeping the dorms warm.
Hardwood Floor
Hardwood, on the other hand, doesn’t provide homeowners with these benefits. Hardwood floors are even noisier as well. It used to happen that when you walk on the floor, it squeaks. That’s why many people don’t like to install these floors for upper levels.
Additionally, hardwood floors are excellent for thermal conductivity, which means they are great for heat insulation. For this reason, they are great for keeping spaces with great temperatures.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Carpets
With carpeting, homeowners need to have routine maintenance for it to stay in top shape. This care includes occasional professional cleaning to remove any stains as soon as you see them. Carpets are not as expensive to maintain as wood floors. You can save your carpets with weekly vacuuming. Also, if you opt for dark carpets, they tend to be less dirty. Be sure to clean immediately when there are water leaks.
Hardwood Floor
In comparison with carpets, wood floors are more expensive to maintain. You should let professionals give maintenance once in a while to avoid terrible stains. Vacuuming could help, but not at all. Besides, this kind of floor is prone to mold and mildew under the floor, and it is expensive to remove them. You must be careful with coffee, water, and other liquids leaks.
Moreover, if a wooden floor looks damaged, you can always sand it down to bring it back to life. You can also have these sanding jobs every few years. Just make sure to get a quality professional to handle them.
Lifespans and Durability
Carpets
Unfortunately, carpeting generally lasts you between 10 and 15 years. If you purchased a quality carpet, then it’s likely that it’ll last you a bit more. The duration will depend on the material, the fibers, and the maintenance. Carpets tend to be damaged by wear and tear.
Hardwood Floor
Hardwood floors can last for decades and even generations if you take good care of them. Wood floors last between 50 and 90 years with excellent maintenance. But don’t think you will have a perfect floor after 30 years because you must refinish it once in a while. It is recommendable to refinish once every 8 or 10 years.
Cost of Installation
Installing hardwood floors is more expensive compared to the installation of carpet flooring.
Generally, wooden floors tend to cost around $8 to $12 per square foot. The cost of carpets ranges from $3 to $12 for the same area.
For this reason, when looking for affordable flooring options, it’s best to go for carpeting. However, these floors don’t add much to the real estate value of your place. Hardwood floors get the upper hand here.
Knowing the main pros and cons of carpet vs. wood floors, you can choose the flooring choice that best fits your needs.
Remember that if you’re looking for expert advice or professional assistance on your carpet installation, you can always count on JG Carpet Contractors, LLC. Our team is ready to help you out every step of the way!
We Can Help You With The Carpets Installation of Your Hardwood Floor or Carpet
Did you know that homes with hardwood floors increase their value, and area rugs offer different aesthetic looks? You can even mix carpets with hardwood floors, and you will have a unique space among your neighbors.
When you have presented the different characteristics between carpet vs. wood floors, it is challenging to decide. We can help you out with any doubt or question you might have. Installing a carpet or a hardwood floor comes with different guidelines and requirements you must follow.
We will be more than happy to answer your questions!