Hardwood vs Carpet Flooring
Cost: When comparing the two main types of flooring, the first noticeable difference is the price. Homeowners on a tight budget may even have to disregard the hardwood option completely. Since hardwood is made from a natural product (trees), it is much more expensive than carpet, usually ranging from nine to twelve dollars per square foot. Some of the higher-end options like reclaimed wood can even shoot up to thirty dollars per square foot. Most carpet options on the other hand cost around three to five dollars per square foot, with the higher end options being priced around ten dollars per square foot. Although some may look to do a DIY flooring installation to save money, a poorly done job will result in more money lost since you'll have to call in experts to fix your mistakes. Thus, it is recommended for inexperienced homeowners to have their flooring professionally installed.
Resale: Since most homeowners want a hardwood floor for easy cleanups, real estate agents agree that hardwood beats out carpet flooring when it comes to resale value. Hardwood results in a return on investment of 70 to 80 percent while also increasing a home's overall value by 10 percent. When it comes to carpeting, buyers become very wary of any mold or flaws that could be hiding within the flooring, whereas hardwood floors have nothing to hide.
Appearance: Although the overall look of a house's flooring is up to the homeowner to decide, there are many opinions on hardwood and carpet flooring that a majority of people would agree on. Starting with hardwood, it is considered as a high-end and luxurious option. The majority of people prefer hardwood flooring as it can adapt and change itself to fit most preferences based on the type of wood and the finish. For example, oak flooring provides a darker look while pine
is a much lighter color. Although hardwood is the majority favorite, carpet is still preferred in some rooms over hardwood. The great thing about carpet is that it comes in any color you could ever imagine. Based on the design of your house and its individual rooms, you can mix and match any shade or color of carpet to find the perfect fit for you. Carpeting can also appear as firm or plush based off of what type you decide on.
Cleanliness: For daily cleanups, hardwood flooring gains the advantage. This is because it doesn't require as much deep cleaning since spills and stains can easily be spotted and removed. It is advised that you avoid liquid cleaners since they can warp or damage the natural fibers which make up the hardwood floor. Carpet is obviously tougher to clean with how easy it is for dirt, pollens, and dust to hide within the flooring. This is why it may be a poor choice in high-traffic areas of the house. Carpet requires vacuuming at least once a week, with a deep cleaning around once a year.
Durability: Hardwood flooring is very vulnerable to damage from spills or rough treatment. Since the material is natural and quite malleable, hardwood can warp when exposed to moisture and dent or scratch when met with furniture or shoes like high heels. Therefore this type of flooring is especially vulnerable to damage in locations like the kitchen and bathroom. Of course this means carpet is not as susceptible to dents, warping, or scratches. Hardwood is guaranteed to last longer if maintained well though. Some hardwood flooring can last up to 100 years when perfectly maintained, while carpeting needs replacement every 5 to 15 years.
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