For many people, carpeting is the first floor covering they ever choose for their home. Growing up in a home with carpeting, it can be difficult to imagine a house without it. But hardwood flooring has several advantages over carpeting, both in terms of its longevity and style. To make an informed choice, you need to know the pros and cons of each option.
If you are considering new flooring and you can’t decide if you want to choose carpet or hardwood, consider the following advice.
Pros And Cons Of Carpet
If you are considering carpet vs hardwood flooring, let’s first explore the pros and cons and of each material. Starting with carpet, what are the pros and cons of this type of flooring?
Carpet is Forgiving (to a Point)
One pro is carpet is very forgiving. If you have dogs that are tracking in dirt from the outside, you most likely will not have to worry too much about vacuuming your carpet. As long as it is not soiled too often, a quick vacuuming won’t hurt it.
If your carpet becomes soiled, this can cause a problem with not only the appearance of your carpet but also the health of your home. This is because the dirtier your carpet gets, the more it tends to accumulate excess debris.
Over time, dirt compiles as your carpet only becomes dirtier over time. The bad news is that your carpet may be dirtier than it seems, which is why you need to invest in routine carpet cleaning services.
Carpet is Comfortable Underfoot
Another pro is that the carpet is very comfortable. Carpet is soft and cushy underfoot, and it is pleasing to your toes. It is a bit of a luxury.
With carpet, you really can’t beat the feeling of a soft, warm floor underfoot. Soft and plush carpeting is available for any room in your home, especially in areas where you’re looking to maximize a cozy atmosphere.
Carpet is Versatile
While carpet is often thought of as an ideal replacement for natural surfaces like hardwood floors, it can also be used in areas that are traditional flooring choices. You can install carpet in nearly any room in the home, and it will look great while serving you for years to come.
The downside is that carpeting isn’t ideal for some rooms that have a lot of water, such as bathrooms. You’ll most likely want to consider a different type of flooring for a bathroom or kitchen.
Perfect for Babies and Kids
Kids, especially babies, like soft flooring. You simply can’t get this from hardwood, which is why carpeting is ideal if you have young children in the house. Even if you have hardwood throughout your home, you can install carpet in the nursery or playroom for the comfort of your kids.
Different Kinds of Carpet to Consider
There are many different reasons to love carpet. Not only is it comfortable, versatile, and attractive, but there are a variety of styles to consider. But what are the different types of carpet that you can choose from?
Here’s a quick guide to help you get a basic understanding.
Carpeting Fiber Type
There is a big difference between natural and synthetic fibers, when it comes to carpet. Some people only want to use carpet that’s made of natural materials, while others don’t care what the material is. Here are some of the most common types of carpeting:
Wool fibers – Wool has always been one of the most popular materials for carpet. However, wood carpet and wool area rugs can be pricey.
Cotton fibers – Cotton is the most natural of all carpet fibers. Made with sustainable cotton fibers, this popular carpet style is soft, comfortable, and eco-friendly. One of the biggest advantages of cotton carpet is that it is able to withstand frequent heavy traffic. This makes it ideal for high-traffic areas, as well as places where children have a tendency to play.
Flat-Woven Carpet – Flat-woven carpet is one of the most common styles of carpet. It is composed of two layers of fiber that are woven into two separate soft, durable layers. We recommend this style for high-traffic areas. It is very easy to install, making it a cost-effective choice.
Industrial Grade – Also known as “Engineered Carpet” As the name suggests, it is made for heavy-duty, everyday use, and is often used in places where a softer carpet would be unsuitable.
Pile Height
What is a carpet pile height? The pile is the soft, cushiony part of the carpet made of fibers tightly bound together. A carpet pile height is measured in millimeters from the surface of the carpet to the tip of the pile. The pile may range from short and thick to long and thin. Lengths can vary from 1mm (32nd inch) to 60 mm (2.36″). Thickness can range from 5mm to 20mm.
Carpet is cut into fibers, hence “cut pile.” The pile is the part of the carpet that shows in the room, and the backing is against the floor. The pile is highest in the center and lowest on the edges.
Carpet pile height is something that you can’t get from hardwood flooring.
Pros And Cons Of Hardwood Flooring
What are the pros and cons of hardwood flooring? Hardwood flooring brings elegance and sophistication to any home, but it does require a little more work than other types of flooring. However, if properly maintained and cared for, it can last for decades. Here we’ll discuss some of the pros and cons of hardwood flooring:
- Wood Floors Last a While
One of the main advantages of hardwood flooring is how long it lasts compared to other types of flooring. The planks are cut from the center of the tree, leaving the hardest and most durable parts of the tree intact.
Manufactured flooring is made from the outer shells of the tree, which are softer and typically more susceptible to dents and dings.
Hardwood flooring can also be sanded, refinished, and polished numerous times to get years of continued wear out of it. The good news is that carpeting can last a long time, too! The key is to take care of your carpet all year long and make sure that you schedule your carpet cleaning every 6 months.
- Wood Can Add Luxury to the Home
Hardwood floors are beautiful. Oak, cherry, walnut, and other hardwoods can be finished to look like luxury. The variety of finishes can help brighten the room or make it appear light and airy.
However, wood stain options have fewer choices than carpeting. If you choose carpet, there is essentially a rainbow of color opportunities to explore. You aren’t boxed into neutral colors, although you can certainly go this route if you choose.
- Hardwood Floors Are Easy To Maintain
If you’re concerned about spills and mess, hardwood floors can be a breeze to maintain. As long as you use a proper mop or vacuum, you shouldn’t have any problems. That being said, you will have to polish your floors every once in a while to maintain the beauty of hardwood.
- Hardwood Flooring Is More Expensive Than Carpet
Hardwood is typically much more expensive than carpet, which is an important consideration to keep in mind. Depending upon market conditions, hardwood can be anywhere from two to six times more expensive than carpet.
- There Is Greater Risk Of Damage
Generally speaking, hardwood is more vulnerable to damage than carpet. This is particularly true in the kitchen, where the heat and moisture can wreak havoc on hardwood flooring. It is important to keep this in mind when it comes time to use the kitchen, as well as when it comes time to clean up after cooking.
Different Types of Hardwood Flooring to Consider
If you are thinking about installing hardwood floors, you have a number of options available to you. What are the different types of hardwood flooring to consider?
Wood Flooring Hardwoods
There are several different types of hardwood flooring that are considered “real” wood flooring. Some of the different types of hardwood flooring include oak, cherry, walnut, hickory, pine, teak, and others. Finished hardwood floors are typically very durable and long-lasting.
Laminate Flooring Options
If you don’t want to shell out the expense for real wood floors, you can always go the route of laminate. This provides you with the look of wood without the high price tag and maintenance.
Why Is Carpet Better Than Hardwood Flooring?
Is carpet better than hardwood? This is a subjective answer depending on your personal tastes. Carpet brings a lot of benefits, especially as an affordable and eco-friendly flooring solution. Carpet doesn’t require the harvesting of trees! It also can work with nearly any decor and make your home feel cozy.
If you have carpeting in your home, or even area rugs, make sure you take carpet cleaning seriously. This is the best way to maximize the lifespan of your carpeting and keep it looking beautiful for years to come.