There are two types of people in this world. Those that like carpet on their floors and those that prefer hardwood. There are some people that aren’t sure yet but will eventually fall into one of the two camps.
If you aren’t sure which one is better then you are likely looking for information that will tilt you one way or the other. It isn’t just a matter of opinion. There are pros and cons to each and your lifestyle, family needs, and interior decoration will play a part in which one is best for you specifically.
In this article, I will give you the information you need on both options so you can decide for yourself which one is best for you and your family.
Maintenance
It seems like hardwood will beat out carpeting in this category as you have to wash carpets occasionally. However, hardwood is not without its issues when it comes to maintenance. It can get scratched and need to be repaired. Or, it can even dull in which case it will need to be lacquered to get its shine back. It is labor-intensive if you do it yourself and expensive to have a professional do it.
Carpets do need to be cleaned once in a while so they can stay fluffy and looking new. It also helps to keep household odors to a minimum. This can easily be done yourself if you own a steam cleaner and set aside a day to do it a couple of times per year. Most people opt for carpet cleaning services, however.
When it comes to routine cleaning, however, hardwood wins that battle. You can sweep it or vacuum in far less time than it takes to vacuum a carpet. And giving it a quick mop is much easier than steam cleaning.
Durability
Hardwood floors can usually last a lifetime of the house with up to 30 years being common. This is with the occasional maintenance of course. You will need to do things like resand or even refinish at some point within the lifespan of the floor.
Carpeting doesn’t last nearly as long as the fibers tend to break down over time. In a high traffic area, you may have to replace the carpet after a few years. In less trafficked areas a bit longer.
This may not be that bad anyway as people’s tastes can change and replacing the carpet may be a good opportunity to redecorate to update the look of the house.
Installation
Carpeting can be installed quickly and easily. In many cases, it can go right over whatever flooring is there currently. Even over hardwood floors. Most companies can have it done in a day or two with very little disruption to your life.
Hardwood floors are much more labor intense to install and do cause more chaos in the house. It usually needs a baseboard installed underneath to make sure everything is level and then it gets installed over it. If it is unfinished then it also requires several layers of staining and varnish to look shiny and finished.
