Soft or Hard: Carpet vs Hardwood

When it comes to flooring, carpet and hardwood top the list of the most popular choices. Both are diverse in characteristics and meet specific flooring needs throughout the home.

Deciding which is right for you means learning the differences between the two. Which floor brings more value to your home—hardwood or carpet?

Whether it's a primary house or an investment property, the right floor adds more worth. The National Association of Realtors reports that 54% of buyersprefer hardwood floors.

That still leaves a large percentage of buyers who don't mind carpet. Which percent would you fall into?

If you're looking to install new floors, explore your options. Read here to learn some differences between carpet vs hardwood and which is right for you.

During the early 1900s, most homes built in northern states installed carpet wall-to-wall. Fabric floors added a bit of elegance to a home.

But with advancements in the flooring industry , you must now weigh the pros and cons of carpet

Pros

• Appeal : Carpet is more comfort-friendly. Its softness creates a relaxing environment, considering shoes aren't required. Depending on your vocation, carpet is more forgiving on the body. A softer landing offers ease to the joints.

• Safety : The texture of carpetingis also appealing for families with small children. There's less risk of serious injury with softer flooring.

• Productivity : More than 3.7 million people work from home. A quiet, comfortable work environment increases productivity. Because carpet soaks up sound, the house remains silent with others move around.

Cons

• Air Quality : Despite all of its comfort and appeal, carpet absorbs a lot of pollutants. The ambient air in a room can become problematic due to floating dust and dirt. And unfortunately, vacuuming doesn't collect it all.

• Maintenance : Carpet is a fabric. And like others, it requires regular cleaning—more, depending on the color. It stains fast and takes a while to dry when it gets wet.

• Convenience : Don't expect ease when deciding to change a room around. Furniture doesn't travel well over carpeting, especially furniture with wheels. Sometimes the padding is too thick, making maneuvering a bit difficult.

There are different styles of carpet. So weigh the advantages and cons well if you go that flooring route.

Hardwood is a bigger financial investment than carpet, but you get your money's worth.

The options per square foot overshadow the initial costs. Still, there are advantages and disadvantages to this flooring.

Pros

• Natural Appeal : Hardwood has a smooth, natural look. It gives off a hygienic feel in the room because it looks clean.

• Easy Keep Up : Hardwood floors are very low-maintenance. No need to invest in a vacuum or a laundry list of chemicals to clean it. The clean up is easy with a duster or damp mop.

• Air Quality : Wood flooring is less harmful to a household than carpet. Dust and dirt are more visible, making easier to rid a room of unhealthy allergens.

Cons

• Noise Effect : Unless it's a feather, everything that touches a wood floor makes a sound. It offers zero sound absorption. Expect plenty of distractions with a house full of people.

• Cost : Expect to pay more out-of-pocket per square foot for hardwood flooring. Most of the time, it requires professional installation, which is a per-hour charge. And the DIY route could cost more if it's not error-free.

• Safety : Hardwood has less grip than carpet. Things slide easy across its surface, including shoes. A fall unto a wood floor could lead to serious injury, considering there's no cushion.

Oak, cherry, or maple flooring. Go with a stunning option that's sure to add worth to every room.

Carpet vs hardwood is a century old debate when it comes to choosing flooring. Deciding what works for you depends on your personal taste.

Weight the pros and cons of each flooring type. Choose one that'll add value to your home and satisfy your liking.

Take a look at our floor installation services for insight into the best floor for your home. For more information, visit our flooring store in Phoenixor contact us for a free in-home estimate.