Carpet Vs. Hardwood

Flooring is one of the first and biggest decisions a new homeowner will make. If you are considering selling your home, new flooring is is great place to begin preparing a fresh, clean palette that will wow potential buyers. But how to decide which flooring option is right for you? We’ve prepared a list of tips comparing the two most popular home flooring options to help guide you in your decision.

CARPET:

• Pros:
• Less expensive - between $3 and $5 per square foot, installed w/padding, & up
• Easier & faster to install than hardwood
• Most popular floor covering  - makes up 51% of US market
• Soft and comforting, especially in times of cold, like early mornings and winter
• Top quality carpets can last 10-15 years
• Life can be extended with frequent vacuuming & steaming
• Hides dirt, so needs less frequent cleaning
• New technology in synthetic, stain-resistant fibers helps reduce staining
• Wide variety of color, pattern, and style choices available for more decor options
• Darker, more durable options are great for kid’s rooms & high traffic areas
• Quieter than hardwood - helps muffle sound
• Most carpet has been certified as low emitters of volatile organic compounds
• Carpets made with recycled content or that can be recycled when they are worn out are available
• Asthma and allergies friendly?
• Traps airborne dust particles in between the tufts, where a good-quality vacuum can dispose of it
• Cons:
• Not as long-wearing as hardwood
• Spills may cause permanent stains
• May become matted over time
• Some VOC levels considered unacceptable
• Traps airborne dust particles in between the tufts,  so those less vigilant with cleaning may find allergies and asthma aggravated
• Carpet styles are trend-sensitive, and cannot be updated as hardwood can

HARDWOOD

• Pros:
• Hardwood flooring is a hot trend right now
• Wood can last hundreds of years with proper care and periodic refinishing
• Wood is easy to clean and doesn't stain
• Hardwood is durable
• Hardwood adds a lasting value to a home that carpet can't
• Larger variety of woods and colors, to choose from than several years ago
• Exotic woods in shades of yellow, pink, orange, purple and black are available
• The trend is toward natural finishes without stains
• You can easily change a hardwood floor's look with area rugs
• Can be refinished many times to freshen the look
• Hand-scraped wood flooring, with deeper grooves, hides small dents and wear that can come from active families and pets
• Hardwood floors do not hold on to allergens that can sink into the fibers of carpet
• Lower VOC products are available
• Easier to spot spills, pet hair, crumbs and debris on hardwood floors
• Spills can be completely wiped up
• Wood is a sustainable, renewable and natural material
• Wood from a responsibly managed forest that meets sustainability standards is available
• Cons:

• Between $9 and $12 per square foot, installed, & up
• Reclaimed old wood can cost up to $30 per square foot
• Not as easy as carpet to install
• Must be nailed down, glued or clicked into place
• Wood sealants and finishes  can release undesirable VOCs
• Wood needs to be cleaned more frequently than carpet
• Vacuum or sweep, then mop at least every other day
• Water damage may be difficult to repair

Beyond the basic considerations of cost, maintenance, durability, and aesthetic appeal, it’s important to take your family’s lifestyle into consideration. Things like pet being house-trained and removing shoes at the door are very important factors in successfully maintaining carpet. Hardwood floors, though generally considered superior in terms of allergy and asthma issues, may not be the best choice if you find your family has difficulty maintaining regular cleaning.

Both are beautiful options for any home. At Floorz, we look forward to introducing you to the wide array of styles available today. As the premier floor covering showplace in the Franklin/Brentwood area, Floorz is your one-stop showroom for all of your floor covering needs!

We offer the largest selection of floor covering in the Franklin/Brentwood area, complimentary in-home design consultation, and free in-home measuring and estimates. For more information, click here or call us at (615) 771-7669. Or visit our Floorz showroom in Cool Springs at 1731 Mallory Ln, #103. We look forward to serving you!