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Hardwood flooring and carpet are two of the most popular and classic types of flooring today. But which is better for you? It depends on a number of factors. There are a lot of differences when it comes to hardwood and carpet, so the right decision is really a personal one that depends on your preferences, situation, and budget.
Before we get into the details, here is a side-by-side- comparison of hardwood and carpet:
|
|
Hardwood |
Carpet |
Price |
More expensive |
Less expensive |
Design |
● Classic ● Timeless ● Luxurious |
● Diverse ● Accommodating ● Stylistically transcendent |
Cleanliness and care |
● Visible dirt ● Easy-to-clean surface ● No allergies |
● Hidden dirt ● Hard-to-clean fabric ● Allergies |
Durability |
● Vulnerable to spills and dings ● Long-lasting |
● Stain repellant or resilient ● Needs replacement more often |
Sustainability |
● Natural ● Sustainable
|
● Chemical-based ● Artificial |
When you are choosing between hardwood flooring and carpet, there is quite a difference in price, especially if you are considering the top-end options.
Hardwood flooring is one of the more expensive types of flooring on the market. That’s because it’s made from a natural product—a tree—and not engineered to replicate another product. In most cases, hardwood flooring can cost between $8 and $15 per square foot, including installation. However, some of the higher end versions can cost even more. Reclaimed wood, for example, could cost as much as $30 per square foot.
Most carpet options cost between $3 and $7 a square foot installed, with padding and all. Some of the higher-end carpet options could come in closer to $10 a square foot.
Another big difference between hardwood flooring and carpet flooring is the appearance. Hardwood flooring is viewed as a high-end and luxurious option. Current popular designs are trending toward hard flooring surfaces, and wood fits the profile.
When it comes to appearance, you can choose just about any color of carpet that you like. This makes carpet a very versatile flooring choice, as you can mix and match colors and shades based on other design choices in the room. Carpet can also look firm or plush, depending on the type you choose.
Hardwood flooring is easier to maintain on a regular basis. That’s because it doesn’t require deep cleaning. It is easier to spot dirt and dust on a hardwood floor than it is on carpet. For hardwood flooring, cleaning includes a recommended sweep and vacuum at least a few times a week to keep it clean.
Carpet is a little tougher to keep clean. Dirt, dust, pollen and other allergens can get lodged within the fibers of a carpet and stay hidden from your eyes. That’s why carpets are sometimes a hard choice in high-traffic areas or for families with pets.
Carpet requires vacuuming and/or sweeping at least once a week. Thinking longer term, your carpet will also require a more in-depth shampooing at least once a year to maintain the manufacturer’s warranty. The frequency of cleaning will also depend on how rough on it you are and what color you choose.
When you are considering the durability of hardwood flooring versus carpet, you need to take into consideration the overall lifespan of the flooring type and weigh the effect of daily activity over the surface.
Hardwood flooring is susceptible to damage from spills or harsh activity. The material composition is natural. Hardwood floors can warp from excessive contact with liquid and can dent or scratch from furniture or shoes, especially high heels. However, hardwood is designed to last. If you care for it properly, some hardwood flooring can last up to 100 years before you need to replace it. If the floor starts to fade, you can sand, re-surface, and re-stain a hardwood floor a few times throughout its lifespan.
Carpet is more susceptible to heavy furniture or other types of damage as hardwood flooring is. Spills on carpet can often be scrubbed clean if the carpet is polyester or smart-strand, not nylon.
In the long term, though, carpet is not the most durable flooring option. That’s because if a rip, tear, or permanent stain occurs, you must replace the damaged section or the entire carpet. In addition, a carpet will need a full replacement every five to 15 years, depending on wear and tear.
Hardwood flooring is natural and ecologically friendly. This is because it’s a natural material that is made from trees that can be replanted when they are cut down.
Carpet, meanwhile, is made mostly from petroleum. It’s not a material that most people would consider natural or sustainable in any way. In fact, petroleum is an extremely limited resource.
Because of its classic style, look, and overall luxurious appearance, many people would prefer to have hardwood flooring. Even though it is more expensive than carpet, hardwood may be worth the extra money up front because it will ultimately last much longer than carpet.
Are you looking for a durable hardwood product for your home? E Hardwoods & Flooring offers natural hardwoods, engineered wood flooring, solid prefinished wood flooring, vinyl plank flooring, and vinyl tile flooring through our eCommerce store.
To find our more about our products or order your flooring, check out our prefinished hardwood flooring options.