The Big Decision: Hardwood or Carpet?
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Hardwood floors continue to grow in popularity and there’s no doubt that they’re now the preferred flooring for homes. With that being said, they’re still a luxury and can be quite the investment. Are they worth it? Here’s what we advise you consider before swapping out your flooring:
Maintenance
Firstly (and maybe most importantly), hardwood floors are much easier to clean than carpets. When it comes to simple dirt and debris, a quick sweep will do the trick; in terms of money and time, hardwood floors are the more convenient choice here because carpets often require an expensive, high-quality vacuum to do a decent cleaning. Spills are also much easier to detect and wipe up, whereas carpet stains can often be very difficult to remove and may even require bulky, pricey cleaners to do so. And if you have allergies, hardwood floors are much less likely to hoard the dust mites or pet hair that might provoke those annoying sneezing fits!
Warmth & Comfort
The biggest downside to hardwood floors is that they’re simply not as comfortable as their flooring competitors. Carpets keep your home warm – especially during the winter – because of their insulation. If you want to get the best of both worlds, add a spacious rug to your hardwood rooms to sprinkle some warmth and comfort into your style. There is a world of different choices out there, so you’re sure to find one that suits your interior tastes and complements your flooring flawlessly.
Family & Lifestyle
If you have young children running around your home, it’s expected (and inevitable) that there will be a tumble or two every now and then. Considering the knee scrapes and bruises that come with rambunctious youngsters, the safer choice for your home flooring is certainly padded carpets. Not only can they protect against hard falls, but they can also ensure a safe landing for fragile objects, such as picture frames, glasses, or even your smartphone! Finally, carpets are certainly the quieter option, especially if your home has creaky flooring.
Aesthetics
It’s easy to champion hardwood simply for the natural beauty it brings into a home. Especially when cared for properly, wood flooring will likely look luxurious for decades to come. There are so many different types of wood and stains to choose from, so there’s no doubt you can find a finish that embraces you and your style. Even better, they’re also incredibly versatile – if ever you get tired or bored with your wooden flooring, simply throw a fashionable rug into the mix to switch things up.
All things considered, the carpet versus hardwood debate is likely one that will never end with a consensus. However, we understand how daunting the decision might seem, as it’s one of the biggest that a homeowner can make. Both are wonderful choices, so we recommend that you let your lifestyle guide you. Your living habits will have an effect on the products you buy, so consider some of these factors: will you have young (messy) kids running around? Do you plan on having guests leave their shoes at the door? Are the pets potty-trained? How much time and effort are you willing to spend on cleaning? We hope that these questions, as well as the tips above, help you decide what’s best for you – just remember that there’s no bad choice!