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If you’re debating different home flooring options, then there are a variety of different options to choose from, from tile and laminate to carpet and hardwood.
Each offers its own distinct set of pros and cons, and it can be tricky to decide which suits your home best. If it comes down to carpet vs hardwood, here are four helpful things to consider before making your final choice.
1. Maintenance and Cleaning
When you’re exploring home flooring options, it’s important to keep upkeep in mind. How often will you need to clean it, and how difficult will that process be?
Overall, hardwood is easier to clean and doesn’t absorb smells the same way that carpet does. It also won’t trap pollen or dust, which can be key if you have allergies.
With carpet, you’ll also have to keep an eye out for stains and spills, which can be difficult to get out — especially if you have a lighter-colored carpet.
2. Your Budget
When it comes down to carpet vs hardwood, carpet is the more budget-friendly option. Carpet typically costs between $3 to $5 per square foot; compare that to hardwood, which can run between $9 and $12 per square foot.
If you’re planning to redo most of the flooring in your home, choosing hardwood can quickly add up compared to carpet.
But that doesn’t mean you should write off hardwood. Installing hardwood can be a smart investment if you’re planning to sell your home — it’s a definite selling point for buyers. You can also look into engineered hardwood to avoid breaking the bank.
3. Your Lifestyle
If you have kids now or are planning to start a family, that can affect which flooring option makes the most sense for you.
Carpeting is softer, which makes it great for young children who might be learning to crawl. It also absorbs sound — key if you have rowdy preteens.
If you or your family members are older, then preventing falls may be a concern. Certain flooring options can be safer than others and more slip-resistant.
Hardwood, on the other hand, can be ideal if you have pets. Unlike carpet, it won’t collect hair or animal dander.
4. Your Personal Style
When it comes down to it, both carpet and hardwood are popular flooring choices for good reasons. In the end, it might just come down to which aesthetic you prefer.
Carpet can be warmer and more welcoming, whereas hardwood is a sleek option that goes well with more decor.
Both also offer a diverse range of styles, which means you can find what suits your design preferences. Carpet provides plenty of color choices, and there are a variety of trends that feel fresh and exciting.
Similarly, different types of hardwood, such as oak and maple, can have different feels.
The Great Debate: Carpet vs Hardwood
When it comes to deciding between carpet vs hardwood, it all comes down to what you’re looking for. For softer flooring that’s more budget-friendly, carpet is the way to go. For sleek, easy-to-clean floors, consider going with hardwood.
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