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December 18, 2018

Carpet or Hardwood Flooring: How Do I Decide?

As a homeowner, choosing the right type of flooring is a major investment. So if you’re replacing an old floor or looking for a revamp, should you go for carpet or hardwood flooring?

 

Often the purpose of a room can help dictate the kind of flooring you go for. For example, kitchens benefit from an easier to clean hard surface, while you may find you have more options when it comes to your living or bedroom.

 

If you’re unsure whether to opt for carpet or hardwood flooring, we’ve put together some pointers to help you make your decision.

Comfort

 

Hardwood floors are, by their very nature, harder on the feet, whereas a cosy carpet will take the edge off climbing out of bed on a cold winter morning.

 

Carpets add an extra layer of warmth, which is perfect for homes that require a helping hand with the temperature. Using carpet underlay can also increase the thermal insulation and reduce heat loss, helping you save on your energy bills.

 

You may find that a soft carpet helps to create a warm, relaxing atmosphere in bedrooms and the living room.

 

Cleaning and maintenance

 

When trying to decide between carpet or hardwood flooring, consider how much time and money you are willing to spend on maintaining their condition.

 

Carpets absorb moisture and stains, and can begin to look shabby within a few years. Deep cleaning can help prevent this, but may be expensive. These are issues you wouldn’t have to worry about with a durable and easy-to-clean hardwood floor.

 

You should take any pets into consideration too when it comes to choosing carpet or hardwood flooring. Smooth hardwood surfaces can be scuffed and scratched by long claws, while carpets tend to collect moulted hair alongside dust, pollen and other small particles. So if you’re prone to allergies, a hardwood floor may be the best option for you.

 

Sound and noise

 

If you live in a flat or apartment above neighbours, you may want to consider how well sound travels through carpet and hardwood flooring when deciding between the two.

 

Neighbours may complain that sound travels through wooden flooring, especially when walked on in high heels or heavy shoes. Carpets and other soft surfaces, on the other hand, absorb sound and create a quieter space to live in.

 

If you have your heart set on a hardwood floor though, don’t despair – why not invest in a statement rug to help reduce the noise and add a stylish element to your room? Blending soft and hard surfaces will mean you get the best of both worlds.

 

Cost

 

Depending on style and quality, both carpets and hardwood flooring can be pricey. In general however, carpets are quicker and cheaper to install.

 

Although hardwood floors are typically more expensive, particularly due to initial labour charges, it’s worth noting that carpets may come with their own additional costs later down the line.

 

Carpet cleaning and maintenance costs quickly add up, and if you opt for a light-coloured carpet you may have to replace it after only a few years. A hardwood floor may actually prove to be a more cost-effective investment.

 

Safety

 

If you have small children, consider which type of flooring is safer for them to play on. Smooth hard surfaces can be slippery, and without anything to soften the blow, slips and falls could cause injuries.

 

Play areas, therefore, will benefit from a soft carpet running across the room.

 

House prices

 

The type of flooring you choose will impact the value of your home.

 

While installation fees may be higher, choosing hard surfaces may pay off in the long run. Many people look for hardwood flooring when buying a new home, as it can be expensive to lay.

 

In comparison, older or slightly shabby-looking carpets that need replacing may affect offers from potential buyers considering your property.

 

If you’d like to find out how much your home is worth, request a valuation today and a member of our team will be in touch.

 

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