Engineered wooden flooring

Hardwood Flooring Vs Carpet: The Pros and Cons

As a homeowner, choosing the right flooring for your home is one of the most challenging decisions you can make. There are several flooring materials to choose from such as tiles, cork, bamboo, carpet, engineered wood, vinyl, hardwood, and more. In this post, we’ll focus on two of the popular choices – Engineered wooden flooring

Depending on individual aesthetic and functional preferences, some people prefer hardwood flooring for its long-lasting beauty while others are inclined to installing carpet for the comfort and softness underfoot. Certain practical factors such as climatic conditions, the purpose of a room, cleaning and maintenance, presence of kids or pets, etc. should also be considered when making a purchase decision.

In today’s post, we’ll discuss a comparative study of hardwood flooring and carpet to help you make an informed buying decision.

Hardwood Flooring Vs. Carpet

Hardwood has been used in residential spaces for centuries and has only gained more popularity over the years. Carpet, on the other hand, has been a cost-effective favourite for many homeowners. However, both come with distinct pros and cons which we’ve put together below.

        Durability:

A standard quality hardwood product can last for decades if maintained properly while top-grade materials can last for generations. When it gets damaged due to rough treatment, wear and tear, or stains, hardwood can be refinished to make it look like new. The process involves sanding, and reapplication of the floor finish on the surface to revitalize the old appearance. You may require performing this process periodically depending on the thickness of your hardwood flooring and the damage suffered.

On the other hand, carpet needs to be replaced every few years. It can’t be refinished to get back the shine and lustre of a new one.

            Ease Of Cleaning:

The smooth surface of Engineered wooden flooring doesn’t allow dust particles, dirt, grime or stains to settle. It can be easily swept or wiped off clean. But with carpet, it’s exactly the opposite. The fibres attract and trap dust and air-borne particles which are almost impossible to get rid of as they settle permanently. Removing stains from carpet is also not possible as they soak into the fibres.

            Allergy Potential:

When you keep the hardwood floor surface clean, there’s little possibility of accumulation of dust and micro-organisms that can cause allergies. But every time you clean or walk across a carpet, a huge amount of dust and bacteria are cast into the air. This deteriorates the air quality of your indoors increasing the risk of getting affected by allergens.

            Resale Value:

Since wood is expensive and high-end in appearance, it’s considered a luxury flooring option based on the type of wood and the quality of the finish. If you wish to sell your home in the future, it’s easier and faster to sell with hardwood installed and that too at a greater resale value.

            Visual Appeal:

Hardwood comes with a timeless appeal. With technological advancements, there have been various shifts in design and trends to match a wide variety of colours, textures, accessories, and decor styles. Carpet, though available in many colours, patterns, textures, and designs, it lacks versatility.

            Comfort:

Carpet is both softer and warmer than Engineered wooden flooring. Unlike wood, it doesn’t cause pain in knees, ankles or feet when standing on its surface for long periods of time. Also, it helps to insulate the room ensuring that the warmth doesn’t escape outside. When installed with a dense foam underlayment, carpet is much more comfortable than hardwood.

Safety:

The softness of carpet makes it a safer choice when it comes to accidental falling of humans, pets or objects. Its cushioning effect decreases the impact of the fall, which is why the chances of injuries and breakage are minimized.

Now that you know the basic pros and cons of Engineered wooden flooring and carpet, we hope you can make a better decision when choosing one for your home. If you have small children or senior members in your family, the safety aspect of carpet can be a strong consideration. However, if you’re still indecisive, discuss your needs and lifestyle with a flooring expert. An experienced professional can help you choose the right material for your space.