Are you considering a shaggy carpet installation for your stylish guest bedroom or hardwood floors in your living room after one too many spills? Like any responsible homeowner, you know that whatever you choose to spread onto your floor matters. The maintenance of your flooring, the sync with interior design, and the overall comfortability on your feet are all things to consider while making a decision.
Carpet — Is It Right For You?
Pros of Carpet:
- Silent. Carpet has a long-standing track record of reducing noise in any home, whether that be an echo or the sound of footsteps.
- Warmer. During the winter months, carpet is significantly easier to walk across than any sort of chilled tile or wood and it insulates the space.
- Colorful. From a design perspective, the possibilities for carpets are endless because of the ability to weave different fibers together for an entirely new color.
- Comfortable. While walking on carpet, the filaments cushion feet and are also soft on the skin.
- Cost. Depending on the quality, type, and square footage of the carpet, it is a cost-effective route.
Cons of Carpet:
- Stain. Although some carpet is stain resistant, a massive spillage can mark a spot on your floor for the foreseeable future.
- Smell. While there are many ways to combat odor, carpets can hold onto them unless properly washed.
- Allergies. A combination of dust, pollen, dirt, and dander can linger in carpets and can cause allergic flares.
- Maintenance. Carpets require vacuuming at least twice a week. Click here to learn more about carpet maintenance.
Will Hardwood Make Your Home?
Pros of Hardwood:
- Varieties. There are a handful of different types of hardwood, but for durability purposes, cherry or ebony works best.
- Versatility. Hardwood floors can be installed in many directions, stained to match the interior design of any home, and cut into custom patterns.
- Cleanliness. Mopping up any mess is a simple task and the floors will shine with the application of the right products. Click here to learn more about floor cleaning products.
- Anti-allergy. Often considered allergy-friendly, hardwood floors can be sealed and resistant to microorganisms.
Cons of Hardwood:
- Hydrophobic. When exposed to water, hardwood can become warped or grow species of mold.
- Noisy. With age, hardwood can make squeaking or crackling noises when walked on.
- Dense. Hardwood can be painful on sore feet.
- Surface. Depending on the type of wood and if your home is full of clawed pets, hardwood floors can be easily scratched or scuffed.
Hardwood floors are reputable for their longevity and polished look, while carpet serves as inviting padding that blocks out the racket. Floors take up a sufficient amount of space in any home and the material matters because it can alter the purpose or feeling of an entire room. By changing the floor, your home will be noticeably transformed and you will make a difference in how much your home is valued.