Hardwood vs. Carpet: Which Is Best?

Hardwood Floors or Carpets?

Weighing the pros and cons of carpet versus hardwood floors is an unfair comparison because the truth is these two materials are total opposites. Despite them being so different, they are also the two most popular types of flooring. There are several critical factors to consider when deciding between these two types of flooring: budget, property value, location, maintenance, and style.

Dream Floors on a Budget

Budget is a significant factor to consider, but buying new floors doesn’t have to be stressful or cost a fortune. Researching which floors cost more and how different flooring options compare will help you stay on budget. When comparing hardwood and carpet, hardwood flooring is usually the more expensive option. The average cost of carpet per square foot is $3, whereas the average price of hardwood floors per square foot is $8. It is also essential to recognize that carpet is cheaper but not as long-lasting as hardwood.

Additionally, there is a wide range of carpet and hardwood flooring options. Meaning that you can get carpet even cheaper than $3 a square foot, or you could splurge and spend $20 a square foot. Similarly, hardwood floors come in a range of prices as well. For example, oak floors could be as cheap as $3 a square foot or as expensive as $14 a square foot.

Invest with Flooring

As a homeowner, improving your property value is always an appealing goal to strive for, especially if you are planning on selling in the near future. In terms of resale, hardwood is a better option than carpeting because hardwood is far more desirable, long-lasting, and easier to keep clean. If hardwood isn’t in the budget, we recommend neutral carpeting, as this will also appeal to buyers.

Choosing Floors Is All About Location, Location, Location

The differences between carpet and hardwood floors make each of them more suitable for specific locations. Carpets are cozy and soft to the touch. It can make spaces both feel and look warm. It is also quiet when it comes to foot traffic. These factors make carpets great for bedrooms, living rooms, basements, playrooms, and offices. Carpet can be more challenging to clean, which means you should not use it in high-traffic areas or place it in more messy water-prone rooms like the kitchen.

Hardwoods, on the other hand, are cooler to the touch but also very loud. If you have hardwood flooring on the second floor, those on the first floor may be able to hear everything from a wild dance party to someone tiptoeing for a late-night snack. Hardwood floors are much easier to clean and maintain, making them excellent options for kitchens, entryways, high-traffic spaces, dining rooms, and anywhere in between. To make hardwood floors warmer, you can always install heated hardwood floors, which of course, will be more expensive. To make them a little quieter, you can always add an area rug. If hardwood floors are well taken care of, they can last a lifetime and then some.

It is also important to note that neither of these flooring materials would do well in areas where water sits on the surface for a prolonged period. For example, bathrooms stay damp and are more prone to puddles, which is unsuitable for carpet or hardwood.

Strut on Style

Both hardwood floors and carpeting come in thousands of options. There are so many different species of wood, finishes, and patterns when it comes to hardwood. In addition, the color options and material choices for carpets are endless. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all flooring option, which is part of what makes designing your space so exciting. With the help of Flooring America experts, you can easily find what works best for your home.

Visualize Your Flooring Dreams

Want a preview of how new floors will look in your home? Try our room visualizer, My Floor Style. Upload a photo of your room, select your style preferences, and get a virtual look at each different flooring style. With My Floor Style, there are no surprises. Only beautiful new floors.