Ask anyone in Odessa, FL, about their flooring preferences and you’re sure to get some strong opinions. Some people have clear preferences for hardwood flooring, while others can’t imagine not walking across soft carpets in their bare feet. But which one is best for your home? A flooring purchase is a significant investment. It’s a decision you’ll live with for a long time. That’s why you want to research your options. To make an informed decision, you need to consider the appearance, area, budget, cleaning and durability.
What Aesthetic Do You Want to Achieve?
When it comes to appearance, most people find that hardwood flooring is the more attractive flooring option. Grain and wood-tone options are numerous, and many homeowners enjoy the bold statement that hardwood flooring makes. However, carpeting is available in seemingly infinite colors and textures to match all homeowner preferences and works well in nearly every house. When selecting flooring, you must consider what you find appealing and what you’re comfortable living with for many years.
Where’s the Flooring Being Installed?
Not all flooring options work in all spaces. Hardwood flooring works well in nearly any room except bathrooms and basements where there’s moisture. Carpeting is a good option for bedrooms, formal living rooms, hallways and recreational areas, but it’s not ideal for kitchens or entryways. If you have a home theater, stick with carpeting in this space for sound absorption.
What’s Your Flooring Budget?
Nationwide, the average cost of purchasing and installing hardwood flooring is $8 per square foot compared to carpeting at $3 per square foot. If you have a tight budget, carpeting is usually the cheapest option most of the time.
While solid hardwood is the gold standard, you can get the same look for less with engineered hardwood. The latter is constructed in layers. The top and bottom layers are 100% natural wood with a stable plywood core comprised of 5-7 layers. Engineered hardwood looks so much like the real thing that no one but you will know the difference.
How Much Care and Cleaning Does the Flooring Need?
Routine carpet maintenance requires frequent vacuuming to maintain its appearance, which isn’t hard to handle. The primary drawback of carpet is that many people find it frustrating to keep it in pristine condition because dust gets trapped in the fibers and stains soak through into the padding. Regular professional carpet cleaning helps maintain the carpet’s appearance, which adds to maintenance costs.
Hardwood flooring is much easier to keep clean than carpet. It only needs daily sweeping to remove dust, dirt, pet hair and other debris. Periodically, use a wood cleaner to damp-mop for deeper cleaning.
Consider the Flooring’s Durability Factor
There’s no question that hardwood flooring is the most durable of the two flooring choices. Well-maintained, solid hardwood flooring lasts for generations. If the hardwood sustains damage or stains, you can get it repaired quickly.
Carpeting has a much shorter lifespan. Regular deep cleaning can improve its appearance and cut down on wear and tear, but by the 10-year mark, it’s time to consider carpet replacement.
When budget and comfort are your primary motivations for choosing flooring, carpet is the clear winner. It’s also the best choice for sound absorption. Hardwood flooring reigns superior when it comes to appearance, longevity, maintenance and real estate value. Homeowners also favor hardwood flooring because it improves indoor air quality and doesn’t aggravate allergies.
Are you ready to replace the flooring in your home? The experts at Yeager Flooring are here to help you find the flooring that fits your lifestyle and budget. Call us today to learn more about our quality products, professional flooring installation and current offers.
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About the Author: Jim Yeager, Owner
