Wood Flooring vs Carpeting

Wood flooring is commonly installed by flooring installation professionals. Moderately skilled do it yourself homeowners, however, can install wood flooring, and even novice do it yourself homeowners can install some of the new snap and click wood laminate flooring products.

Wood Flooring Disadvantages

Wood flooring typically costs more from both a materials and installation standpoint. Wood flooring can also be cold on the feet, so frequently you find homeowners placing large throw rugs over the wood floors, which adds to the overall cost of the finished floors. Wood flooring is also susceptible to scratches, and consequently wood floors need to be refinished every 10 years or so.

Carpet Flooring Advantages Carpeting is also readily available in a wide assortment of patterns and styles. Carpeting vs wood flooring is also typically less expensive from both a materials and labor installation standpoint. Carpeting can warm up a room, and help to muffle sounds. Large rooms with cathedral ceilings, on the contrary, can sound like echo chambers when wood flooring is installed in them.

Carpet Flooring Disadvantages

Carpeting however has its own disadvantages. Carpeting, unlike wood flooring, is highly susceptible to staining. Carpet floors also easily retain dust and can harbor dust mites.

Carpeting typically wears out after 7 to 10 years, depending upon the quality of the carpet and the padding underneath. Unlike wood flooring, carpeting can’t be refinished. It simply needs to be replaced. Over the long run, this can make carpet flooring a more expensive flooring option. Carpet flooring installation typically requires a carpet installation professional. There are some unique skills and tools associated with carpet installation that most homeowners do not possess.

So before making the wood flooring vs carpeting decision consider the flooring application, the rest of the interior design of your home or room, your budget, and your interest and abilities in installing your own flooring. Once you can answer these questions the carpeting vs wood flooring decision becomes much easier to make.