Hardwood Flooring Vs Carpets

For many years, it has almost been standard practise to have carpeting, but increasingly, there is a trend towards hardwood flooring. There are, of course, advantages and disadvantages to both, and we look at these below:

Whilst this may be less relevant for those moving into a new build, for anyone moving into an older property that they are looking to renovate, it will be important to capture the look of the era in which it was built. In many cases, this will mean leaving the flooring visible rather than carpeting it. This, of course, is largely an argument for style, and certain disadvantages may have to be overlooked in order to attain the appropriate period look.

Whilst carpets certainly offer a degree of warmth and colour to a home, they do also wear out. This can leave a room looking a little worn unless the carpet is replaced at regular intervals. This, naturally, brings with it an extra cost. Hardwood flooring, on the other hand, not only looks attractive but is extremely hard wearing. Eventually too, its appearance will deteriorate but is easily, and cheaply, corrected with a quick varnish.

Carpets offer a little extra warmth to us humans; however, they also offer a home to a great deal of dust and other particles which are then circulated around the room, causing problems for those with allergies and asthma. They are also prone to attacks by the carpet moth which lays it’s larva in the carpet weave and, often undetected, eats away at the carpet. This effect is rarely seen until it is hoovered, when the carpet thread simply turns to dust, leaving a bare patch. Hardwood flooring on the other hand is easy to keep free of dust and other debris which can cause allergies, making it a much more pleasant environment for those sensitive to such things. Whilst a carpet can be easily cleaned by hoovering regularly, this does not reach deep enough into the carpet to eliminate all dust. Hardwood floor, on the other hand, can not only be swept, but a damp mop will clear it of any remaining dust.

If you have a pet such as a cat or dog, a wooden floor is much more suitable. Cats especially, love to dig their claws into a carpet and pull at the threads. They do this as a form of grooming, as it trims their claws. It does, though, cause a great deal of damage to the carpet. Muddy dog paws too can make a significant mess of a carpet but can easily be wiped off a hardwood floor surface.

To change the style of a carpet, you have to purchase a new one. Hardwood flooring however can be sanded down and varnished in a different shade. It can also be aged, distressed, or even coloured should you prefer to do that.

Which method of flooring suits you best, can only be decided by you, but it is fair to say that hardwood flooring does offer many significant advantages over carpets in the main rooms of your home.