Carpet or Hardwood? Is Cost What Matters?
Hardwood flooring and carpet are the two most common choices for covering floor surfaces, so you might be wondering which option offers the better investment! While some folks are initially attracted to the lower cost of carpet, there are many factors to consider rather than just the initial expense. When you break down the true cost of carpet versus hardwood flooring, there is no doubt that hardwood flooring comes out on top! Here are the top 4 reasons why hardwood flooring is a better investment than carpet:
1. Hardwood Floors Have a Lifetime Value
One of the primary reasons why hardwood floors are a better investment than carpet is because hardwood flooring can last multiple generations! On the other hand, carpeting will have an average lifespan of just 10 years and may not even last that long. When you consider that you will have to pay for new carpet materials and installation at least several times in your lifetime, it is clear that hardwood floors are the more economical flooring.While you may initially have to pay out more money for hardwood flooring, this investment will pay off over time.
2. Hardwood Floors Are Easier to Keep Clean
Another thing to keep in mind about carpeting is that it have many hidden costs associated with maintenance. When you have carpet in your home, it needs to be cleaned at least once every 2 years to avoid respiratory problems, foul odors and other issues. This means that your carpet will likely be cleaned 15 times in just 30 years, which really adds up financially for professional carpet cleaning or your own cleaning supplies. Some people even feel that carpet is impossible to clean because stains soak in and settle permanently. While hardwood flooring can also be damaged or stained, the solid surface can easily be wiped clean and they can be refinished to look just like new!
As far as upfront costs, a good carpet will cost about $5 per sq ft, installed, while a standard grade of hardwood flooring will cost a bit more than that with installation. However, the installation of hardwood is a much more diy-friendly task. If you have the skills to install your own wood, and you are savvy enough to buy your wood flooring at ReallyCheapFloors.com, your total budget for floors should run you about 50% less money that carpet, or 70-80% less than buying hardwood locally and having it installed.
3. Hardwood Floors Are Popular with Home Buyers
You might be concerned that purchasing hardwood flooring is a wasted investment if you don’t plan to live in your current home for a significant amount of time into the future. However, studies have shown that the top request for homebuyers searching for a home is hardwood flooring! Most home buyers are willing to pay more for a home with hardwood floors and many realtors even advise their clients to install hardwood flooring before listing their home on the market. This means that a home with hardwood flooring will yield top dollar when compared to the same home with carpet!
4. Hardwood Floors Have a Timeless Appeal
Hardwood floors have been used in homes for hundreds of years and never go out of style! While there are constant shifts in trends over the years, the popularity of hardwood floors has never decreased. The best part is that it always matches the current styles of colors and accessories, and can easily incorporate all types of decorative options. Carpets do not have the same appeal and the color choices can quickly go out of style based on current trends.
5. Carpet Is The More Comfortable Option In Flooring
While we accept that a wood floor has many advantages in a home, if we are comparing carpet to wood we have to accept and acknowledge the comfort factor. Sometimes your toes need a warm place to rest!
Depending on the amount of fiber, carpet can offer the comfort that wood flooring cannot. For the best feeling of the warm fuzzies, consider a shag or frieze carpet with a fine denier yarn.
6. Hardwood Is Better For Allergies Than Carpet
One of the most overlooked aspects of carpet or wood discussion is the effects of dust and dirt on allergies. While a hardwood floor is easy to keep dust free with frequent passes of your traffic areas with a microfiber mop, the fibers and yarn tufts of a carpet is another story. If allergies are an issue in your home you might consider using thin rugs in spaces that need some help with color or comfort. Buying inexpensive rugs will allow you to toss them each year as allergies get worse and replace with a new one.
Hardwood floors have been used in homes for hundreds of years and never go out of style! While there are constant shifts in trends over the years, the popularity of hardwood flooring has never decreased. The best part is that it always matches the current styles of colors and accessories, and can easily incorporate all types of decorative options. Carpet does not have the same appeal and the color choices can quickly go out of style based on current trends.
Now that know why hardwood floors are a better investment than carpets, take a look at all of the affordable hardwood floors from ReallyCheapFloors.com today! We look forward to assisting you with all of your hardwood flooring needs!