Hardwood Floors Vs. Carpeting...

Okay, this article is going to be biased, no question.  Ever since I moved into my first home and the washer hose backed up, flooding a third of our brand new carpet, I’ve been a big fan of hardwood floors.  Of course I’ve never had a house with hardwood, but that will be resolved with my next home.  Trust me on this. 

If you are trying to determine which option is better for you, you need to consider comfort, price, and sustainability.  There are advantages and disadvantages to both.

Carpets are generally more comfortable underfoot, and may be preferable in situations where people have to stand for extended periods.   Carpet is also a cushion in the event of slips and falls, as well as providing a measure of insulation with regard to noise and temperature.  Carpet may also last ten years or more.

The types of carpet to choose from include:

Cut Pile - A cut pile carpet refers to a carpet whose loops have been cut. This leaves behind individual tufts of fiber. Cut pile carpets are very popular. Carpet durability is maintained despite the loops being cut; this is achieved by choosing durable fiber types, increasing the amount of twist in the fiber and having a high density of fiber tufts.

Cut and Loop Pile - When a combination of cut pile and loop pile fibers are used to make a carpet, it’s usually to create a more decorative look. This combination can create sculpted effects in a carpet.

Level Loop Pile - A level loop pile carpet contains loops that are all of the same height. The increasingly popular Berber carpet is made of level or multi-level loop pile. The level loop pile carpet is very durable, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas. The texture creates a casual, relaxed look. It’s frequently used in offices or finished basements.

Multi-Level Loop Pile - Multi-level loop pile is made of a few different loop heights. The different loop heights create a more interesting casual pattern in the carpet while maintaining a durable texture.

On the other hand, carpet can be easily damaged or soiled, with a more involved and expensive cleanup process.  Some cleaning procedures may require that the carpet actually be taken up, a time consuming and involved process.  Over time, carpet may also become matted, and more difficult to clean thoroughly.

If you are considering hardwood, wood only enhances the beauty of a room.  When it comes to maintenance, damaged wood can be sanded and refinished rather than replaced.  Also, wood does not collect as much dust and allergens as carpet.  Hardwood floors are usually easy to clean and maintain their color even over long periods of time.  They are difficult to stain and dirt is easily cleaned off. 

Hardwood floors also have attractive natural patterns in the wood, something that is virtually impossible to replicate with carpet designs.

There are several different types of hardwood flooring:

Red and White Oak – These species are naturally pale in color, with hints of pink running through the Red Oak. Both are known for their utility across all kinds of applications. White Oak is known to be slightly harder than red oak, although red oak in turn is slightly easier to saw and nail.

American Cherry – Used for cabinet making as well as flooring, American Cherry is known to be an attractive species that is very easy to work with. It is not as hard as either red or white oak, but offers a greater tonal range of color that darkens over time to become even more rich in tone, due to photosensitivity.

Hard Maple – Harder still than oak, the uniform texture of maple as well as its naturally abrasion-resistant surface makes it an excellent choice for hardwood flooring. Early North American settlers relied upon maple for its hardy nature, and it continues to be popular today.

Brazilian Cherry AKA Jatoba – One of most notable features of this exotic species is its color – a rich, reddish brown that eventually ages into a lustrous burgundy. Another important as aspect of Jataba is how hard it is; it is harder than some species of mahogany. So for look as well as durability, Brazilian Cherry excels.

However, wood can also expand during times of high humidity, in some cases warping or buckling. They can also fade, splinter, dent, or break, and can be severely damaged by leaks from water heaters, bathrooms, or washers.  Also, they do not absorb sound at all and can make for a noisier house.

Hardwood floors are also more expensive than carpeting, because they are all natural materials as opposed to synthetic.    It takes longer to install hardwood in a home, as it must be carefully measured, cut, and laid in strips.  In addition, the wood will lose its shine over time, creating a dull look, and may be slippery to walk on when it gets wet.

For me, all the advantages fall in favor of hardwood flooring, but in the end, it all comes down to personal taste.  What works best for you, your home, and your family are all that matter.