Carpet and wood flooring options are arguably the two most popular options available for residential flooring applications. Surprisingly, despite the fact that these popular flooring options are virtually polar opposites, many homeowners will actually find themselves struggling to choose between them because of the wide range of benefits that each option has to offer. If you have found yourself in this position, taking the time to consider the factors outlined below could help you to make a choice between these two very attractive flooring options once and for all.
Required Maintenance
When choosing between carpet and wood flooring you will need to consider the maintenance that each of these flooring materials will require over the long term. Generally speaking, carpet will require nothing more than cleaning over its lifespan. This will include regular upkeep such as vacuuming and spot cleaning, as well as periodic upkeep such as shampooing in order to maintain a stain-free and generally attractive appearance.
Wood flooring on the other hand may require a bit more maintenance. This is because wood is a natural material that is susceptible to moisture-related damage if it is not properly sealed. To keep your wood floors looking and functioning great over the years, you will need to sand, stain, and reseal these floors every few years. This is a job that will often require the services of a professional flooring contractor.
Required Replacement
While wood floors may require more maintenance than carpet, this flooring material is the clear winner when it comes to the need for replacement over the years. This is because a well-maintained wood floor can easily last the life of your home. Consequently, if you are looking for a virtually permanent solution to your flooring needs, you will likely find that your personal needs are best served by choosing to install wood floors in your home.
Carpet flooring on the other hand will need to be replaced as the carpet fibers become worn. The rate at which this occurs depends greatly upon the amount of foot traffic in your home. High traffic areas can result in the need to replace your carpet every few years while areas that see less traffic can last considerably longer. Consequently, you may find that carpet is best reserved for areas of your home that do not receive as much foot traffic while using a more durable flooring material in high traffic areas.
Contact a company like Floorco Flooring to learn more about flooring materials.