Why Choose Hardwood vs Carpet 

Why wood is winning over wall-to-wall

It’s the 2020s and our tastes in everything are changing. Flooring preferences are one of them—especially whether carpet has any place in a modern home when there are such exciting, beautiful, resilient options to consider. Hardwood poses carpet’s toughest competition. And why exactly is wood winning?

Today, many homeowners see carpet as outdated, dingy and even unsanitary. Carpeting was once considered a luxury for only the wealthy. And the deeper the pile, the better. Until technology and lower material costs made wall-to-wall plushness a reality in nearly every American living room after World War II. In the 21st century, however, all of that has changed. 

According to some who follow the industry and home trends, carpeting lost the cushy comfort of its design appeal when it started showing up in bathrooms and kitchens. Then flooring rivals like hardwoods, vinyls and tile appeared in the 1980s. Carpeting can be more challenging to keep clean on a regular basis. Homeowners began to prefer the ease of a broom and dustpan rather than lugging out a vacuum cleaner or steam cleaner for stains.

Wearability and maintenance hastened the shift away from carpet in spaces with a lot of foot traffic (entry ways, hallways, kitchens and bathrooms) and put a spotlight on an emerging, more glamourous star. Hardwood flooring, or any wood flooring, is incredibly desirable throughout the United States, with more households adding hardwood floors to increase their home resale value. According to some real estate agents, hardwood floors may actually help a home sell faster.

The overwhelming majority of today’s homebuyers do not want carpet in the homes they buy, according to Opendoor, a national home sales organization. In addition to its diminishing popularity, carpet may not make sense economically in an investment property. The initial buy for carpet is less expensive, but the turnaround time and life cycle of carpet is generally shorter.

Hardwood floors can increase home value. According to a survey on Millionacres.com, 99% of Realtors® believe homes with hardwood floors are easier to sell and may add 2.5% to the sales price. Why? Because 54% of purchasers are prepared to pay more for hardwood floors. But is hardwood flooring the better choice if you live in a community where it can be rainy and hot or damp and cold for weeks at a time? And are hardwood floors a wise investment?

This is usually where the debate becomes more intensely contested. Not everyone is convinced hardwood flooring can endure moisture, heat and cold as well as other materials. Hardwood floors are worth a lot, especially in the case of engineered wood floors, exotic woods such as Brazilian walnut, or solid hardwood. On the other hand, laminate flooring is also a rising option for new floors. Some even try to get the best of both worlds by using engineered wood floors which could cost hundreds to thousands of dollars.

Now, for those considering installing hardwood floors in your home or on your remodeling project, you may be wondering if it’s a smart investment. After all, parts of the country experience seasonal weather conditions (heat, humidity, rain, sleet and snow for instance) which can take a toll on wood flooring. However, there are many benefits to having hardwood floors in your home, and if you choose the right type of wood and take care of it properly, hardwood floors can last for many years. 

Why wood?

• Appearance: Hardwood flooring is the most popular type of flooring in the United States. Hardwood floors are timeless and classic, exuding elegance and warmth. They are ideal for all sorts of decorating styles from modern to traditional. 
• Durability: Hardwood floors will endure for a long time if properly cared for. With little maintenance, hardwood flooring may last a lifetime. To keep solid hardwoods looking good, most experts recommend refinishing them once every ten years. The process might involve sanding as well as applying a fresh coat of finish.
• Maintenance: Cleaning hardwood floors is simple, but it does necessitate frequent sweeping and mopping. For cleaning, all it takes is a solution of vinegar and water.

But keep in mind…

• Noise: Hardwood floors tend to be noisy, especially when you have high heels or pet claws click-clacking across the floor. You may want to add area rugs and runners to help muffle some of the noise. The occasional plush surface can also comfortably break up the “foot feel” of an expansive hardwood floor.
• High Maintenance: Hardwood floors can be difficult to keep clean. They can be scratched easily and they are not as resistant to spills as other types of flooring. This means that you will need to be more careful when cleaning your hardwood floors. You will also need to be more cautious when moving furniture or appliances as doing so can scratch the flooring.
• Costs: The cost of hardwood floors varies depending on the type of wood and the quality of the floors. However, in general, hardwood floors are more expensive than other types of flooring such as laminate or carpet.

What it all means for homeowners

Hardwood floors become a smart investment if you know what you get from them. In general, hardwood floors are beautiful, relatively easy to clean (compared to carpet), and can last for many years. However, they can be expensive, and they might not be the best choice for every home. If you are considering hardwood floors for your home, take the time to learn about all of your options before making a decision. Ask us any questions you have.

For more information on this topic, please call Pridgen Floors, in Geneva, AL at 334-684-3442.

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