Cost of Carpet vs Hardwood Floors | Cheaper Price & Costs?
Two of the most popular options for flooring are carpet and hardwood floors. When it’s time for you to replace your flooring, you may struggle with which option would be the best for you. One of the main things to consider is cost. Let’s get into detail on the cost of both options in the short term and the long term and the comparison between the two options.
Cost of Materials
There are a number of different types of carpet and hardwood floors to choose from. Your choice will determine exactly how much the materials will cost. Polyester carpet can run you as low as $.25 per square foot while wool can cost as much as $10 per square foot difference. Bamboo wood floor can cost as low as $2 per square foot while ash wood and the price of Brazilian Cherry wood is as much as $9 per square foot.
The material you will use will depend on the area you are installing new floor in as well as your specific needs and budget. When it comes to material, you can find middle-grade options that are almost equal. Carpet will only be cheaper if you go with the cheapest options, which isn’t ideal. Since the cost of the material ranges on your needs, you can choose either one. That means that you have to consider other factors.
Installation: Carpet vs Hardwood
Installing hardwood flooring is significantly more expensive than carpet at an average of $4400 for wood installation compared to an average of $1600 for carpeting installation.
To install wood required more skillset. Carpeted installation can cost a bit more when specialty cuts need to be engineered to fit awkward angles. Stairs, for example, can be difficult to install. However, the slight increase in installation price on the stairs might be worth it.
Damage Due to Moisture
When an accident happens involving water or the flooring is in a location with high levels of moisture, you want a material that will be able to hold up. Wooden flooring is extremely susceptible to moisture damage. Mold can grow when wood flooring is exposed to too much moisture.
When mold grows, it can cause serious damage, such as changing and morphing. It can even create a health concern for your family if they breathe it in. Unfortunately, carpeting can be susceptible to water damage, too.
It is only slightly better when in contact with water and moisture. To prevent a problem before it happens, limit the amount of moisture in the air with a dehumidifier and plenty of ventilation.
Maintenance: Carpeting Versus Hardwood
Carpet requires a lot more maintenance than wood. The first reason is because carpet shows stains way more easily. You will need to get regular professional cleanings. If you have children and pets, they may cause stains that require additional professional cleanings or even early replacement.
Wood, on the other hand, cleans up more easily. It doesn’t show stains as well, either. If it needs refinishing, it will take a long time before that happens. When you need to refinish, it is a significant cost. Laminate wooden floors to make them last longer. To laminate the floor will cost more initially but could save you money in the long run.
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Environmentally Friendly: Carpeting Versus Hardwood
We live in a more environmentally conscious world. That means that people put value on materials that help the environment. Luckily, wood is engineered to be recycled. Alternatively, carpet doesn’t allow you to recycle all of the material when you’re done with it. You can use the recyclability of the wood as a selling point if you plan to sell the house in the near future.
Ultimately, both carpet and wood are fantastic flooring materials. When it comes to cost, there are a lot of variables at play. You can’t put value on what you personally like, so get the material you want.
