It can be difficult to decide whether to go for carpet or floorboards for your home. They both bring something unique to the table. On one hand, carpet can bring a splash of comfort and leisure to your home. It can also add color to your hall, bedroom or any other place you choose to use it. On the other hand, timber floorboards are appealing, timeless and can make a stunning impact.
But while you are at this critical juncture of deciding which flooring option to choose, you need to consider your family’s living habits and needs. Whether you want carpet or floorboards for your home is a tough decision to make.
So, to make things easier, we have listed all the pros and cons associated for carpet and floorboards. Hopefully, this will help you find the one that fits your needs.
Carpet Pros:
- Lots of options for color, design and style
Carpets provide you with flexibility when it comes to choosing color, design and style. It can be cut into any size, so you can easily cover all the area. It also makes a room cozy by providing some warmth and texture to the room.
- Texture and comfort
The best thing about carpet is that it feels nice on your feet. It’s suitable for all-weather conditions and remains warm in winter. It also can cushion against your feet, thus helping to keep your joints in good shape.
- Softer is safer
Let’s face it everyone hates tripping or falling and carpet can make such incidents safer. It’s one of the most softest flooring options available and is excellent if there are kids and older people in the home.
- Often cheaper than floorboards
Price is one of the biggest concerns for all homeowners. When compared to floorboards, carpets are more cost-effective when it comes to its installation.
- Insulates
No one likes squeaking or creaking noises coming from their floors. Carpets absorb sound such as walking and music. It even insulates the floor so that your home can stay a more stable temperature. Thus, making it a better option than floorboards for some homeowners.
Carpet Cons:
- Maintenance
One of the biggest drawbacks of having carpet flooring is the necessary carpet cleaning regime. As compared to normal floorboards, it requires more care and attention. Carpet needs regular vacuuming to keep it clean and tidy. If you skip it for a few days then it will start smelling and become dusty.
- Can cause or aggravate health problems
Carpets can retain dirt and moisture and if neglected, it can cause some health issues. The most common problem with carpets is that it can hold moulds, mildew, and bacteria which can cause some serious health problems. These problems multiply if you have a pet in the house. As carpet can also trap dust, this can be a problem for people with allergies.
- Stains
The fibre-based surface of carpet can hold onto moisture and one spill of any liquid on it can stain it forever. Events such as your kid’s birthday parties can turn out to be a tense affair if the carpet is put in danger.
Floorboards Pros:
- Maintenance
Floorboards are easy to clean and don’t require the level of special care carpet does. A good sweep is often enough to clean it up. This helps to maintain a good quality of air around the house.
- Longevity
Hardwood floorboards can last for generations, if they are properly maintained. It is excellent at retaining color and a little sanding and refinishing can give a fresh look to it. Unlike carpet, it doesn’t need to replaced every few years or so.
- Easy to repair
When compared to carpet, it is easy to repair a damaged floorboard. If a carpet is stained or torn, then you likely need to replace more than what is just damaged. But with floorboards, you can just simply replace the affected area and you are good to go.
- Can increase home value
When you compare the cost, floorboards costs more than carpet. But the upfront cost incurred can be balanced out by the potential increase to the value of your home. Any house with hardwood flooring is likely to sell at a higher price.
Floor boards Cons:
- Noisy
When it comes to multi-storey houses, floorboards can be noisy. They are not efficient in absorbing sound like carpet. You can often find normal activities in the house sound louder when there are floorboards. With age, the floorboards also start to creak or groan, which can make a quiet house noisy.
- Scratch easily
Floorboards are more susceptible when it comes to scratches caused by pets and kids. Along with that, if moisture accumulates in one area, then the floorboards may bend or warp, causing trip hazards.
- Cold in winter
In winter, floorboards can be cold and it may be uncomfortable to walk around barefoot. Carpet, on the other hand, is better at staying warm even on cold days and nights.
Conclusion
Choosing carpet or floorboards for your home is your decision to make. The above pros and cons of each flooring option may simplify the decision-making process for you though. You can select whatever option fits your budget, style and preference.
