Flooring is one of the most crucial decisions you make for your home.
It will impact comfort, value and everything in between. And here’s the thing…
There is a place for both carpet and hardwood floors when it comes to a cozy living room. But which is best for you?
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about carpet vs. hardwood so you can make the best decision for your space.
What you’ll discover:
- Why your flooring choice matters more than you might realize
- The case for carpet floors
- The case for hardwood floors
- How much you can expect to pay for each
- Which flooring offers better resale value?
Why Flooring Matters More Than You Think
Your flooring is the foundation on which the rest of your home improvement project is built.
Think about it:
Every room in your home is connected via the floor. Flooring can make a space feel warmer, impact maintenance and even influence the resale value of your home.
Flooring decisions are generally the first step in an interior renovation or remodeling project. Premium products like limestone cobbles or high-end carpets in bedrooms can completely transform the feel of a space.
However, the great carpet vs. hardwood flooring debate has been raging for decades and with good reason.
Let’s start with carpet.
The Case For Carpet
First off, carpeting. This soft, plush flooring material has a lot going for it that you should not ignore.
Here’s why we recommend carpet for your space:
Comfort is king with carpet. The feeling of soft fibers underfoot on a chilly morning is hard to beat. That’s why carpet is still the most popular choice for bedrooms where coziness is king.
Carpet also offers fantastic sound insulation. If you live in a multi-story home or have active kids, carpet will muffle footsteps and noise like nothing else. Your downstairs neighbors (or sleeping toddler) will thank you.
Safety is another consideration. Carpet provides a softer landing surface, which is especially important for families with young children or aging relatives. Falls are less painful on carpet.
Warmth is another benefit carpet provides. Carpet acts as insulation, helping to keep rooms warmer in colder months. This can even help to reduce your heating bills.
But it’s not all sunshine and roses for carpet…
Maintenance can be more involved. Dust, dirt, and allergens get trapped in carpet fibers over time. Vacuuming frequently is a must, and annual deep cleaning is recommended.
The lifespan of carpet is also shorter. Quality carpet can last 10-15 years with proper care. But that’s a fraction of the life of a hardwood floor that can last for generations.
The Case For Hardwood
Hardwood floors have long been the most talked about, and with good reason.
According to the National Association of Realtors, 54% of home buyers are willing to pay more for homes with hardwood floors. This is a big number if you’re considering your home’s future resale value.
Here’s what makes hardwood the choice flooring option for many:
Hardwood provides a classic, timeless aesthetic that elevates any room. Hardwood makes a space look clean and sophisticated instantly. You can select from various wood species, grain patterns, and finishes to perfectly complement your space.
Durability is the name of the hardwood game. Properly cared for, hardwood floors can last a lifetime. Many types of hardwood can be refinished several times for an essentially indefinite lifespan.
Maintenance is a breeze. Spills clean up easily. Dust and debris sweep up without getting trapped in fibers. And there is no deep cleaning required.
Hardwood is also better for your health. Carpets trap allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and pollen. Hardwood doesn’t, making hardwood a great choice for allergy sufferers in your family.
The numbers are pretty convincing, right?
However, hardwood is not perfect. Hardwood feels colder underfoot, particularly in winter. Hardwood can also scratch if you have pets. In humid climates, wood can warp and deform over time.
Cost Breakdown: What You’ll Actually Pay
Alright, enough with the airy fairy discussion.
Let’s talk money. Because money matters.
Carpet Costs:
- Materials – $3 to $11 per square foot
- Installation – $1 per square foot
- Total project cost – The budget-friendly option in most cases
Hardwood Costs:
- Materials – $6 to $15 per square foot
- Installation – $3 to $8 per square foot
- Total project cost – Significantly more than carpet
A 300 square foot room can cost $1,200 to $3,600 for carpet materials and installation. The same size room in hardwood could run you $2,700 to $6,900.
Here’s what many people overlook, however:
Lifetime costs tell a different story. Carpet generally needs replacing every 10-15 years. Hardwood floors can last 50-100+ years with refinishing. If you calculate the cost per year of use, hardwood flooring often has the edge.
Which Flooring Wins For Resale Value?
If you are planning to sell your home at some point, this section is particularly important.
Hardwood floors will provide a fantastic return on investment. The National Association of Realtors reports that homeowners who installed new hardwood floors received a 118% return on investment. Refinishing hardwood floors that already exist in your home yielded even higher results with a 147% return on investment.
Hardwood floors are a consistent top pick from realtors across the country when it comes to flooring materials. Hardwood photographs well, has the broadest appeal to prospective buyers, and conveys quality throughout the home.
Carpet? Well, not quite the same story.
Installing new carpet won’t hurt your home’s resale value but will typically only recoup 25-40% of your investment when you sell. Worn and old carpet can actually repel buyers and reduce home offers.
Making The Right Choice For Your Space
So which one should you choose?
It depends.
Consider carpet flooring if:
- You prioritize comfort and coziness above all else
- You are on a budget
- The room is a bedroom or low-traffic area
- Soundproofing is a priority
- You have young children learning to walk
Consider hardwood if:
- You want to maximize resale value
- Durability and longevity are important to you
- Maintenance is a high priority
- You have allergy sufferers in your family
- You are renovating high-traffic areas
You will also notice we don’t recommend one or the other for the entire home. Many homeowners prefer a mix. Hardwood for living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens and carpet for bedrooms, where comfort and coziness take priority.
Wrapping Things Up
The battle of the floors is a classic one that has been going on for decades for good reason.
There is a place for both hardwood and carpet flooring in our opinion. Carpet has a lot to recommend it with comfort, coziness, and affordability. Hardwood flooring has its advantages in durability, ease of maintenance, and excellent resale value.
Your choice will come down to your own personal priorities:
- Are you working to a budget? Carpet will cost less initially.
- Are you looking at the long term? Hardwood pays dividends in the long run.
- Are you all about comfort? Carpet is king.
- Are you planning to sell your home? Hardwood is best for resale.
The best strategy is to consider the rooms in your home individually. Take into account the function of the space, who will use it, and your plans for the future.
No matter what flooring material you choose, quality installation is critical. A correctly installed floor will outperform a poorly installed premium flooring product every time.
Now you have everything you need to know to make the right flooring decision for your cozy living spaces.
