Generally, homeowners in Australia prefer only two flooring materials and that is carpet and hardwood. Both of them are less expensive and highly recommended by the home designers and experts. But to select it for your home is a bit difficult task. So, experts have added some benefits and drawbacks that will help you in choosing the right flooring for your home.
Which one is cheaper, carpet or hardwood?
When people debate on the coast of the hardwood and carpet, then the conclusion that comes is the carpet is cheaper. Carpet is the least expensive material among the other flooring options. On the other hand, wood is little expensive than carpet.
Different types of hardwood
There is a huge range of hardwood available in the market but for flooring, it depends on the region you live in. Majorly there are three main types. Such as,
- Tropical
It is originally found in the regions of Asia, Africa and South America. And the most common species are Kapa, Sapele, and Cumaru.
- Temperate
Just like its name it comes from the regions where temperate forests are there such as the US, Japan, Canada, China and some parts of Europe. It also has different species like maple and cherry that are highly durable.
- European hardwoods
You can get this type of hardwoods from Croatia, Germany and France. And the famous spices are oak and beech.
Benefits of hardwood floors
1. It is versatile
It offers a wide range of types, colours and style to the homeowners. It can incorporate wood flooring into any unique and new home design. They can be sanded and restrained to fit your lifestyle.
2. Cleanliness
Hardwood flooring is easy to clean and to wipe. You can simply use a mop to clean the dander and dirt. You can consider choosing hardwood if you have any type of allergies or asthma.
3. Durability
You can use the same flooring for a long time if you install it properly and maintain it. Sometimes scratches can happen over time, but it can be removed with quick spot cleaning. You can even give refinish to bring back its original lustre. Bonus tip, you can give a refinish up to 10 times.
4. Sustainability
It is a long-lasting and renewable building material. It will also require less energy and fewer chemicals than carpet. It can cause very little waste because sawdust can be used to make paper and other composite products. The most common type of wood that is used for hardwood is palm and bamboo.
5. Value
If you’re preparing your home for reselling, then consider hardwood flooring. It will automatically turn the buyers head and will increase the value of your home. In case, you’ve carpet, many homeowners replace it with hardwood floors. So, opting for hardwood evenly help to sell your house faster.
Drawbacks of hardwood
· Hardwood can be noisy as it can magnify the sound of your footsteps.
· It can be expensive compared to the carpet.
· Wood is vulnerable due to moisture and humidity.
· Termite attack is very often.
· Due to moisture, there are chances of cupping.
Advantages of carpet floors
1. Comfort
Carpet gives you more cosy feeling over hardwood. It gives you a more comfortable feeling to your legs. Your young kids can also play directly on the floor. You can even apply it in your basement.
2. Safety
If you’ve pets in your home, then you can consider carpet over hardwood. Even slips and falls are less likely, compare to hardwood. The carpet itself can prevent the injury. You just need to inspect it regularly and ensure that it is strongly secured to the ground.
3. Price
Generally, carpet is cheaper than hardwood. And you’ll find plenty of textures, types and styles. Its price can fit easily within your budget and even it is easier to install than hardwood. You can install it by yourself.
4. Insulation
It acts as an insulator and provides peace. It is good for two-story home or a complex with multi-family. The biggest advantage is that it traps heat on cold days and prevents cool air from escaping in summers. But for better insulation, you need to keep your carpet clean.
5. Style
Carpets are almost available in a wide range of textures, materials, colours and styles. So that it can easily fit your interior décor. You can create a bold and colourful statement with bright colours or else go neutral. Moreover, if you have damaged the floor, you can hide that with the help of carpet.
Drawbacks of carpet
· It can stain easily and sometimes using a vacuum cleaner is not sufficient to clean.
· Your furry pet will shed hair and you end up having the pet dilemma.
· It doesn’t last long and tattered within few years.
· It is not easy to recycle the carpet.
· For drying it will take more time to compare to hardwood.
Conclusion
Particular there is a place for hardwood and carpet in every home. It depends on the homeowner’s choice whether they want the soft material or hard. Because hardwood gives you classic feel whether as carpet is worse for allergies. To get a winner between both carpet and hardwood is a decision that depends mainly on your preference and maintaince.
Author Bio:
Hi, I am Mike Morleye. As a professional writer, I put together my writing skills to share knowledge on diverse topics in a readable, understandable and appealing format. I’m a digital marketer and guest blog writer on various websites. So, far I have written on almost many topics covering latest technologies, lifestyle, marketing, gadgets and so on.
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