The debate between carpet and hardwood flooring is inevitable. Many homeowners in colder climates prefer carpet for its’ insulating properties while those that prefer ease and convenience when it comes to maintenance are more likely to choose hardwood.
Hardwood flooring technology continues to improve on a yearly basis, and there are a variety of different types of wood flooring that fit just about every situation. If you’re in the midst of a large home renovation this summer, and you’re trying to choose what type of flooring to install, the sheer number of options can often feel overwhelming.
At Smith Bros, we’ve been providing quality flooring solutions for residents throughout the Calgary area for more than 100 years. We are proud to serve this beautiful community and help each and every one of our clients find the right floor for their home.
Many spec homes in Calgary were outfitted with carpet because, at the time they were built, carpet materials may have cost less and been easier to install. However, if you’re considering what type of flooring to install in your home, you should know a few reasons why we believe hardwood is a better choice:
Improving Resale Value
Hardwood floors are widely recognized for their ability to increase the value of your home, making it more attractive for potential buyers if, and when, you do decide to sell.
In addition, a recent survey of real estate agents showed a nearly unanimous preference for hardwood flooring over carpet. While some older homes have oak flooring underneath carpet, which gives the buyer freedom to switch from carpet to wood relatively easily, the risk in these types of homes is that carpet has trapped excess moisture and, therefore, compromised the integrity of the hardwood underneath.
Investing in the Long-Term
On average, the highest quality carpet flooring typically won’t last more than fifteen years, even if the homeowner is extremely diligent and consistent with cleaning and care. Solid hardwood flooring, on the other hand, can last up to 100 years if properly installed and maintained. Engineered hardwood typically has a lifespan that lasts up to 75 years.
When carpet is worn or beginning to rot, you must invest in completely replacing your floors. With hardwood, however, most floors can be refinished several times throughout their lifespan, which can actually increase the character and attractiveness of your floors.
Creating an Environmentally Friendly Environment
Another thing to keep in mind if you’re looking for an environmentally friendly option is that carpeting is made out of fossil fuels. To date, fossil fuels cannot be recycled and end up taking space in landfills.
In addition to a longer life span, most hardwood flooring options are sustainable and come from federally regulated forest and mills (FSC).
If you care about the environment, as most people should, this is an important thing to keep in mind when making your decision. Remember, green is good!
Alleviating Allergy Issues
Hardwood floors simply require a regular once-over with a damp mop to make sure excessive dust, dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens don’t build up. Carpet can unfortunately hold allergens until you sit or lay down on the carpet, these allergens are released, and you inhale them. If you don’t have a HEPA vacuum, the allergens trapped in your carpet are likely to be blown around the house every time you try to clean.
At Smith Bros, we believe in helping our clients find the best flooring solutions for their home, but we also firmly believe in the advantages of wood flooring over carpet. If you’re hoping to install new hardwood floors in your home, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 403-917-0847 to discuss your needs today!