So you’re remodeling your home and leaving all of the possibilities open when it comes to flooring. There’s hardwood, carpet, tile, and a variety of vinyl products to choose from. Let’s focus on the most popular three which are hardwood, tile and carpet. All three offer versatility and design options that provide a nearly endless array of style. So what should you consider before making your final choice?
Well first there is always cost. In terms of cost, carpet and tile are usually the most inexpensive in the short term. If you are planning turning your property over in a relatively short period of time, these two options may be your best bet. In terms of adding equity to your property and buyer appeal however, hardwood is second to none. Hardwood generally commands awe and is more impressive than tile or carpet. In addition, if you plan on keeping your home for an extended time, you will likely replace the carpet every 5 to 10 years and tile every 15 years. Conversely, hardwood once installed will generally last a lifetime in your home and can even be refinished numerous times if needed, so it’s clearly the best value in the long run.
As far as cleaning goes, hardwood is a clear winner followed by tile because of its hard to clean grout lines. And lastly there is carpet who many people feel that it is impossible to really clean properly. Stains soak in and settle permanently, and dust and micro bacteria tend to get attracted to, and caught in the fibers of the floor. In addition carpet can hold in allergens which can affect in home air purity and is a concern for people with asthma and allergies. Hardwood, by contrast, has a smooth, solid surface that can be easily wiped clean. There is nowhere for dust or dirt to hide making it much easier to maintain than carpet.
So these are some of the things to consider before making your final choice.