Thursday, July 2, 2009

Flooring: Hardwood vs. Carpet




Unless you are building your home from scratch, it is likely that your next home will either have carpeting or hardwood floors. Of course, tile, lineoleum, and stone are other options too, but hardwood and carpet are more common. Which do you prefer? Here are some pros and cons of each:


Hardwood:


  • Pro: Durability. If maintained well, hardwood floors can last for generations, even centuries.

  • Pro: Easy to clean. Dust and dirt are simply swept and mopped away, reducing allergens.

  • Pro: Natural beauty.

  • Con: Can be expensive, both to install and to maintain.

  • Con: Easily scratched by moving furniture.

  • Con: Noisier than carpeting.

Carpet:



  • Pro: Inexpensive and less of a hassle to install compared to hardwood.

  • Pro: Soft and quiet. Great for infants and toddlers learning to walk, and also adds extra insulation in the home.

  • Pro: Can add to the decor of the room.

  • Con: Can trap dust particles and allergens.

  • Con: Stains easily, although carpet cleaners usually do the trick.

  • Con: Traps odors.

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