Whether you’re building a new home or renovating your current one, one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is what type of flooring you want to walk on. This may seem like a simple task, but with so many different options out there, finding the perfect solution for your specific needs is often overwhelming. For many people, the choice ultimately boils down to either hardwood flooring or carpeting. Before heading to a flooring company to make your decision, though, it’s helpful to understand the pros and cons of both of these types of flooring.

Carpeting

Perhaps one of the most significant benefits of choosing carpeting for your floors is the level of comfort it provides. It has a soft texture that feels great on your feet, and it provides excellent thermal resistance, so it’s nice and cozy even in the colder fall and winter months. It also comes in a variety of styles, colors, and designs. That means you can find an option at the flooring company perfectly suited for your unique preferences and interior design aesthetic.

Carpet even delivers helpful noise dampening properties, which is especially crucial now that so many people are working from home more. You can enjoy peace and quiet even when other people are working or relaxing in other parts of the home.

However, carpet isn’t without its drawbacks. One of the more tiresome ones is the amount of maintenance it requires. The fabric easily traps dust and dirt, and if you happen to spill anything on it, the carpet will quickly absorb the substance if it’s not cleaned up fast enough. It can also cause allergic reactions because allergens like pet dander and pollen can easily get stuck in the fabric and be released into the air when you walk on it.

Finally, carpet is a risky choice if you plan on selling your home in the future. Carpet trends tend to change over time (remember how shag carpets used to be all the craze?), and what looks good now could make your home feel outdated when the time comes to sell.

Hardwood Flooring

There are numerous reasons why hardwood floors are always such a staple at flooring companies. First and foremost, they deliver a beautiful and timeless aesthetic that works well with all sorts of interior design styles, so you never have to worry about your hardwood floors going out of style. This helps you sell your home faster and get more value out of it when you’re ready to move.

They’re also relatively easy to maintain. Hardwood floors are naturally durable, and they only require basic sweeping and light mopping to retain their pristine appearance. You also have various style options to choose from. They come in many different colors and have different finishes to choose from, so you can customize your flooring to reflect your unique personality.

Just like carpet, though, there are some downsides to this type of flooring. Compared to other options, hardwood floors are fairly expensive to purchase and install. They also don’t have the thermal retention of carpet, so you’ll need to wear socks or lay down rugs to stay warm during the colder parts of the year. The noise is another issue. Rather than absorbing sound, hardwood floors create an echoing sensation, and as they age, they can start to creak and crack when you’re walking on them.

Are you considering installing hardwood floors?

Then contact the experts at American Floor Care. As one of the premier flooring companies in the greater Youngstown, OH area, our family-owned and operated business has provided superior service to local homeowners for more than 20 years. From original construction to finishing and maintaining your hardwood floors, we are the one-stop-shop you need to install your new flooring and keep it looking fantastic for years to come. Learn more about the services we offer, or you can request an appointment online with our easy-to-use booking form.