Solid Wood Flooring vs Carpet – Which comes out on top?
There was a time, not so long ago, that if you went into any home in the UK the chances are that the flooring of that home would be carpeted. The concept of enjoying a genuine solid wood flooring was, for most people, destined to remain a pipedream.
However, what with the price of solid wood flooring becoming much more affordable, in 2014 homeowners genuinely have a choice between carpeting their home or opting for something a little bit more natural.
So, in the great debate between wood flooring and carpet which represents the best choice? Read on as we take you through the different aspects to consider.
Where in the house are we talking about?
The first thing to consider is which room in the house you are thinking of. Although solid wood flooring can work pretty much anywhere, carpeting doesn’t have that luxury, and if you are redecorating your kitchen – where food and liquid is liable to spill onto the floor – it would be advisable that you opt for wood simply because of how much easier it is to clean.
The same is true of the bathroom and, although carpeting wouldn’t be completely out of the question, you will find that weekly clean much easier if you have a smooth floor, though something like laminate or vinyl might be a better option because of the way moisture can effect wood.
Aesthetics
Interior design really comes down to your own preference of course, and both carpet and solid wood can be used alongside both contemporary and traditional decors, however most would consider the elegance and luxury of a wooden floor to trump that of carpet.
Solid wood flooring also suits the current interior design trend for natural materials, so try and think about what furniture and accessories you’re going to be incorporating into the room before making your choice.
Insulation
Many people think that solid wood flooring makes for a stylish solution but that it does not provide the warmth and insulation that carpet can. However this is somewhat of a myth, as modern flooring companies can install well insulated wood flooring that is more than capable of keeping the temperature of a room warm as long as the right materials are used.
Durability and Lifespan
A brand new carpet or brand new solid wood flooring will be one of the more expensive investments in your home, so it is important that whichever one you choose is set to last for many years to come.
In terms of long-lasting quality, solid wood flooring wins hands down over carpet, both in terms of aesthetics as well as cleanliness.
Carpet will rarely look it’s best beyond the first three months of having it installed as regular foot traffic and dirt begin to affect the pile, whereas wood flooring, although it can be scratched and scuffed, is much easier to keep clean and looking great.
If you’ve ever had carpet in any room of your house you are probably already aware of how difficult it can be to remove dirt and stains, however this is simply not a problem with solid wood flooring. In fact, even if you have to tackle a stain so stubborn that the floor begins to face, you can always refinish it.
This guest blog was written by John Rooney in partnership with The Wooden Floor Specialists – suppliers of high quality and luxury engineered and solid wood flooring.
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