With the start of 2015, homeowners looking for renovations to their flooring commonly ask which is better to install: hardwood vs carpet. With that in mind, hardwood floors are becoming one of the most popular trends in 2015, and knowing where to start is very important.
It is easy to understand why hardwood has emerged as such a strong consumer preference over the last few decades. Homeowners prefer wood flooring because of its easy maintenance, allergen reductions, and its clean design. Before installing hardwood floors, it is important to know your options and where to start. Almost all real estate agents prefer hardwood floors over carpeting according to the National Association of Realtors.
When making the investment, classic wood, white oak, hickory, and walnut tend to be popular choices. Lighter woods tend to stain easily and are ideal for those who are looking to change their hardwood floors in the future. Dark wood floors compliment bright rooms and white kitchen cabinets. Wider planks cause the room to look larger and more contemporary.
Another benefit of hardwood flooring is its cost effectiveness to clean over carpet flooring. Carpet holds dust and germs that harbor bacteria and allergens. Carpet needs professional cleaning that uses hot water and industrial vacuums to extract bacteria and allergens twice a year. Also, investing in good carpet pads is important because they create moisture barriers that keep stains on top of the carpet; otherwise, liquids can seep into the carpet and then come back up from the pad. Hardwood floors are designed and engineered to last up to 100+ years making it a long-term saving, whereas carpets need to be changed more frequently. You can sand down and refinish hardwood floors multiple times before needing to replace it. In the end, prefinished hardwood flooring could save you $2 to $3 a square foot.
It is no question that renovations to the floor is one of the best 2015 home improvement projects you can do to increase the value of your home. If you’d like to have a personalized experience and get a good inquiry on your floors, click here to contact us for a free consultation. We’ll provide a free in-home inspection and provide you with the best options to raise the value of your home.