My husband I are having this debate right now. How it be cheaper in the long run to put in hardwood floors (Which I have read have a 25 year warranty on them.) or is it cheaper to put in carpet, but replace the carpet every 3 to 5 years, or even to lift up the carpet to get out all the dirt collected underneath the carpet and padding? Thanks!!
2007-01-28 13:22:18 · 8 answers · asked by ♥ Mary ♥ 4 in Home & Garden ➔ Decorating & Remodeling
I have experience with both types of flooring. There are a lot of factors in determining what is the less expensive option. It depends largely on the quality (and expense) of the initial product and how you plan to maintain the flooring. The warranty on the hardwood floors might be for 25 years, but it probably does not cover wear and tear, so you would definitely need to invest in properly maintaining your floor. I prefer hardwood floors. Properly cared for, they can last for years. Carpet comes with its share of headaches. There's the headache of replacing the carpeting, the stress that comes along with trying to avoid damaging brand new carpet, the nagging feeling when you're trying to decide if it's time to replace the carpet or if it can last just one more year, not to mention the dirt it can collect. If you go for hardwood, you may need to make a larger investment upfront for quality flooring. There are many inexpensive options for carpet. In the end, like someone else mentioned previously, it's all about personal taste. If you or someone in your household likes to spend a good deal of time sitting on the floor watching Saturday morning cartoons, hardwood probably isn't the most comfortable option. I think that once you pick the best option for your lifestyle, you can choose the best brands and maintenance schedule to fit your budget.
2007-01-28 16:07:44 · answer #1 · answered by ? 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
IMHO, hardwood floors are less expensive in the long run.
If you have children/dogs/cats/sloppy person using a carpet, it is a germ collector and can create health hazards. the more you live in the area, the worse it looks (matting, stains, etc). 'Scotchguarding and regular cleaning only gets to some of the problems.
If you have children/dogs/cats/sloppy person using hardwood floors, it is not a germ collector, is quicker to clean, and most often goes with any colour thereby having greater colour choices. Treating your hardwood floor before putting anything on it increases the protection level and touch up maintainance is easy.
2007-01-28 21:44:17 · answer #2 · answered by Dani 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hardwood vs. carpet is not really a financial decision. If you like the look, feel, and maintenance of one or the other, you go with that.
Remember, you can always put area rugs over hardwood, but you can't put hardwood over carpet.
2007-01-28 21:28:01 · answer #3 · answered by normobrian 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hardwood, if cared for and not abused, is beautiful and an investment that will pay off if you ever sell your home... Carpeting is a commodity that you use and discard when it becomes stained or outdated.
2007-01-28 21:38:12 · answer #4 · answered by MARSHA G 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Carpet is less expensive, but I definetly prefer hardwood it is cleaner and nicer. I have it and it is gorgeous It lasts longer and carpet gets stinky and disgusting.
2007-01-28 21:31:27 · answer #5 · answered by o0szio0 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think hardwood is less expensive in the long run.
2007-01-28 21:29:37 · answer #6 · answered by Michelle G 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They both have there strong points.
You need to decide what your looking for. They are different in every way. The cost should only factor in after you have decide what you're wanting
2007-01-28 21:30:42 · answer #7 · answered by zen522 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋