When it comes to flooring your new home, the hardwood vs. carpet debate will always come up because there are significant pros and cons to each type of flooring. Whether your goal is to customize your new home based on preference or ensure resale value, it is necessary to think about the appearance, feeling, maintenance, and cost of carpet vs. hardwood.

Carpet vs. hardwood isn’t an easy decision to make. It is mostly based on personal choices, but if you take time to compare each option, you will have a clear choice. Holland Homes has prepared a list of categories to help you choose and compare hardwood and carpet flooring for your new home.

Appearance

Hardwood

Hardwood flooring is easy to recognize. The main appeal is the natural wood and neutral colors. These features can vary based on the type of wood used. Hardwood makes a striking impression on the room, being as firm to the eye as the feet.

Carpet

Carpets have more variety to choose from. You are able to pick the texture, color, feel, but both options are available in hundreds of styles and can meet any interior design aesthetic. Carpet has a soft appearance as well as a look. Carpets can give the room a gentle and soft appearance.

Better Choice?

Although it is a personal preference, most people think hardwood is the better option for appearance.

Water and Heat Resistance

Carpet

The fibers used in most modern carpets (synthetic) make them very water-resistant and immune to water damage, but it is important to ward off water from entering the back layer of carpet or the wood underneath. Mold can grow below the carpet itself without your knowledge. Carpet is not recommended for areas that are prone to spills or leaks, such as a kitchen or bathroom as well as somewhere prone to burns, such as a kitchen. Some carpets can create toxic gasses if exposed to heat and cause a fire.

Hardwood

Hardwood isn’t recommended anywhere where water/moisture is common, but if it is used in a kitchen it’s important to wipe up liquid immediately. Hardwood can withstand intense heat as well. Engineered wood flooring may be strong enough to use in intense heat and moisture circumstances. Hardwood can be damaged by heat, but it can easily be repaired.

Better Choice?

Hardwood is the better choice for areas of extreme moisture or heat because it is more durable in these conditions.

Lifespan

Carpet

Carpets typically need to be replaced in about 10 years or less. There are methods to keep up with the condition of your carpet, but these can be time-consuming or costly.

Hardwood

Some hardwood flooring can last up to 100 years. They last through multiple generations of homeowners because they are durable and easy to clean and maintain.

Better Choice?

The life expectancy of hardwood is much longer than carpet, so it is superior in this category. If you want flooring that you don’t have to reinstall every few years, hardwood is the way to go.

Durability and Maintenance

Carpet

Maintenance for carpet includes vacuuming and stain removal. Sometimes a deep cleaning from a carpet cleaner is required which may extend the life of your carpet.

Hardwood

If hardwood is taken care of, it can last for multiple decades and in some cases up to 100 years. If they are properly sanded, they will last longer. Hardwood should be sanded about 3-4 times in its lifetime. Routine cleaning includes simple tasks like dusting, mopping, or vacuuming.

Better Choice?

Hardwood is a better choice because it is lower maintenance and will last longer. It is also not prone to staining or other markings.

The Verdict

The final verdict is up to you! It is your home, so you get to decide where you want what flooring. From our comparisons, hardwood is superior to carpet in more categories but does not provide the same comfort level of carpet.

How We Can Help

At Holland Homes, we want to help you create your dream home. We are prepared to help you customize your new home and pick out your flooring. Our expert designers are here to help you through the process of designing your home. Contact us today to learn more about building and planning the design of your new dream home!