Carpet and hardwood flooring both add a lot to a room, and there are advantages to choosing either. Depending on your project, one type of flooring might be more suited to a particular space. A flooring contractor can advise on the two options, and the following information will also help you decide. 

Carpet 

A major advantage of carpet is its versatility. It comes in almost any color, which makes it easy to blend with your room’s style. Many natural or synthetic fibers are available, such as nylon, acrylic, wool, and polyester. Together with the pile, which is how the yarns are looped through the back of the carpet, these materials change the texture and make a carpet plush or firm.

Carpet is very comfortable because it’s so soft. One drawback is that it’s less easy to clean than hardwood flooring, and stains can’t always be fully removed. The fibers may trap dirt and bacteria along with allergens like dust and pollen. Carpet fibers are made to be water-resistant, but moisture can still get under the carpet through the concrete subfloor. This means it is not suitable for bathrooms.

If you’re looking for affordable flooring, carpet is a great choice. On average, it costs less than half of what hardwood flooring costs. However, it is not as durable, and it may have to be replaced within 10 years. 

Hardwood 

Hardwood floors have a timeless appeal and are attractive to look at, so if you’re going for a classic look, hardwood floors fit perfectly. Talk to your flooring contractor about options for different types of wood and stains to make the floor match your room’s style. 

Wood may feel a little less comfortable than carpet because it’s hard. It’s also cool underfoot, which doesn’t suit everyone but can be very appealing in warm climates. Walking on hardwood floors sometimes makes more noise than walking on carpet, but a significant advantage is that the surface doesn’t hold allergens. As with carpet, wood floors are not suitable for bathrooms because of the risk of water damage.

Although hardwood flooring costs more to install than carpet, it’s an excellent investment because it lasts for a long time. Some types of wood flooring could last up to 100 years before the floor needs to be replaced. Hardwood floors are considered a luxury feature, which will appeal to potential buyers if you ever sell your home.

Whether you decide to go with carpet or hardwood, W & W Flooring and Design in Foley, AL, will help you find the right match for your property. This locally owned and operated flooring contractor is a member of the Alabama Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, and the Alabama Home Builders Association. Other services include backsplash installation, and stone and tile showers. Call (251) 970-5244 to speak to a member of their team, stop by their showroom, or visit them online to view their products.