Posts Tagged ‘hardwood flooring’

Carpet or Hardwood Floors

Homeowners renovating usually base their choice of flooring on cost alone. If considering cost, carpet should be your choice of floor covering, except very high-end carpeting.

Carpets are quiet and absorb  the sounds from walking, TV and stereo

carpet

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hardwood floors don’t absorb sound at all and can create an echo within the room if area rugs and upholstered couches are not present.

Carpets are warm in the winter, and can make a room feel cosy when the temperature drops.
In cold climates, hardwood floors can be extremely cold on your feet and foot coverings are a must.

Another big problem with carpets is that liquid spills will stain a carpet. Water spills as well can be absorbed by carpet and extended dampness may cause the formation of mold and mildew.
Wood floor spills should also be removed immediately. While wood is very resistant to stains and absorption, prolonged exposure to moisture may cause discoloration, expansion and warping.
Carpets should be vacuumed and shampooed regularly, as dirt particles will penetrate the weave. Carpet is impossible to clean 100%, and dirt will accumulate under the weave and padding over time. Anyone who has ever removed an old carpet knows this first-hand.
 
Hardwood floors can be thoroughly cleaned by vacuum and damp mop.
Carpet can last 10 to 15 years or longer depending on its quality, care, maintenance, and amount of traffic; but, over time, carpet tends to matt and become difficult to clean.
Low end carpet generally lasts only 5 to 8 years.

Hardwood floors with the proper maintenance can last a lifetime, baring severe moisture damage or heavy traffic. Of course, depending on the amount of traffic, you may need to sand and refinish your hardwood floors every 10 to 15 years.

 
 
For a healthy home, carpet is not your best choice of floor covering. In addition to the unsanitary accumulation of dirt under the weave and padding, carpet manufactured from synthetic materials also contains toxic chemicals that outgas for many years. These gases are what you smell when you enter a carpet store or a newly carpeted room. Many featured benefits of carpeting, such as color fastness, stain proofing and fire resistance, are achieved by the use of even more toxic chemicals. These chemicals are out-gassed at the highest rate during the first few years, but will continue for many years thereafter.

 

Area Rug With Hardwood Flooring

Area Rug With Hardwood Flooring

 

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