Carpet Vs Hardwood?

Question

We live in the Northeast and will be moving to out new home shortly.

I was wondering which one is better , carpet or hardwood.

We do not have small children or pets.

Budget is not an issue and I am not thinking which one will increase my home value either .

I was wondering which one is easier to clean and maintain as I do not want to spend too much time cleaning my floors.

Thanks

Tips and advice is appreciated.

Answer 1

Im a hardwood floor person myself.  I also live in the Northeast and know that snow, dirt, rain do not mix in well with rugs.

Hardwoods are also better to clean and maintain.  After I sweep I use Murphy's Oil, which gives is a nice gleaming look and keeps it clean.

As for rugs, you always have to make sure you dont stain them, since you sont have kids both works, but hardwood is kid friendly.  Rugs will eventually loose their color, fluffyness, and you will need to shampoo and use a rug powder to keep smelling and looking good.

I do think for warmth purposes using a rug in the bedroom is good but I still like hardwood floors.  Throw an area rug if you want the cozy feeling.

Answer 2

Hardwood--I have over 2500 square feet of it, and I can clean every inch of it in about 15 minutes.  Do a google for a product called "Shmop."  I have an Amish cleaning lady, and she requested that I get one for my floors.  It looks like an oversized Swiffer, but it has terry cloth covers that we wet either under a faucet, or in a pail (water plus Murphy's Oil Soap).  It picks up far more than a Swiffer ever will, and it shines the floors without streaks.

Answer 3

carpet is harder to clean so get hard wood

Answer 4

Hardwood, it looks really nice and it is smooth

It looks a lot nicer than carpet

Answer 5

The new Swiffer type dusters have made cleaning hardwood and concrete acid stained floors a snap...and you can use the Swiffer w/ the little sprayer gizmo for sticky spots, just keep the water to a minimum.

Below is a link to hardood and old wood floor suppliers, some discussion on laminates vs. real wood. Also a demonstration of adding color and design to a hardwood floor

Answer 6

I prefer hardwood floors.

Carpet gets worn and dirty fast in high traffic areas but, looks plush and clean in other areas and makes the worn areas more noticeable and if there is a spill it could stain or damage the floor underneath.

Carpets hold liquid, dirt, and smells that you can't see and even though you may notice dirt and dust quicker on the hardwood you know what you have and a quick dust mop will take care of that.

We use murphys oil soap once a week on our hardwood floors and they look new again and help to retract dust.

You can also add a nice oriental or other large area rug

to break up the expanse of hardwood or to match your decor.

Answer 7

I have both carpet and hardwood floors in my house. Each has its own benefit when it comes to maintenance and cleaning. Hardwood floors do need to be maintained by refinishing them every 20-40 years or so, carpets will wear out quicker. Hardwood is easier to clean (broom, dusting or vacuum), but you will get dust bunnies, unlike carpeting. Carpeting is warmer in the winter and all you need is a quick vacuuming. Hardwood floors squeak with age, as well. I myself like hardwood floors (style wise, they are timeless) with a large rug in the center. Get the best of both worlds.

Answer 8

hardwood

Answer 9

Hardwood floors are great, easy to maintain. Once you spill something on the carpet it's difficult to maintain. Hopefully you can get a stain out but maybe not. With hardwoods there is no worry. It' looks much nicer as well.

Answer 10

definitely wood.  but don't go with a laminate, go with real wood floors. we did it and have no regrets!!  and we have a small child and 2 cats and a dog.  i want to do the whole house in hardwoods now!

Answer 11

hardwood! not only is it better looking and very easy to maintain (do be weary of scratches though so don't walk on it with high heels) but it adds value onto your house

Answer 12

the hard wood is eser to mantan and it dosn't

stan as ez as carpet.

Answer 13

You can always put a nice rug on your hardwood floor. But you can't put a slab of wood over your rug.

Wood is more durable, easier to maintain and better for people with allergies.

Answer 14

Hardwood, by far. At least you know they are clean since you can wash them.

I have all hardwood, and now I think carpet is nasty.

Answer 15

Hardwood is much better. Try bamboo, if you can afford it.

Answer 16

I would go with hardwood, you can always use an area carpet for warmth or to just dress up the room. Carpeting wears out and holds dirt no matter how much you vaccum.