The most common flooring choices for residential spaces are carpet, hardwood, and stone. Even though there are only three primary categories to choose from, making the decision can feel impossible. Most homes likely have some combination of the three.
But hardwood floors do offer unmatched benefits.
If you’re teetering between a plush carpet or a classic hardwood, read on for 5 reasons you’ll want to ditch the fibers and install those beautiful boards.
Value & Beauty
Hardwood floors add and retain their value over time, especially when cared for properly. It’s estimated that hardwood floors can increase your home value anywhere from 3% to 5%. In most cases, the increase in value balances out the investment required to have them installed. In other words, yes, it’s worth it!
Because of the aesthetic appeal of hardwood floors, many homeowners feel it is a more luxurious choice than carpet, so potential buyers will be willing to pay more if you ever decide to sell.
Maintenance & Cleaning
No matter your flooring choice, you’re going to have to maintain them and wipe up the occasional mess. Hardwood floors definitely offer some advantages over carpet when it comes to cleaning.
For starters, liquid spills are far easier to mop up on wooden planks than blot out of the carpet. And it’s much more likely to stain carpet than hardwood. (Looking at you red wine)!
Families with pets will quickly realize that fur and dander is much easier to sweep or vacuum off of hardwood floors than it is to get out of carpet. Even the most diligent homeowners can find themselves with unseen grime and even odors because carpet can be so difficult to deep clean. And if you decide to have them professionally treated, then you’re looking at extra cost!
Health & Comfort
Because carpet is prone to capturing pet dander, dust, allergens, and other airborne particles, it can actually be bad for your health. Dirt and debris in the air can get trapped in carpet, then can be re-released into the air. Not to mention if you don’t notice your pets have an accident!
With hardwood floors, there are less places for dirt and dust to get trapped, so you can be more certain your air is crisp and clean. There’s no doubt you’ll notice a difference in air quality if you convert to hardwood floors! Say goodbye to itchy eyes, runny noses, and constant sneezing and hello to living more comfortably.
Repairs & Fixes
For most issues, hardwood floors are easier to repair than carpet. Because carpet is typically installed in one large piece versus the individual style of hardwood planks, damage can mean more of the area will need to be pulled up and discarded. In other words, a giant coffee stain in the middle of the living area might mean the entire room has to be redone.
When it comes to hardwood floors, you have more options out of the gate to protect them, such as quality stain and sealant, leading to less need for repairs. When damage does occur, however, hardwood floors have one process in their back pocket that’s superior to carpet – refinishing. Rather than ripping up the material, professionals can sand down and re-stain your floors, making them look brand new!
Longevity
All of these characteristics combine to give hardwood floors one final advantage – longevity. With proper care, hardwood floors can last for decades, then be re-finished to look like new. Conversely, carpet struggles to recover from use over time. That means no matter how much you might love the carpet, it’s not going to last nearly as long as hardwoods, especially if installed in a high traffic area.
So, if it’s a home you plan on staying in and a room you plan on using a lot, hardwood floors are the way to go!
Trusted Hardwood Installation, Refinishing, and Restoration Services
We’re confident when we say that hardwood floors are an investment you’ll never regret. With the combination of their luxurious look, durability, health advantages, and ease of maintenance, hard wood floors will provide your family with countless benefits that carpet can’t match.
If you’re ready to discuss installing wood floors for your Michigan home, Cameron the Sandman are the top choice for hardwood flooring services throughout Metro Detroit. We have been installing, refinishing and restoring hardwood floors in homes and businesses alike for more than 80 years. Contact us today to get started!