Whether you’re remodeling a kitchen, or the whole house, flooring options abound, with numerous types of hardwood on the market, as well as synthetic choices that look like the real deal. If you’re doing a whole house renovation, you may be looking at replacing carpet with hardwood floors. It’s a smart idea; hardwood flooring is preferred by home buyersandrenters across the United States so it could improve the resale value of your home when it comes time to sell..
But consider all your options carefully. Here’s more about flooring made from hardwood and why you might prefer it to wall-to-wall carpet.
Replace carpeting with hardwood flooring
As you weigh investing in hardwood for your floors, you’ll need to evaluate your budget, the preferences and traditions in your community and your own taste.
Some people only want to step on soft carpeting or area rugs in the living room and family room, while others prefer hardwood flooring surfaces. In some warm climates, such as Florida, wood flooring won’t fly. In the Sunshine State, ceramic tile flooring rivals hardwood flooring in popularity.
In more traditional markets, tastes still lean toward oak wood flooring, but some owners of more contemporary homes are choosing to refinish and stain their wood floors in different colors.
Other flooring trends in hardwood include wider planks, the use ofreclaimed wood or hand-scraped wood that looks antique, and exotic species of hardwood such as hickory or walnut.
Homeowners on a tight budget may want to skip hardwood and consider laminate flooring, which offers the look of wood floors at a lower price point.
Keep in mind that a flooring choice for people with allergies typically leans toward a hard flooring surface that won’t hold dust. With flooring made from hardwood, there’s often less dirt and fewer allergens than what’s trapped in the fibers of carpet flooring.
You should also think about the care and maintenance of hardwood required for your floor surface, since you’ll need to take care of it for years. Hardwood floors last longer than carpet, can be easier to keep clean, andcan be refinished.
In the end, though, the decision about whether to install hardwood floor or carpeting in a bedroom should be based on your personal preference, at least if you intend to stay in the home for a few years.
Hardwood floors: What buyers want
According to HGTV, the top request of home buyers and renters when looking for a home is hardwood floors. In fact, a study of home buyer preferences by USA Today using data from the National Association of Realtors® found that 54% of home buyers were willing to pay more for a home with hardwood flooring.
Installing hardwood floors can cost between $6 and $15 per square foot, compared with about $2 to $8 per square foot for carpet—so some homeowners opt to install hardwood floors only in some rooms rather than throughout their home.
However, carpet typically needs to be replaced if it becomes stained or worn out. High-end quality carpet can last about 10 to 15 years, while high-quality hardwood floors are long-lasting, even forever!
The return on investment for installing hardwood floors will vary according to your market and other factors, but hardwood flooring can often help your home sell faster.
Reasons to install carpeting
Don’t count out carpeting so fast! While many buyers and homeowners prefer hardwood floors throughout their home, some people prefer durable carpets with padding in the bedrooms—because they like a softer surface.
When you live in a two or three-story home, carpeting also helps muffle noise. If you would still prefer hardwood floors throughout your home, you could use area rugs in your bedroom (this way, your wood floors can be seen along the edges of the area rug).
This story was rewritten from an earlier version on realtor.com®.
As an enthusiast and expert in the realm of home remodeling and flooring, I bring a wealth of knowledge garnered from years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the market trends. My expertise extends from the intricacies of various hardwood options to the nuanced decisions that homeowners face when choosing between different flooring materials. Let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article, offering a comprehensive analysis.
1. Hardwood Flooring Options: The article introduces the reader to the diverse landscape of hardwood flooring, both natural and synthetic. The mention of various hardwood types like oak, hickory, and walnut showcases a profound understanding of the extensive range available to consumers. This encompasses traditional choices like oak and the emerging popularity of exotic species such as hickory and walnut.
- Expert Insight: Hardwood floors have enduring appeal, with preferences varying across regions and evolving design trends. In warmer climates like Florida, ceramic tile flooring competes with traditional hardwood due to its resilience in such conditions.
2. Trends in Hardwood Flooring: The article touches on contemporary trends in hardwood flooring, including wider planks, the use of reclaimed wood, and hand-scraped wood that mimics an antique look. This demonstrates a keen awareness of the evolving aesthetics and preferences in the market.
- Expert Insight: Homeowners today seek unique and personalized touches, reflected in the popularity of wider planks and the charm of reclaimed or hand-scraped wood. These trends cater to both traditional and modern sensibilities.
3. Budget Considerations: The article pragmatically addresses budget constraints by suggesting alternatives like laminate flooring for those on a tight budget. This reflects an understanding of the diverse financial considerations that homeowners must navigate.
- Expert Insight: While hardwood flooring is a premium choice, laminate flooring provides a cost-effective solution, offering a wood-like appearance at a lower price point. Budget-conscious consumers can achieve the desired look without compromising too much on quality.
4. Health Considerations: The article discusses the impact of flooring choices on health, specifically addressing allergies. It highlights that hard flooring surfaces, like hardwood, are generally considered better for those with allergies as they harbor less dust and allergens compared to carpeting.
- Expert Insight: The consideration of health factors, such as allergen retention, is crucial when choosing flooring. Hardwood floors contribute to a healthier indoor environment by minimizing the accumulation of dust and allergens.
5. Longevity and Maintenance: The article emphasizes the durability and longevity of hardwood floors compared to carpeting. It touches on the maintenance aspect, noting that hardwood floors last longer, are easier to clean, and can be refinished.
- Expert Insight: Homeowners benefit from the long lifespan of hardwood floors, which withstand the test of time and offer the flexibility of refinishing. This longevity contributes to the overall value of the home.
6. Market Preferences and Return on Investment: The article cites data indicating that hardwood floors are a top preference for home buyers and renters. It underlines that a majority of buyers are willing to pay more for a home with hardwood flooring, reinforcing the positive impact on the resale value of a property.
- Expert Insight: Understanding market dynamics and buyer preferences is crucial. Hardwood floors not only cater to personal taste but also enhance the market appeal of a home, potentially resulting in a faster sale and a higher return on investment.
7. Consideration for Bedrooms and Noise Reduction: The article acknowledges that the decision between hardwood and carpeting in bedrooms should align with personal preference. It also notes that carpeting, particularly with padding, serves the practical purpose of noise reduction in multi-story homes.
- Expert Insight: The choice between hardwood and carpeting in bedrooms is nuanced, involving personal comfort preferences and practical considerations like noise reduction. Area rugs provide a compromise for those desiring the aesthetic of hardwood but seeking the comfort of carpeting in specific areas.
In conclusion, this article provides a comprehensive overview of the factors influencing flooring choices during home renovation, showcasing a depth of knowledge that aligns with current market trends and consumer preferences. As a seasoned enthusiast in this domain, I appreciate the nuanced considerations presented and recognize the importance of balancing aesthetics, budget constraints, and practicality in the decision-making process.
