“The date was going great until we headed back to his place to grab a blanket for a picnic in the park. I shoved my foot in the door – literally – only to want it immediately out. He had ________ floors!” said one woman on a popular dating site. You may not know it, but your flooring is likely the first thing people notice when they enter your home. There are two basic options, in terms of flooring: hardwood floors or carpet. So which should you choose?
The Case for Carpet.
Carpet was originally used as a way to describe a wall cover or table cover. It was;t until the 18th century that open trade routes with Persia inspired the modern day carpet. So, carpet has some history on it’s side. There are also great new carpet styles like flatweave and tufted and old style options like woven and knotted. New carpeting prices can be a lot cheaper than wood but a good, durable carpet, such as a wool carpet, will certainly cost you. However, you’ll continue to incur price for carpet installation every 10 or so years with carpet. Carpet is great for comfort-seekers who don’t have pets or children. It makes your floor a great place to lie and nearly eliminated the necessity for socks. If that sounds good, carpet could be for you.
Who Wouldn’t Go Wood?
The best wool carpet could never last as long as a wood floor. Wood floors can last hundreds of years if cared for properly, making them a very green option. Not to mention, that makes hardwood floors cost relatively less. Aside from their durability, wood floors are the greenest option for air quality in the home, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Like carpet, wood can come in all kinds of varieties. For example, green-concious people might want bamboo or reclaimed wood flooring. Wood gives a timeless touch and doesn’t hold onto smells or stains.
When it comes to wool versus wood, it’s a question of comfort or quality. The price for carpet installation every five years will far outweigh the cost of wood floors, and it might cost you a few style points. Read more here.