They're a constant source of irritating dander, dust, fluff, fur, mildew, mold and pollen. Dust mites, especially, love carpet. As mentioned above, hardwood doesn't hide harmful particles, making for a healthier, safer living environment, especially for allergy sufferers.
Carpet vs Hardwood: The Final Verdict
According to the above, hardwood and carpet flooring are equally healthy. However, carpets are harder to clean properly, making them less ideal for people with allergies or asthma.
Solid hardwood flooring is considered the safest and least toxic option as it's completely natural and free from any toxins. Solid hardwood floors are made of planks milled from a single piece of timber, which makes it a healthy flooring option.
Hardwood is known for being much cleaner than carpet as it doesn't collect all of the dust and dirt beneath the surface. Despite best efforts, carpeting is never perfectly clean. Well maintained hardwood flooring can last decades!
Safety: Wood is slippery, and wood on the stairs can be dangerous in a home with children and the elderly. For this reason, carpet is the better choice, as it will greatly reduce the chance of a slip and fall that could cause serious injuries.
At the end of the day, the decision between carpet or hardwood floors is primarily based on preference. Many people prefer carpet in bedrooms because they enjoy a softer surface. And in the case of two or three-story homes, carpet can also help reduce noise.
Carpet Provides a Healthier Space
Carpet neatly captures dust, dirt, and dander so it can be extracted with the use of a vacuum cleaner later on. By reducing airborne allergens, carpet improves air quality and supports healthier spaces for living.
“Buyers like carpet in bedrooms, especially in basement bedrooms, for comfort and warmth.” Carpet is also much quieter to walk on than other types of flooring and can help absorb noise.
For most people, the bedroom is a cozy sanctuary from the bustle and activity of the rest of the home. The softness, quiet, and warmth of carpet often make it the best flooring option for this private oasis.
Like wood, tile, and cork, when properly sealed, bamboo flooring resists the growth of mold and mildew and doesn't trap dirt and dust.
Still, not everyone likes the feel, or they worry about falling on a hard surface. Hardwood is generally somewhat better than carpet in terms of allergies.
You may have already guessed it, but the floor with the highest resale value is hardwood. Since hardwood is always in demand, it is an easy choice to up level your home.
Carpet in Bedrooms
Carpet is among the top floor-covering options for bedrooms, and for good reason. The material offers plushness, insulation, and sound absorption. Not only that, but it's comfier to sit on than hard flooring, making it a great choice for kids' rooms.
Choose dark, warm colors for a cozy space
Dark colored carpets can help make a large bedroom feel more intimate, while choosing a shade with warm tones will emphasize the sense of being cosseted by the space.
The Not-So-Good:
Bathroom– Water is hardwood flooring's arch nemesis. In the bathroom, there is almost always water coming from somewhere. Even if it's just by accident, water can easily get on the bathroom floor. If that floor happens to be hardwood, it can quickly be ruined.
Hardwood Flooring During the Humid Seasons
During the hotter and more humid months of the year, hardwood flooring will absorb moisture from the air, which causes it to expand and swell. The expansion of the boards can cause them to warp.
Bedrooms and playrooms are ideal for carpeting. In addition to family rooms, hallways, and stairways, carpeting can also be beneficial. However, these high traffic areas will be subject to more wear over time. Entryways and rooms that see a lot of traffic and messes shouldn't be carpeted.
'People might associate carpet with a dated interior, simply because they haven't seen it done well recently,' he says. 'Carpet is not out of style! It can be so luxurious and transformative. '
Do Hardwood Floors Make Your Home Cold? Quality hardwood floors do not make your home colder. Hardwood flooring may feel colder than carpet on bare feet, even at the same temperature, but it's actually warmer.